Apple has officially rolled out iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 to the public after a week of testing the Release Candidate versions. . This update introduces several noteworthy enhancements, including a revamped notification summary feature with improved management options on the Lock Screen, the return of the Calculator app’s missing operation repeat function, and expanded Visual Intelligence capabilities such as real-time plant and animal identification.
Revamped Notification Summaries
One of the standout changes in iOS 18.3 is the revamped notification summary feature, which now allows users to manage summaries directly from the Lock Screen. Apple has updated the style of summarized notifications by italicizing the text and including glyphs, making them easier to differentiate from other notifications. However, due to a recent incident where Apple’s AI-generated summaries misinterpreted content, notification summaries for News and Entertainment apps have been temporarily disabled to ensure accuracy.
Updates to Calculator and bug fixes
The Calculator app has regained a much-requested feature: the ability to repeat the last operation by pressing the equals sign. This reinstates a function that had been absent in earlier versions of iOS 18. Other fixes include resolving a bug where the keyboard would disappear during typed Siri requests and addressing an issue in Apple Music where audio playback continued after the app was closed.
Visual Intelligence features
Apple has expanded its Visual Intelligence capabilities in iOS 18.3. Users can now add events to the Calendar app directly from images of posters or flyers. Camera Control icons have been updated with a Dark Mode-friendly design, and the toggle for locking focus and exposure has been renamed for clarity. Additionally, Visual Intelligence now includes the ability to identify plants and animals in real time through the device’s camera, enhancing its versatility for both casual and professional users.
Apple Intelligence now enabled by default
Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI-powered feature set, is now enabled by default on eligible devices, including iPhone 15 Pro models, iPads with M1 processors or newer, and Apple Silicon-powered Macs. This change eliminates the need for manual opt-in, streamlining access to advanced AI capabilities.
Black Unity wallpapers and companion updates
iOS 18.3 introduces Black Unity wallpapers inspired by the “rhythm of humanity,” adding fresh customization options for users. MacOS 15.3, released alongside this update, features unique additions like Genmoji, which allows users to create personalized emojis using text descriptions and photos from their library.
