1744721177983iOS 18.4 Security Must-Have Or Performance Killer

 

iOS 18.4 brought with it a slew of significant updates and security fixes. Despite its premature release, it promises to bolster device security with 62 critical patches, further enhance Apple Intelligence features, and squish pesky bugs. However, the update has sparked a mixed reaction among iPhone users, with some experiencing frustrating sluggishness while others laud the enhanced privacy controls. As the tech giant refines its operating system, one thing is clear: iOS 18.4 is a complex update receiving both praise and criticism.

 

Security Comes First: A Major Boost for Apple Phone Users

 

Apple has not released iOS 8.4 with any groundbreaking features. However, it does include significant security updates, addressing 62 vulnerabilities. Among these, some of the most critical flaws are found in WebKit, Safari's rendering engine, and the kernel. These vulnerabilities could have allowed hackers to bypass locked devices without attempting a passcode.

  • CVE-2025-30432: A kernel bug that allows a malicious app trick to take over passcode time-out delays.

  • CVE-2025-24208: A WebKit issue judging input-from-different-sources attacks via malicious iframes.

Hence, security professionals strongly recommend that the update be installed as soon as possible, as these vulnerabilities can be used to attack systems.

 

2. Apple Intelligence Widens—But Only for the Latest Models

 

The addition of AI features boosts the 8 new languages, such as French, German, and Japanese, and into the EU for the first time. Nevertheless, the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models get the complete pass, while the old ones die in a coffin.

Integrated the following details:

  • Priority Notifications: Emphasizes key notifications. - Sketch Mode in Image

  • Playground: This mode is a new artistic style for images created by artificial intelligence.

Although they are wonderful, add-ons are gigantic turn-offs for older iPhone users; the debate about planned obsolescence thrives on them.

 

3. Bugs Fixed: Small Victories in the Context of Ongoing Problems.

 

Some minor issues are resolved in iOS 18.4: scrolling on the phone causes flickering notifications, Siri crashes when using non-English languages, and Hidden Photos don't sync with Macs when Face ID is enabled.

However, some consumers are experiencing battery drains and app crashes on iPhones, especially on the XS and XR models.

 

4. Older iPhones Left in the Dust 

 

With iOS 19 expected at WWDC 2025, the iPhone 11 generation may be discontinued soon—a continuation of Apple's trend of 6-year software longevity. The iPhone 6s and 7 cannot receive any further security updates, prompting users to upgrade.

 

5. Hit or Miss

 

iOS 18.4 contains highly pertinent security patches and artificial intelligence enhancements at extremely high prices.

Hit: 

  • Critical security patches (62 vulnerabilities fixed)

  •  Enhanced Apple Intelligence with a more contemporary device.

  • Fixed problems to improve the user experience.

Miss: 

  • Older iPhones were found to drain batteries more quickly.

  • Non-Pro versions have restricted access to features.

  • Device performance issues within devices older than 3 years

The security feature is enough reason to consider the update obligatory for everyone. One should have lower expectations if one is not using the newest hardware from Apple. 

 

Conclusion: A Necessary Step With Caveats 

 

iOS 18.4's focus on security makes it a critical update for users who prioritize protection. While new iPhone users will enjoy enhanced AI features, existing users face a familiar dilemma: balancing security benefits with potential performance trade-offs. As iPhones continue to integrate more advanced features, one question remains: Will the latest update from Apple be enough, or is it time to consider upgrading? Hold off on that new phone purchase for now, but keep your update button at the ready.