iOS 18.3 Dual Update – What You Need to Know

Introduction

Apple has just rolled out its highly anticipated iOS 18.3 update, which comes in two distinct versions: 22D63 and 22D64. These updates bring a range of innovative features and critical bug fixes tailored for different device groups. Version 22D63 was released on January 28, 2025 (Chinese New Year's Eve), and it introduces several new functionalities primarily aimed at supporting newer devices. Meanwhile, version 22D64 was re-pushed on February 4, 2025, specifically targeting issues on the iPhone 11 series. In this article, we break down the details of each version, from new features to stability improvements, and discuss what these updates mean for your Apple device.

iOS 18.3 Version 22D63: Major Update for Modern Devices

Release Date: January 28, 2025

Key New Features:

• Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16 Series:

  • Introduces a cutting-edge "Visual Intelligence" feature that enables users to use the camera's object recognition capabilities.

  • With this feature, you can scan posters or flyers and automatically add event details to your Calendar app, as well as identify plants and animals.

• Apple Intelligence Activation:

  • iOS 18.3 now comes with Apple’s latest AI function, Apple Intelligence, enabled by default.

  • This feature is only available on devices that support Apple’s advanced AI, including iPhone 15 Pro and above, iPads and Macs with Apple Silicon M1 or higher, and the latest iPad mini.

• New "Unity of Harmony" Series Wallpapers & Apple Watch Faces:

  • The update introduces a series of new wallpapers and watch faces designed to celebrate unity and aesthetic harmony.

Calculator Improvements:

• The Calculator app now supports repeated operations: tapping the equals sign repeatedly will perform the last mathematical operation again, making complex calculations more convenient.

Bug Fixes and Stability Enhancements:

• Fixed an issue where the keyboard might disappear when initiating Siri voice input.

• Resolved a bug where Apple Music might continue playing audio even after the app was closed.

• Addressed an issue where multiple screenshots would turn red.

• Fixed delays in Face ID unlocking, flashlight activation, and issues with the camera displaying a black screen.

• In total, 26 bugs were fixed, including two critical kernel vulnerabilities.

Notification Optimization:

• Removed misleading Apple Intelligence notification summaries from News and Entertainment apps.

• All notifications generated by Apple Intelligence are now displayed in italics to distinguish them from other notifications.

iOS 18.3 Version 22D64: Stability Update for iPhone 11 Series

Release Date: February 4, 2025

Key Focus:

• Bug Fixes and Stability Enhancements:

  • This version primarily addresses issues identified in version 22D63 that affect the iPhone 11 series.

  • iPhone 11 models do not support Apple Intelligence, so the update for these devices is limited to system stability improvements and bug fixes.

• Enhanced System Stability:

  • Further improvements in performance and reliability for a smoother user experience on older devices.

What This Update Means for You

• For Users with Newer Devices:
  If you have an iPhone 16 series or one of the newer models (iPhone 15 Pro and above), you can enjoy advanced features like Visual Intelligence and Apple Intelligence, which enhance productivity and provide a more integrated Apple ecosystem experience.

• For iPhone 11 Users:
  The 22D64 update ensures that even older devices receive critical bug fixes and stability improvements, ensuring a reliable performance without the new AI features that they do not support.

• Overall Impact:
  Regardless of your device, iOS 18.3 brings a range of improvements that optimize system performance, enhance user experience, and bolster security with crucial bug fixes and stability enhancements.

Conclusion

The dual-version rollout of iOS 18.3 exemplifies Apple’s tailored approach to software updates. With version 22D63 pushing forward innovative features for the latest devices and version 22D64 focusing on stability for the iPhone 11 series, Apple ensures that all users benefit from the update in ways that suit their device capabilities. Whether you're drawn to the cutting-edge Visual Intelligence and Apple Intelligence features or simply appreciate enhanced system reliability, iOS 18.3 offers something for everyone.