The latest Control Center in iOS 18 has evolved beyond a mere design overhaul. With ongoing software updates, Apple has consistently introduced new functionalities to this feature, and the enhancements in iOS 18.4 are particularly noteworthy.
#1: Enhanced Ambient Music Controls
With the introduction of iOS 18.4, there’s an exciting new section dedicated to Apple Music called Ambient Music. This feature offers four distinct controls:
- Chill
- Productivity
- Sleep
- Wellbeing
These options allow you to quickly access an Apple Music playlist tailored to your current mood. Additionally, you have the flexibility to set up each control to play a specific playlist, whether it’s a manual selection or a suggested built-in playlist.
The Ambient Music controls can be adjusted to occupy one, two, or four slots within the Control Center and can also be assigned to your iPhone’s Action Button or Lock Screen.
#2: Visual Intelligence & Siri Interaction
In the rebranded section of Control Center titled ‘Apple Intelligence and Siri’, two new features have been added.
In addition to the existing ‘Type to Siri’ toggle, you can now incorporate ‘Talk to Siri’ and ‘Visual Intelligence’ controls.
‘Talk to Siri’ activates Siri’s voice functionality, similar to using the side button, while ‘Visual Intelligence’ enables a powerful Apple Intelligence camera feature, which was previously exclusive to the iPhone 16 but is now available on the iPhone 15 Pro and 16e, despite the absence of Camera Control. Assigning Visual Intelligence to the Action Button can be particularly useful.
#3: Design Enhancements in Control Center for iOS 18.4
Additionally, iOS 18.4 brings several design refinements, which include:
- Focus control now incorporates up and down arrows
- Brightness slider animations adapted based on brightness levels
- Volume slider with dynamic animations
The new Focus control makes it easy to tap the arrows to explore your complete range of Focus modes. The right side allows you to view them, while the left side turns the current Focus on and off.
The animated brightness and volume sliders showcase Apple’s trademark style. For instance, when adjusting the brightness, you’ll see the sun icon shrink or expand in accordance with the brightness level selected.
Conclusion: iOS 18.4 Control Center
The Control Center has undergone numerous improvements throughout its existence, with the latest version demonstrating it is the most effective yet. The ability to fully personalize Control Center setups and select from an ever-growing array of features has created a successful formula. The new offerings in iOS 18.4 further enhance Apple’s efforts to keep the Control Center at its best.
What changes to the iOS 18.4 Control Center interest you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.
