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Apple releases iOS 18.4 with artificial intelligence in Portuguese and new emojis for iPhone users

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iOS 26 - Thrive Studios ID/shutterstock.com

The technology giant has released a robust update to its mobile operating system, marking a watershed moment for the accessibility of its most advanced tools. The new version of the software brings, as its main highlight, the complete integration of the Portuguese language into the brand’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, allowing Brazilian consumers to use writing, summarizing and image editing resources natively. Essa expansion eliminates language barriers that limited the full use of features previously released only in English.

The package of new features is not just restricted to language processing, it also covers visual and functional improvements for a wide range of devices. Desde models launched a few years ago, such as the iPhone XR, to the most recent devices, the update promises to optimize the overall performance and security of user data. Software distribution has already started and can be downloaded directly through the device’s settings, requiring a stable connection and sufficient battery for installation.

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iOS 26 – Talkdar David/shutterstock.com

Global expansion of artificial intelligence

The arrival of Portuguese support for the Apple Intelligence represents a significant advance in the usability of the brand’s devices on the Brasil. With the update, the system now understands and processes commands, texts and contexts directly in the local language, without the need for intermediate translations or complex configurations. Além from Portuguese, support was extended to French, German, Italian and Spanish, consolidating the company’s strategy of globalizing its AI tools.

This integration allows virtual assistant Siri to understand more natural and complex commands, maintaining the context of previous conversations to provide more accurate responses. Ferramentas text rewriting, grammar review and notification summary now fully work in Portuguese, facilitating users’ productivity routine. The processing of these tasks continues to prioritize local execution on the device, ensuring greater privacy and faster responses, in accordance with the security architecture developed by the manufacturer.

New visual communication options

Following the guidelines of the Unicode 16 standard, the operating system introduced an unprecedented set of emojis that expand the possibilities of expression in digital messages. The virtual keyboard on compatible iPhones has received eight new figures, designed to cover specific gaps in everyday visual communication. The additions were selected based on criteria of popularity and need for representation in digital conversations.

Among the new features are a face showing tiredness with deep dark circles, a fingerprint and a leafless tree, which could symbolize winter or environmental issues. The pack also includes a root vegetable, a harp, a shovel, an inkblot and the flag of the island of Sark. Essas figures are automatically integrated into the system and can be used in any messaging application, social networks or emails, ensuring immediate compatibility with other devices that are also up to date.

Creation and editing tools

The Image Playground application received additional features that enhance users’ creativity through generative artificial intelligence. The update introduced new drawing styles and the ability to turn simple sketches into elaborate images, allowing anyone to create personalized illustrations with just a few taps on the screen. Essa functionality aims to make visual content creation more accessible and fun by deeply integrating with messaging and notes apps.

The tool now operates with greater fluidity, allowing the generation of images based on textual descriptions or pre-existing visual concepts. The technology behind this feature has been optimized to better understand user intentions, delivering aesthetically pleasing and contextually relevant results. Privacy remains a central pillar, with image processing occurring securely to protect users’ personal data and creations.

Native app improvements

Several applications that make up the iPhone’s base system have been improved to offer a more organized and intelligent experience. The Email application, for example, now has a more efficient automatic categorization system, capable of separating important messages, promotions and social updates into distinct groups. Essa functionality aims to reduce clutter in the inbox and help the user focus on what really matters.

In the Fotos application, organizing albums and searching for specific images has become faster and more intuitive. Já the Podcasts app received new widgets for the home and lock screen, making it easier to control playback and access the latest episodes of followed programs. Essas changes reflect an ongoing effort to refine the user interface, making everyday navigation more agile and less intrusive.

System security and fixes

In addition to the visible features, the update brings critical security fixes that protect the device against newly discovered vulnerabilities. The company reinforced data protection protocols in iCloud and implemented adjustments to the backup system, ensuring the integrity of information stored in the cloud. Essas measures are essential to maintain the reliability of the ecosystem, especially in a scenario where digital threats constantly evolve.

Problems reported by users in previous versions, such as instabilities in the CarPlay wireless connection and occasional glitches in the graphical interface, have been resolved. The update promises to deliver more stable performance, eliminating bugs that could compromise the user experience, such as unexpected crashes or excessive battery consumption in certain scenarios. The recommendation is that all compatible users carry out the update to ensure the optimal functioning of their devices.

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