Apple has expanded access to its advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, previously exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup, to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max through the iOS 18.4 update released in March 2025. This means users of these older devices can now leverage new features like Visual Intelligence directly from their Control Center.
Apple Intelligence Controls
The iOS 18.4 update introduces three dedicated controls for Apple Intelligence: Talk to Siri, Type to Siri, and the key addition, Visual Intelligence. These controls can be easily added to the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the Home Screen, tapping the “+” sign, and searching for “Apple Intelligence” or browsing the menu.
While Talk to Siri and Type to Siri improve accessibility to the digital assistant, Visual Intelligence is particularly significant. It was initially limited to iPhone 16 due to the Camera Control button but is now available on the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max thanks to the new Control Center integration. Users should note that, like all AI tools, Visual Intelligence may not always be 100% accurate, so results should be verified.
New Ambient Music Controls for Enhanced Focus and Sleep
iOS 18.4 also introduced Ambient Music controls for all iPhones, offering curated playlists designed for specific moods and activities. These include controls for Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Each activates a playlist tailored to its purpose, such as ambient music for better sleep.
Research suggests that ambient music and even white noise can improve focus and learning, as well as promote faster and higher-quality sleep. The new controls provide easy access to these benefits directly from the Control Center.
To add Ambient Music controls, follow the same steps as above: access the Control Center, tap “+”, search for “Ambient Music,” and add the desired controls. Users can customize the playlists associated with each control by editing them within the Control Center settings.
This update positions Apple to compete more directly with existing ambient music services like Spotify and YouTube, offering a native solution for background soundscapes.
