Get ready for a tech treat with iOS 18. This update is all about making your iPhone experience cooler and more fun. We’re talking about amazing changes to how your phone looks, smart new things it can do, and making your favorite apps even better.
Imagine your phone getting a major upgrade, like going from basic to 100 with just an update.
We’re not just getting the usual small improvements; we’re getting a whole new level of coolness. Whether it’s making things look snazzier, adding super cool features, or making your favorite apps work even smoother – iOS 18 is set to bring some serious awesomeness to your iPhone.
Let’s take a closer look at when iOS 18 is expected, what features are on the horizon, and what the tech community is speculating.
iOS 18 release date
If Apple continues its pattern, iOS 18 is likely to be unveiled at the WWDC 2024 keynote. The Worldwide Developers Conference typically occurs in the first week of June.
Initially held at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in California, Apple shifted to a pre-recorded format during the pandemic. Later, a hybrid approach emerged, with developers and media figures invited to watch the presentation from Apple Park in Cupertino.
The grand finale is anticipated just before fall kicks in, along with the release of the full version of iOS 18. This typically happens around mid-September, coinciding with the availability of the new iPhone 16 models in stores.
iOS 18 features
While the latest report doesn’t provide specific details, Gurman has previously shared that Apple is working on a revamped version of Siri, utilizing a new AI system. The upcoming improvements are anticipated to enhance the auto-completion of sentences and handling of questions in both Siri and the Messages app.
Vision Pro glasses
The Vision Pro glasses’ VisionOS is making waves with its fresh interface, especially the circular home screen icons. Rumors from The Verifier suggest that Apple might integrate Vision Pro elements into the upcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates. This could signal significant changes for iOS, as it’s been over ten years since the last major overhaul in iOS 17.
A smarter Siri for iOS 18
According to The Information, Apple is planning to enhance Siri by incorporating large language models, allowing users to automate complex tasks. This upgrade will involve a deeper integration with the Shortcuts app. The anticipated release for this feature is in a 2024 iPhone software update, likely to be part of iOS 18.
Apple’s AI efforts
The primary focus of iOS 18 is rumored to revolve around artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI. While Apple has been relatively slow in this area compared to products like ChatGPT, Bard, CoPilot, Dall-E, and Stable Diffusion, the company is now making strides to catch up.
There’s been significant internal effort at Apple to develop a robust generative AI technology stack, evidenced by published papers on various topics such as the Ajax large language model, Ferret object reference, new speech recognition models, and more.
Apple is reportedly planning to integrate advanced AI capabilities across its product lineup. This includes enhancing Apple Music playlist creation, implementing AI in coding with Xcode, and adding AI features to apps like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. The strategy is expected to combine on-device AI processing for improved privacy, security, and speed, while utilizing cloud-based AI for more resource-intensive tasks beyond the capabilities of iPhones. Additionally, there’s speculation that Apple might explore generative AI technologies as well.
New emojis
In each iOS cycle, Apple consistently introduces new emojis. Although these emojis might not be part of the initial major update, Apple typically reveals them within the life cycle of the latest operating system, often around version x.4.
RCS Support
iPhones will get RCS support sometime in 2024 for better texting with Android users. RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is the newer version of SMS and MMS. It brings iMessage-like features to texts exchanged between iPhone and Android users.
Live voicemail
One of the headline features of iOS 17 was Live Voicemail. Yet this is only actually available in the US and Canada. And this makes iOS 17 and by extension the iPhone 15 essentially worse outside the US and Canada.
Sideloading support in iOS 18
Before the launch of iOS 17, there were rumors that Apple might introduce sideloading in Europe, following regulations set by the European Union. However, this hasn’t happened yet, leaving the possibility open for Apple to make this change in iOS 18.
While app developers will still be required to pay Apple fees, they’ll have the flexibility to offer apps without requiring payments through Apple’s system.
Early iOS 18 code teases four new iPhone models
Early versions of the iOS 18 operating system, as reported by MacRumors, give us a hint about four new iPhone models. While the code doesn’t unveil any new details about these upcoming phones, it suggests that Apple may not have any major surprises planned for consumers next year. In the internal codename “Crystal,” iOS 18 refers to the following four iPhones:
D47 – iPhone 16
D48 – iPhone 16 Plus
D93 – iPhone 16 Pro
D94 – iPhone 16 Pro Max
Biggest update yet
Bloomberg says that iOS 18 is Apple’s most ambitious and exciting update in years. Inside Apple, it’s seen as groundbreaking with significant new features, designs, and improvements in security and performance.
We’re not sure about all the details of iOS 18 yet. If it includes major new AI features, it would live up to the ambitious description. In the exclusive Q&A part of his Power On newsletter today, Gurman mentioned that iOS 18 could become the “largest” software update in the history of the iPhone.
Keep in mind that Apple’s plans for iOS 18 might change before June. They’ll make final decisions based on development progress in the next seven months. Some features might be announced at WWDC 2024 but only released later through updates like iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2.
iOS 18 rumors
Additionally, Apple is expected to introduce new features, including auto-generated playlists for Apple Music. This aligns with a trend initiated by Spotify last year. These updates collectively suggest a significant enhancement to Apple’s voice assistant and messaging capabilities, along with innovations in the music streaming experience. Rumors also suggest that iOS 18 may come with new Maps features, including bike routes, safe areas, and curated places to visit.
Custom routes in Apple Maps
Apple has a habit of taking features from other companies, sometimes adding its own touch. This time, the spotlight is on custom routes in Apple Maps. A file called “CustomRouteCreation” was discovered by MacRumors in the Maps system linked to the upcoming iOS 18. This is the only clue we have for now that suggests Apple might be introducing this feature. Although it’s not much to rely on, the name of the file suggests a significant addition that Apple Maps has been lacking.
Google Maps users, particularly on web browsers, have long enjoyed the ability to create custom routes instead of relying solely on the app’s suggestions. If Apple were to offer iPhone users this feature without requiring browser use, it could give Apple Maps a crucial advantage over Google Maps. This could be particularly important considering the potential challenges Apple’s default navigation app may face in the EU due to new regulations targeting Big Tech companies.
Home screen customization coming to iOS 18
Sources familiar with iOS development reveal that iOS 18 will offer iPhone users more control over arranging app icons on their Home Screen. While the app icons will likely continue to follow a grid system for consistency, users will gain the ability to arrange icons more freely with the upcoming update. This includes features like creating blank spaces, rows, and columns between app icons.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman initially reported on the iPhone’s upcoming “more customizable” Home Screen in iOS 18. Although users can already customize the Home Screen with third-party apps like Shortcuts and Widgetsmith, Apple’s native customization options are expected to provide greater convenience and official support.
Since iOS 16, iPhone users have been able to customize the Lock Screen. And iOS 18 is anticipated to extend similar customization capabilities to the Home Screen. According to insider information, the update will introduce additional customization features for the Home Screen. This will be the most significant Home Screen overhaul in several years.
Chatbot rumors
Reports suggest that iOS 18 will introduce significant advancements in AI capabilities for the iPhone, sparking numerous speculations about potential generative AI features Apple might introduce. However, it appears that an Apple-developed chatbot may not be part of the update, according to insights from Apple expert Mark Gurman.
Gurman indicates that Apple won’t be unveiling its own chatbot in iOS 18. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean there won’t be any chatbot feature; instead, it’s likely that Apple will license one from another source. Gurman suggests that Apple has been in discussions with companies like Google, OpenAI, and Baidu for this purpose.
There have been previous rumors about Apple integrating Google Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT into iPhones in the near future. However, this is the first time an Apple-made chatbot has been ruled out for iOS 18. This shows a potential shift in strategy regarding AI implementation on Apple devices.
More AI rumors
DigiTimes reiterated previous rumors about iOS 18, suggesting it will bring several new AI features. However, it warned that Apple must make substantial advancements in AI to meet consumer demands and regain its popularity in China, where competitors like Huawei are investing heavily in AI.
During an earnings call earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook mentioned the company’s work on generative AI and promised more details “later this year.” It’s anticipated that iOS 18 will be previewed at WWDC in June, with a release expected in September. Some of the new AI features might be exclusive to the iPhone 16 models later in the year, with rumors hinting at a significant upgrade to the Neural Engine in the lineup.
Digital Payments
There might also be an improved Wallet app, with a focus on simplifying transactions involving Apple Cash cards. The goal would be to promote greater user convenience in digital payments.
Photo App and Customization
There’s a buzz about iOS 18 potentially enhancing the Photo app with memory features and revamped editing tools. It could also be introducing more customization options for the home screen and other applications.
Productivity and Messaging
Apple could potentially introduce a feature that allows quick note-taking directly from the lock screen. Additionally, there are speculations about iOS 18 including features such as group conversations in Messages.
Music App Updates
There could also be an updated Music app that displays song lyrics and enhances playlist functionality. The new update could also bring enhancements to the Podcast app, likely improving the overall podcast listening experience for users.
Performance and Security
We can expect iOS 18 to be faster, more secure, and user-friendly. Apple is keeping its promise of supporting a wide range of devices with iOS 18. As we await the arrival of iOS 18, iPhone users can start getting excited about the new features coming their way.
Apple’s highly anticipated WWDC keynote is set to place a significant emphasis on AI and the company’s overarching strategy, according to insights from Gurman. This focus on AI was apparent from the start of the conference announcement. There were references to WWDC 2024 being described as “Absolutely Incredible.”
Insider Paper updated the article with the latest information on March 27, 2024.
