Apple’s latest iOS 18.3 update brings significant changes to notification summaries and how users interact with Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI-powered features. With adjustments made to both the AI system and its presentation, this update is designed to address feedback from users and improve the overall experience.
iOS 18.3 Update Disables Notification Summaries by Default
The iOS 18.3 update, released on January 28, 2025, brings noticeable tweaks to how notifications are summarized on iPhones. One of the most significant changes is that notification summaries, a feature introduced with iOS 18.1, are now disabled by default. The goal of the notification summaries is to help users stay on top of their notifications without being overwhelmed. The feature condenses notifications into one quick summary, helping users quickly scan through key updates.
However, the feature faced criticism, especially after reports of inaccurate summaries that included erroneous headlines or misleading information. BBC, for example, highlighted issues with false summaries in its news stories. To mitigate this concern, Apple decided to disable the feature by default, giving users more control over how they engage with their notifications. The News & Entertainment category will no longer be included in the notification summaries, which had been one of the main areas where errors were detected.
Apple Intelligence: Now an Opt-Out Feature
Apple has also shifted how users interact with its suite of AI tools known as Apple Intelligence. Prior to the 18.3 update, Apple Intelligence was an opt-in feature, meaning users had to actively choose to use it. However, in response to privacy concerns and user feedback, Apple has made this suite of AI-powered features opt-out instead. This means users will automatically have Apple Intelligence activated unless they decide to manually disable it.
Apple Intelligence powers a variety of features across iPhones, from voice recognition in Siri to more personalized app suggestions. By turning this feature into an opt-out system, Apple hopes to streamline the setup process and give users more immediate access to AI-based services. Of course, users still have full control to turn off the feature at any time via the Apple Intelligence & Siri Settings pane within the Settings app.
Key points about the update:
- Notification Summaries are now turned off by default and will be unavailable for the News & Entertainment category.
- Apple Intelligence has become an opt-out feature, with users having to manually disable it if they choose not to use it.
- Visual Intelligence now adds events to the Calendar directly from posters.
Visual Intelligence: A Subtle Yet Powerful Enhancement
Another intriguing update included in iOS 18.3 is the improvement to Visual Intelligence. This update brings a new feature that allows users to add events directly to their Calendar from images or posters. This change aims to make it easier for users to capture important dates, from event flyers to advertisements, and automatically import them into their schedules. The feature is part of Apple’s ongoing push to make its AI smarter and more intuitive, creating a more seamless experience for users across different aspects of their iPhone.
The visual processing capabilities of Apple Intelligence have grown significantly since the feature’s initial launch. It now detects key information, such as dates, times, and event names, from posters or images and makes it easy for users to save this data without having to type anything manually.
Incorporating this change into iOS 18.3 reflects Apple’s focus on integrating AI across multiple touchpoints on their devices, from notifications to the calendar. It might seem like a small update, but it’s a notable addition to the overall experience.
What Else Is New in iOS 18.3?
While notification summaries and Apple Intelligence have taken the spotlight, there are a few more minor updates included in iOS 18.3. One of these is a tweak to the Calculator app, which now features enhanced accuracy for more complex calculations. The update also fixes several bugs related to app performance and minor visual glitches, ensuring that users have a smoother overall experience.
Another update for the iPhone is the way notifications are handled across different apps. Users will now be able to distinguish between different types of notifications more easily, thanks to changes in how the notifications appear. With italicized text now being used for notification summaries, it’s easier for users to spot these condensed notifications as they scroll through their alert panels. This small change might not be immediately obvious, but it adds a layer of clarity to the way information is displayed.
The iOS 18.3 update isn’t groundbreaking, but it addresses key concerns, like notification accuracy and user control over AI features, making it a solid update for those who want a smoother iPhone experience.
