Apple has officially released iOS 18.3, bringing a set of refinements and fixes to iPhones worldwide.

While it may not introduce groundbreaking Apple Intelligence updates like its predecessor, this version still delivers key improvements, particularly for users of Apple's growing Visual Intelligence features.

Here’s what’s new in iOS 18.3:

Visual intelligence upgrades

Apple’s Visual Intelligence tools continue to evolve, bringing two new features exclusive to iPhone 16 users:

Instant event detection: Your iPhone can now extract dates and times from images and prompt you to add them directly to your Calendar—no more manual entry.
Smarter nature ID: The update expands the system’s ability to recognize a wider range of plant and animal species.

These features are accessible via the new camera control button, making it easier than ever to interact with the world through AI-driven insights.

Fixes to notification summaries

Following a controversy where Apple Intelligence inaccurately summarized a BBC News report, Apple has tweaked how notification summaries work.

Key changes include:

Temporarily disabling summaries for News & Entertainment apps while refining the feature.
Italicized text to make summaries more distinguishable.
The option to disable summaries for specific apps directly from the Lock Screen or Notification Center.
A new beta label warning users that summaries "may contain errors."

Apple Intelligence now enabled by default

A notable system-wide change in iOS 18.3 is that Apple Intelligence will now be turned on by default.

For those who prefer more control over their AI experience, opting out is simple:

Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Toggle Off Apple Intelligence

While this update focuses on refinements rather than major overhauls, iOS 18.3 is a solid step toward improving Apple’s AI ecosystem while addressing previous concerns. If you haven't updated your iPhone yet, it’s worth checking out these new features.

Visual intelligence upgrades

Fixes to notification summaries

Key changes include:

Apple Intelligence now enabled by default