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.
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
According to 9to5Mac, the timeline for iOS 18 starts with the Developer Beta, which is expected to be released on June 10 during the WWDC 2024 event. After that, the Public Beta should come out between late June and mid-July. The final version of iOS 18 is likely to be released in mid to late September, around the same time as Apple’s fall iPhone event.
Since WWDC starts on June 10, the developer beta will probably be available soon after the opening keynote. Apple usually releases the first developer beta of a new iOS version on the same day as the WWDC keynote, so it’s likely that this year will follow the same pattern.
After the developer beta, Apple generally releases a public beta about four to five weeks later. This means the iOS 18 public beta could come out sometime between late June and early July.
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. Apple has been relatively slow in this area compared to products like ChatGPT, Bard, CoPilot, Dall-E, and Stable Diffusion. However, 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. This is evidenced by published papers on various topics such as the Ajax large language model. Other topics include 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.
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.
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 for iOS 18
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.
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. 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.
Hearing Aid Mode for AirPods Pro 2
While there were rumors that this feature would only come with the next-generation AirPods Pro, Apple now plans to add it through a software update. Apple already has a feature called Conversation Boost that amplifies the voices of people directly in front of the user, so it’s unclear how the hearing aid mode will be different. However, Apple can’t market the AirPods Pro as a hearing aid for those with hearing impairments, but the FDA has approved over-the-counter hearing aids for people without serious hearing loss.
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.
Notes App
In iOS 18, the Notes app is expected to include a new feature that lets you record voice memos directly within the app. You can also embed these recordings into your notes. Additionally, Apple might be adding support for displaying mathematical notation, allowing you to include various types of equations in your notes.
Calendar and Reminders
The Calendar app in iOS 18 is anticipated to feature integration with Reminders, allowing you to view and interact with reminders within the Calendar app.
Calculator App
With iPadOS 18, Apple is set to introduce a built-in Calculator app for the iPad. This Calculator app will be “universal,” meaning it can run on iPhone, iPad, and macOS with a consistent design and functionality across all three platforms. It could get some design tweaks, and both the iPhone and iPad versions are expected to include integration with the Notes app, a revamped interface for unit conversions, and a list of recent calculations.
Music App Updates
There could also be an updated Music app that displays song lyrics and enhances playlist functionality. The new update could also enhance the Podcast app, likely improving the overall podcast listening experience for users. Apple Music might offer a new feature for auto-generated playlists. Users could choose a mood, a time of day, and other parameters to get music suggestions tailored to those inputs.
Freeform
The Freeform app is set to introduce a “Scenes” feature, allowing users to define specific sections or Scenes within their boards for easier navigation. This will be managed through a new Scenes UI, which will let users switch between saved scenes quickly.
Other App Improvements in iOS 18
Apple’s iWork suite—Keynote, Numbers, and Pages—will introduce new AI features. Keynote will offer automatic slide generation, and Pages will gain a text-generation feature. Shortcuts will improve its integration with Siri, streamlining the automation of complex tasks. The Health app might also get new AI capabilities, though details on what these features might entail are not yet available.
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.
Insider Paper updated the article with the latest information on May 7, 2024.
