Apple’s iOS 18.4, currently in beta, introduces a powerful AI-driven feature called “Prioritize Notifications.” This new functionality is designed to ensure that users never miss important alerts by placing them in a dedicated section at the top of the Lock Screen. Unlike the traditional notification sorting method, which orders alerts chronologically, Prioritize Notifications uses on-device intelligence to determine which notifications are crucial, surfacing them above all others regardless of when they arrived.
How Priority Notifications Work
Apple’s notification system has long relied on time-based sorting, where the latest alerts appear first. However, with an increasing volume of notifications from various apps, critical messages can sometimes get lost in the clutter. The new feature in iOS 18.4 aims to solve this by identifying high-priority notifications and keeping them easily accessible.
The AI-driven system works entirely on the device, ensuring privacy and security while analyzing incoming notifications. It determines importance based on factors such as the sender, app category, and the user’s past interaction with similar notifications. This means that an urgent message from your bank or a calendar reminder for a scheduled meeting could be surfaced at the top, even if received hours ago.
How to Enable Prioritize Notifications in iOS 18.4
For those running iOS 18.4 Beta 1, enabling this feature is simple:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to Notifications.
- Look for “Prioritize Notifications” and tap on it.
- Toggle the feature on.
Once activated, important notifications will appear in a special section above all others on the Lock Screen. Users will still receive notifications as usual, but priority ones will remain prominently displayed until dismissed.
When Will iOS 18.4 Be Available?
Apple is currently testing iOS 18.4 in beta, with a public release expected in the coming weeks. The update is part of Apple’s broader effort to integrate AI-driven features into iOS, enhancing user experience while maintaining privacy.
With Prioritize Notifications, Apple is refining how users interact with alerts, ensuring that time-sensitive and important messages are never overlooked. As iOS continues evolving, features like these demonstrate Apple’s commitment to intelligent, user-friendly design.
