March 23, 2025

4 Tips, Tricks, and Updates for iOS 18.4: A Simple Guide for Everyone

Apple’s latest update, iOS 18.4, is here! While it’s not a giant leap forward, it includes small but useful changes to make your iPhone work better. Whether you’re new to iPhones or just want to learn the latest updates, this guide will walk you through four key tips and tricks to get the most out of iOS 18.4. Let’s dive in!

4 Tips, Tricks, and Updates for iOS 18.4: A Simple Guide for Everyone

1. Disable Recent Searches in Safari

What’s New?
When you open a new tab in Safari, you might notice your recent searches popping up at the top. While this can be helpful for quick access, some users find it annoying or even a privacy concern.

How to Fix It
iOS 18.4 adds a simple toggle to hide these recent searches. Here’s how:

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
  3. Look for the Show Recent Searches option.
  4. Toggle the switch off (it will turn gray).

Now, when you open a new tab in Safari, your search bar will look clean and private.

Why It Matters
This change is perfect if you share your phone with others or just want to keep your browsing history private. Think of it like erasing your footsteps so no one knows where you’ve been online.

2. Back Tap Gestures Are Simpler (No More Annoying Banner)

What’s New?
The “Back Tap” feature lets you double- or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to trigger actions like taking screenshots or opening the camera. Earlier iOS versions added a small banner at the top of the screen to confirm the action. Many users found this banner unnecessary, and Apple listened!

What Changed?
In iOS 18.4, the banner is gone. Now, when you use Back Tap, your iPhone will perform the action silently, just like it did before iOS 18.3.

How to Use Back Tap

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.
  2. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
  3. Select an action (e.g., Screenshot, Flashlight, or Open App).

Why It Matters
The removal of the banner makes Back Tap feel faster and smoother. Just be careful—since there’s no confirmation, you might accidentally trigger actions if you tap too hard!


3. iCloud Mail Push Notifications Are Getting Fixed

What’s the Problem?
If you use iCloud Mail, you might have noticed emails not showing up instantly after updating to iOS 18.3.2. This bug stopped push notifications (instant alerts) for new emails.

What’s the Fix?
Apple confirmed the issue and will roll out a fix in iOS 18.4. If you’re already on the beta version, the fix might already be there!

How to Check if It’s Fixed

  1. Update to iOS 18.4 when it’s released (go to Settings → General → Software Update).
  2. Send yourself a test email from another account.
  3. If you get an alert right away, the fix worked!

Why It Matters
Push notifications are crucial for staying on top of important emails, like school updates or messages from friends. This fix ensures you won’t miss anything!

4. Better Performance and Battery Life

What’s New?
Beta testers noticed iOS 18.4 beta 4 runs smoothly, with fewer bugs and better battery life. The final version (coming soon) is expected to be even more stable.

How to Get the Best Battery Life

  1. Update to iOS 18.4 as soon as it’s available.
  2. Close unused apps (swipe up from the bottom and swipe apps away).
  3. Turn on Low Power Mode (Settings → Battery) when your battery is low.

Why It Matters
A smoother iPhone means fewer frustrating crashes or slowdowns. Better battery life helps your phone last longer during the day—perfect for gaming, streaming, or chatting with friends.

Extra Tips for iOS 18.4

YouTube Playback Issues? It’s Not Apple’s Fault!

If YouTube videos look blurry or buffer a lot, don’t blame iOS 18.4! YouTube confirmed this is a problem on their end and is working on a fix. To improve quality:

  1. Tap the three dots (•••) in the YouTube app.
  2. Select Quality and pick 1080p or higher.

iPhone 17 Rumors (Just for Fun!)

While iOS 18.4 is the focus, here’s a sneak peek at Apple’s next iPhone (coming in 2025):

  • 48MP Telephoto Camera: Crisper zoomed-in photos.
  • MagSafe on the Cheaper Model: Wireless charging for budget-friendly iPhones.
  • Foldable iPhone? A bendable iPhone might arrive in 2026—but it could cost over $2,300!

How to Update to iOS 18.4

Ready to get these new features? Updating is easy:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
  3. Tap Download and Install.
  4. Enter your passcode and wait for your iPhone to restart.

FAQ: iOS 18.4 Questions Answered

1. When will iOS 18.4 be released to everyone?

Answer: Apple plans to release iOS 18.4 to all users in early April 2024. If you’re part of the Beta Program, you might get it sooner. To check for updates, go to Settings → General → Software Update.

2. How do I stop Safari from showing my recent searches?

Answer: Follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
  3. Toggle off the switch next to Show Recent Searches.
    This will keep your searches private when opening a new tab.

3. Why isn’t Back Tap working on my iPhone after updating?

Answer: First, make sure Back Tap is turned on:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.
  2. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap and pick an action.
    If it still doesn’t work, restart your iPhone or update to the latest iOS version.

4. Will iOS 18.4 fix my iCloud Mail notifications?

Answer: Yes! Apple confirmed the fix for iCloud Mail push notifications is included in iOS 18.4. After updating, your emails should alert you instantly again.

5. How can I make my iPhone battery last longer after updating?

Answer: Try these tips:

  • Turn on Low Power Mode (Settings → Battery).
  • Close apps you’re not using.
  • Reduce screen brightness.
    iOS 18.4 also improves battery life, so updating should help!

6. Why are my YouTube videos blurry? Is this an iOS 18.4 problem?

Answer: No! This is a YouTube app issue, not iOS 18.4. YouTube is working on a fix. For now, manually select video quality:

  1. Tap ••• on the video.
  2. Choose Quality → 1080p or higher.

Final Thoughts

iOS 18.4 might not be the biggest update, but its small tweaks make a big difference. From hiding your Safari searches to fixing email alerts, these changes help your iPhone work for you, not against you. Keep your eyes peeled for the final release in early April, and don’t forget to update!