When Apple released iOS 18 in 2024, it brought with it the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence feature. This was initially available on the iPhone 16 lineup, along with the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, it wasn’t until the arrival of iOS 18.4 in March 2025 that users of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max could also access the new Visual Intelligence feature directly from their devices’ Control Center.
This update also introduced enhanced music controls that are accessible to all iPhone users. These new musical options allow you to select playlists tailored to various moods, helping you to sleep, relax, or increase productivity.
Here’s what you need to know about the new controls and how to configure them in your Control Center.
New Apple Intelligence Controls
Currently, only users with an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or the iPhone 16 lineup can take advantage of the Apple Intelligence features. With iOS 18.4 or later, these devices now feature three new dedicated Apple Intelligence controls: Talk to Siri, Type to Siri, and Visual Intelligence.
To locate these controls:
1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your Home Screen to open your Control Center.
2. Tap the plus (+) sign in the top-left corner.
3. Tap Add a Control.
You can search for “Apple Intelligence” or scroll through the menu to find the Apple Intelligence & Siri section. Add any or all controls to your Control Center. The Visual Intelligence control is particularly valuable, as it makes this functionality available to more users.
Previously, Visual Intelligence was exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup, which featured a Camera Control button. The update to iOS 18.4 expanded its accessibility. While Visual Intelligence is an impressive tool, it’s essential to fact-check the information it provides, as AI is not foolproof.
iOS 18.4 also brought in new Ambient Music controls to every iPhone.
Ambient Music Controls
The latest update introduces four new controls in the Control Center under the Ambient Music category: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Each control activates a playlist curated to match its specific theme. For instance, the Sleep control plays calming music to help you unwind at night.
Research shows that white noise can enhance focus and reduce distraction while learning. According to studies from mental health organization Calm, specific music genres can expedite falling asleep and improve sleep quality. Thus, these new controls offer valuable support for learning, relaxation, and sleep.
To add Ambient Music controls:
1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your Home Screen to open your Control Center.
2. Tap the plus (+) sign in the top-left corner.
3. Tap Add a Control.
Search for “Ambient Music” or find it in the Control Center menu. Under this category, you’ll see all four new controls. Add any combination you prefer to your Control Center. Once added, tapping any control quickly initiates playback of the designated music.
To customize the playlist for any control:
1. Open your Control Center.
2. Tap the plus (+) sign in the top-left.
3. Select the Ambient Music control you wish to edit.
4. Tap the playlist next to Playlist.
A dropdown menu will appear featuring additional playlists. For example, the Sleep control allows you to choose from options like Restful Notes or Lo-Fi Snooze. If you have your own playlists saved in the Music app, they can also be integrated. Simply select a playlist to assign it to that control.
Apple has already provided the option to turn your iPhone into a white noise machine with the Background Sounds feature. The Ambient Music controls complement this by delivering an engaging music experience, distinguishing itself from more static sound options.
Both new features reflect Apple’s strategy to position itself as the top choice for background music tailored to various activities. Competing services, like Spotify and YouTube, already offer curated ambient playlists, and this could indicate Apple’s intent to capture some of that market share.
For further insights on upcoming iOS features, you can explore everything iOS 26.2 and iOS 26.1 have contributed to the iPhone, along with my detailed review of iOS 26.