The moment Apple introduced “Apple Intelligence” in their flagship iPhone series, they have been rolling out updates like “Wildfire”!
A couple of months ago, Apple released the final iOS 18.3 update in January to deliver a seamless user experience!
And guess what?
Speaking of the market share of iOS versions, iOS 18.3 takes the lead with nearly 28.9% worldwide share, followed by iOS 18.1 with 26.32%. (Source: Statcounter Global Stats).
But here we are in March 2025- back with another iOS update!
Apple has released the iOS 18.4 Beta 3 version coupled with modern Artificial Intelligence features to make your device smarter and more productive.
But now the question is: Should you stick to iOS 18.3 or update it to the upcoming iOS 18.4?
To help you out, we’ve decided to compare the differences between iOS 18.3 and iOS 18.4 to find the right answer.
| Table Of Contents: 1. What is iOS 18.3? 2. What are the Major Features of iOS 18.3 Update? 3. How to Upgrade to iOS 18.3? 4. What is iOS 18.4? 5. What are the Latest iOS 18.4 Features? Final Thoughts |
What is iOS 18.3?
To put it simply, Apple launched the third major upgrade to iOS 18, which is known with the name of iOS 18.3. Since it’s an upgrade to its predecessors iOS 18.2 and iOS 18.1, iOS 18.3 comes with modern Apple Intelligence features that not only offer the latest yet intuitive features but also help fix bugs and improve security updates.
Its popularity is so extensive that nearly 76% of iPhones are currently running on iOS 18.3. (Source: MacRumors).
But what makes the Apple iOS 18.3 update so popular among its predecessors? Let’s find out!
What are the Major Features of iOS 18.3 Update?
Before diving into iOS 18.4 features, it’s time to understand the features of the iOS 18.3 update to give you the right picture of the current Apple ecosystem.
#1. Enhanced Privacy & Security
With the latest iOS 18.3 update, Apple now provides deeper insights into how apps are using the data, including camera, microphone, and location access. Furthermore, the update often provides real-time alerts for suspicious links or messages that come into your mailbox or messages section to keep you safe from scams. Apple also addressed several issues with Airplay that may allow attackers to implement code.
The best part is that Apple now doesn’t allow all third-party app installation. Even if you want to do it, it has to go through stringent checks to ensure safety.
#2. Interactive Emojis
The iOS 18.3 introduced 15+ new emojis, including new animals, hairstyles, food items, and more. Remember that Apple understands the mindset of their customers! Thus, these iOS 18.3 emojis perfectly cater to the needs of almost all iPhone users. However, there are still some special emojis not available. This is where the iOS 18.4 emoji comes in! With the latest iOS 18.4 Beta 3, Apple added 7 more emojis even hinted by Unicode Consortium in 2024. These emojis may include;
- Under Eyes
- Fingerprint
- Leafless tree
- Root Vegetable
- Harp
- Shovel
- Splatter
#3. Enhancements Related to Specific Apps
Apple iOS 18.3 update brought significant enhancements to specific apps. For instance, under “Messages Section”, users can now edit sent messages in half an hour. Furthermore, in the “Photos” section, a new AI-powered “Clean-up” tool may let you remove unwanted objects from your pictures effortlessly.
In the health app, users can easily monitor their current health status to ensure their well-being.
#4. Performance Improvements
Apple introduced the iOS 18.3 update not just to bring innovative features but also to deliver a refined experience to their fanbase. The iOS 13 update comes with improved algorithms that may extend the battery life, especially in the earlier models of Apple iPhones. Furthermore, the update also rectified potential issues like network disconnection, call drops, animation lags, and app crashes.
#5. Smarter Siri
It’s really hard to ignore Siri while talking about the Apple iOS 18.3 update! Apple’s virtual assistant “Siri” can easily predict your needs based on your habits. Whether you want timely calendar updates and app shortcuts, Siri does it all. Furthermore, interacting with Siri will hardly make you feel that you’re communicating with an “AI”! Instead, its voice and responses feel more like human which makes interactions engaging.
But if you are already running on iOS 18.2, it’s time to upgrade it to iOS 18.3 with these steps.
{Also Read: Siri vs. Google Assistant: Which is the Best AI Assistant in 2025?}
How to Upgrade to iOS 18.3?
Let’s take a look at the steps to upgrade to iOS 18.3.
- In the first step, you will need to back up your iPhone. You can use a PC or iCloud, either way.
- Then, go to the settings, click on “General”, and then tap on “Software Update”.
- After that, simply download and install for iOS 18.3.
- Once done, follow the instructions to successfully complete the update process.
We have just discussed about iOS 18.3 update! It’s time to set our sights on the most recent Apple iOS 18.4 update (Beta 3 Version).
What is iOS 18.4?
Apple’s iOS 18.4 is the successor to the iOS 18.2 and iOS 18.3 update which comes with a wide range of new features and enhancements aimed at improving user experience. On March 10, 2025, Apple released the iOS 18.4 Beta 3 version to bring the final version closer to public availability, which will likely arrive in April 2025.
But now the question is: What makes iOS 18.4 better than iOS 18.3? Should you upgrade to iOS 18.4?
Let’s find out!
What are the Latest iOS 18.4 Features?
Along with iOS 18.3 features, the new and improved iOS 18.4 version brings a slew of features you cannot afford to overlook.
#1. Prioritize Notifications
One of the major iOS 18.4 features is that users can effortlessly manage notifications by customizing prioritization on a per-app basis to reduce potential distractions.
#2. Apple News+ Food Section
It’s a major yet new addition to the Apple News subscription service, which provides users with a curated collection of recipes from reputable sources like Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, and Serious Eats that perfectly cater to mobile users.
#3. Visual Intelligence for Pro Models >= 15 Series
Initially exclusive to the iPhone 16 series, the Visual Intelligence feature is now available on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. Furthermore, it allows users to point their camera at an object to identify their name and description.
#4. Siri Enhancements
Just like we have discussed Siri in the iOS 18.3 update, we cannot afford to ignore it in the latest iOS 18.4 update! Now, Siri receives an updated interface and improved natural language processing, which enables users to interact via text by double-tapping the home bar.
#5. Ambient Music Control
With the new iOS 18.4 Beta 3 update, there’s a new button in the Control Center that allows users to play ambient music and provide a quick way to access relaxing tunes. Furthermore, users can now link this feature to the Action Button across all compatible iPhone models.
Final Thoughts
So, that’s a wrap to the iOS 18.3 vs. iOS 18.4 battle! There is no denying that iOS 18.4 comes with productive enhancements worth installing. However, if you have iOS 18.3 currently installed on your iPhone, you can either wait for the full-fledged update of iOS 18.4 or simply install it now.
Remember that iOS 18.4 is still under the testing phase and requires correction until the final version comes in! It’s wise to wait till next month to get the complete iOS 18.4 update.
For more latest updates on Apple iOS, stay tuned to EitBiz and for mobile app development queries, contact our dedicated app developers today!
