“Apple’s latest iOS update, version 18.4, has rolled out to millions of iPhone users, bringing with it a mix of bug fixes and new features. However, a recent report from Forbes suggests that this update may have introduced an unexpected issue, leaving some iPhone owners with a frustrating problem to contend with. As the latest iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS 18.4 promises to address a range of performance and stability issues that have plagued earlier versions. But what exactly does this update do, and what are the potential consequences of installing it?”
Unexpected Update: Apple’s Surprising Release of iOS 18.3.2
Recent months have seen iPhone software updates alternate between big number releases (iOS 18.2, iOS 18.3) and smaller releases in between, such as iOS 18.3.1, the current version until a few minutes ago. But Apple released iOS 18.3.2 on Tuesday, March 11, and caught most people on the hop.
Since its release, it’s now become apparent that the update also does something you might find frustrating: it turns Apple Intelligence on even if you’ve previously deactivated it. More below and how to fix this. It’s also now clear that there’s a major security aspect to this update.
What iPhones Can Run iOS 18.3.2?
The entire iOS 18 release works with any iPhone from the iPhone Xs from 2018 onwards. That means the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and iPhone Xr and all iPhones after that, including the iPhone SE in both its second- and third-generation models right up to the brand-new iOS 16e.
How to Get the Update: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the iPhone’s Settings app, choose General, then choose Software Update. After that, click Download and Install, and let the software download. This is a medium-sized update, 704.6MB on my iPhone 16 Pro Max, which downloaded and installed in a matter of minutes.
What’s in the Release
Apple’s notes are always key when it comes to one of the smaller releases, which this is. They are concise, reading, “This update provides important bug fixes, security updates, and addresses an issue that may prevent playback of some streaming content.”
Bug Fixes and Security Updates: Apple’s Concise Notes
Security details always follow later, so the streaming issue is the thing to cling onto. Apple doesn’t say whether the issue is restricted to particular services or programming—though presumably if it had been happening with something seismic like Severance on Apple TV+ we’d have heard about it.
A Major Security Concern: WebKit and Maliciously Crafted Web Content
If this sounds like déjà vu, you’re right. This exact issue was addressed last year, in an early version of iOS 17, iOS 17.2. Apple has now updated that solution. “This is a supplementary fix for an attack that was blocked in iOS 17.2. (Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on versions of iOS before iOS 17.2.),” the company said.
This time, it believes, it has fixed the problem using improved checks to prevent unauthorized actions. This update was unexpected. If it goes according to plan, it looks like the next release will be iOS 18.4, due in April.
Apple Intelligence The new release turns Apple Intelligence on, some iPhone users have found, as reported by MacRumors.
A screen appears after the update with “Continue” the only option offered, and this leads to Apple Intelligence being turned on. So, why does this matter, as after all you can just turn it off again? Well, first, the software should be smart enough to know you’ve turned it off before or at the very least offer a screen which asks if you want Apple Intelligence rather than activating it.
Second, Apple Intelligence needs storage space of up to 7GB and this could be a nuisance
Apple’s iOS 18.4 update also comes with a warning to update now, because it fixes a hefty list of 60 … More security vulnerabilities, some of which are serious.
Apple iPhone Update, April. 02, 2025: This story, originally published Mar. 31, now includes additional expert analysis on the flaws fixed iOS 18.4, information about bug fixes and details about the other updates issued by Apple.
Apple has issued iOS 18.4, along with a number of cool new iPhone features. But the iOS 18.4 update also comes with a warning to update now, because it fixes a hefty list of 62 security vulnerabilities, some of which are serious.
- Patches several critical bugs in WebKit, the engine that underpins the Safari browser — and the Kernel at the heart of the iPhone operating system.
- Patches an issue in the iPhone Kernel tracked as tracked as CVE-2025-30432, that could see a malicious app able to attempt passcode entries on a locked device and cause escalating time delays after four failures.
- A bug in WebKit could put you at risk from a cross-site scripting— where an attacker injects malicious scripts into a trusted website — if you inadvertently load a malicious iframe, Apple warns on its support page.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and select General.
- Select iPhone Storage.
- Scroll down to Apple Intelligence and toggle it off.
Breaking Down The Bugs Squashed In iOS 18.4
A significant number of the vulnerabilities fixed in iOS 18.4 were in WebKit. This shows that attackers continue to focus on exploiting the framework that downloads and presents web-based content, says Adam Boynton, senior security strategy manager EMEIA at Jamf.
Another key iOS 18.4 fix is in the Kernel, which is “crucial” because it manages all operating system operations and hardware interactions on your iPhone, says Boynton.
He points out that the bug fixed in iOS 18.4 is worrying, because it “allows an attacker to attempt passcode entries despite the device being locked.”
Researcher Issues Warning About A New Setting Enabled By Default In iOS 18.4
Shortly after the release of iOS 18.4, a security researcher noticed a new iPhone setting had been enabled by default.
“Apple’s iOS 18.4 introduced a new option in System Location Services called Improve Location Accuracy and it is enabled by default,” security researcher Tommy Mysk wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
You can find it under: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Improve Location Accuracy
Streaming Issue: Playback of Some Streaming Content Now Fixed
Apple’s latest update for iOS 18.4, released on March 11, addresses a notable issue with streaming content. Users who previously encountered playback problems with certain streaming services can now enjoy uninterrupted streaming. According to Morningpicker’s sources, the update resolves glitches that disrupted the viewing experience for many iPhone users. While Apple did not specify which streaming services were affected, the update seems to have broadened the compatibility and stability of streaming functionalities across various applications.
The Apple Intelligence Controversy
Apple Intelligence: On by Default, Even if You Previously Deactivated It
The update has introduced a controversial feature known as Apple Intelligence, which is now enabled by default. Despite user preferences, this feature reactivates after the update, leading to frustration among many users. Apple Intelligence is designed to enhance the device’s performance by analyzing user behavior, but it raises concerns regarding data usage and privacy.
Why This Matters: Storage Space and User Choice
The activation of Apple Intelligence can significantly impact storage space. This feature requires up to 7GB of storage, which can be a substantial amount for users who are already managing limited space on their devices. Moreover, the lack of user choice in this reactivation process is a significant point of contention. Users who value control over their device settings may find this automatic reactivation unsettling.
How to Fix It: Turning Off Apple Intelligence
To address this issue, users can manually turn off Apple Intelligence. Here’s a step-by-step guide to disable the feature:
Looking Ahead to iOS 18.4
The Next Release: What to Expect from iOS 18.4
The upcoming iOS 18.4 release is anticipated to bring several enhancements and improvements. While Apple has not provided detailed information about the next release, industry experts speculate that it will include further security patches, bug fixes, and perhaps some minor feature updates. The focus will likely remain on enhancing user experience and security.
A Hefty List of Security Vulnerabilities Fixed in iOS 18.4
Apple’s iOS 18.4 update includes a substantial list of security vulnerabilities that have been addressed. A total of 62 vulnerabilities have been patched, including critical bugs in WebKit and the Kernel. These vulnerabilities, if left unaddressed, could have allowed unauthorized access, malicious script injection, and other security breaches. By promptly addressing these vulnerabilities, Apple ensures a safer environment for its users.
Expert Analysis: Breaking Down the Bugs Squashed in iOS 18.4
Adam Boynton, senior security strategy manager EMEIA at Jamf, provides insight into the security fixes in iOS 18.4. According to Boynton, the most significant fixes are in the WebKit framework and the Kernel. The fix in WebKit addresses a vulnerability that could allow a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack, where an attacker injects malicious scripts into trusted websites through malicious iframes. The Kernel fix prevents unauthorized passcode entry attempts on locked devices, enhancing the device’s overall security.
Boynton further explains that the patch for the Kernel vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-30432, is particularly noteworthy. This fix ensures that an attacker cannot attempt passcode entries on a locked device, thereby preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, the update addresses vulnerabilities in Apple’s Core Media framework, which is crucial for processing media and managing data queues. These fixes are essential in preventing process memory corruption and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Conclusion
In a recent development, Forbes reported on the latest iOS 18.4 update, which has been making waves among iPhone users. The update, aimed at fixing bugs and improving performance, has surprisingly introduced a new issue that has left many users concerned. According to reports, the update has added a problem that has been causing frustration among users, raising questions about the effectiveness of the update. This development highlights the delicate balance between addressing existing issues and introducing new problems, a challenge that Apple, like many other tech companies, faces in the ever-evolving world of software updates.
The significance of this development cannot be overstated, as it underscores the importance of thorough testing and quality control in software development. The fact that the update, intended to fix bugs, has introduced a new issue, raises concerns about the reliability and trustworthiness of Apple’s software updates. This has significant implications for users, who rely on their iPhones for daily tasks and communication, and for the company itself, which must navigate the complex process of software development and deployment. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for companies like Apple to prioritize quality and reliability in their software updates.