The iPhone’s camera has long been one of its most important features.But late last year, Apple added a new capability that seeks to boost the camera’s importance even further: visual intelligence.Then in iOS 18.4, Apple brought the feature to many more iPhone cameras—but reportedly, it’s just getting started.
Visual intelligence just upgraded many iPhone cameras thanks to iOS 18.4 Visual intelligence is an AI feature that utilizes the iPhone’s camera.Here’s how Apple describes it: When visual intelligence first launched in iOS 18.2, it was exclusive to iPhones with a Camera Control button.That means it only worked on the four iPhone 16 flagships.
But in iOS 18.4, Apple expanded the feature to: iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 16e Any of these devices can use the feature by adding visual intelligence to the Action button, Lock Screen, or Control Center.This expansion of the feature, which itself already added new capabilities in iOS 18.3, is just the start of Apple adding ‘intelligence’ to its devices’ cameras.Cameras in AirPods and Apple Watch will continue visual intelligence expansion Visual intelligence offers a variety of useful benefits today.
But Apple’s ambitions are apparently much bigger.Per Mark Gurman, “Apple’s ultimate plan for Visual Intelligence goes far beyond the iPhone.” He continues: Future AirPods and Apple Watch models gaining cameras is apparently deeply tied to Apple’s plans for visual intelligence.The strategy seems to be two-fold: Add new features to visual intelligence over time, like iOS 18.3 did and bring ‘intelligent’ cameras to more devices over time, like iOS 18.4 did Whether you find visual intelligence useful today or not, it seems Apple is just getting started with the feature.
In a few years, perhaps visual intelligence will be an indispensable part of not only our iPhones, but many of our Apple devices.Do you use visual intelligence on your iPhone today? What should Apple do to improve it? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessories AirPods Pro 2 (now only $199, down from $249) MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone HomeKit smart plug 4-pack 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.
Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel