iOS 18 Overview:
Though there are still a few months until Apple's June 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference to unveil the iOS 18 operating system, there are already some intriguing updates that we're hearing about.
Given the increasing demand from consumers for generative artificial intelligence solutions such as ChatGPT, Apple is anticipated to prioritize AI enhancements in iOS 18. Many apps and features may receive upgrades related to AI and machine learning, since Apple is developing huge language models to support in-app functionality.
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg speculates that iOS 18 may be a "relatively groundbreaking" software update with "major new features and designs," but he doesn't provide any technical information. With a "slew of new AI features," Gurman claims that iOS 18 has the potential to be the "biggest" software upgrade in the history of the iPhone, with Apple execs reportedly describing it as "ambitious and compelling."
In February, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, stated that the company is devoting a "tremendous amount of time and effort" to artificial intelligence. He also stated that the company intends to release information about its current AI research "later this year."
iPad OS 18, a version of iOS 18 with several capabilities unique to the larger displays of Apple's tablet series, will be released with iOS 18, as is the case with other iOS releases.
AI Functions:
Apple is reportedly trying to catch up to businesses like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and OpenAI that have a competitive advantage in AI. Apple invests more than $1 billion annually in technology required to operate massive language models and AI research. According to rumors, Apple intends to enhance several of its built-in apps with AI in iOS 18. AI-assisted writing and slide deck production can be found in programs like Pages and Keynote, and Apple Music may provide automatically made playlists.
With their more potent chips, the iPhone 16 models might be the only ones to use some of Apple's most advanced AI technologies. Should some generative AI features be restricted to processing on-device, the iPhone 16 models would probably be the only ones with access to them.
Apple is currently discussing whether to deliver generative AI features only on-device or through the cloud, since Apple prioritizes security and the on-device option would be more secure. Apple may take a mixed approach, handling certain more sensitive data purely on-device and some functionality in the cloud. Apple plans to begin construction on AI servers in 2023 and 2024. By late 2024, when iOS 18 launches in September, the company will be prepared to implement generative AI capabilities.
The next A18 chip, designed for the iPhone 16 Pro models, may have an improved Neural Engine with "significantly" more cores. This would enable better AI/machine learning performance. Apple's intentions for AI in iOS 18 are further hinted at by the rumor regarding the Neural Engine.
Additionally, Apple is developing an AI tool for Xcode that would forecast and complete code blocks, enabling developers to expedite the process of creating apps. With AI capabilities planned for Xcode, Apple is also testing apps using code created by AI.
Although a generative AI Chabot from Apple is not anticipated to be included in iOS 18, the company may choose to use a chat tool that leverages technology from OpenAI or Google. Regarding the integration of the Gemini AI engine inside the iPhone with iOS 18, Apple and Google are in talks. Apple has expressed interest in licensing Google's large-language models; but, branding and terms are still up for negotiation.
Though it needs a partner with a sizable hardware infrastructure to support cloud-based generative AI services like producing graphics and writing essays based on prompts, Apple is developing new AI features that will operate on its devices. Apple has reportedly held discussions with Baidu and OpenAI in addition to Google.
It may take some time for Apple to realize its full generative AI vision, thus iOS 18 may not have every AI feature that Apple has in store.
Siri:
With iOS 18, Siri will benefit from Apple's advancements in artificial intelligence. There has been a leak indicating that Apple intends to completely redesign Siri using large-language models (LLMs), making it the "ultimate virtual assistant."
The brains behind chatbots like ChatGPT are LLMs; they employ algorithms to create content based on vast amounts of data that they absorb.
According to rumors, Siri will be able to have more natural conversations and provide more user customization. Since the new feature would work with several devices, Siri might be able to remember the details of conversations across devices.
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, one of the features Apple is working on is a better interface between Siri and the Messages app. This would enable Siri to respond to complex queries and auto-complete phrases more skillfully.
The Information claims that Siri and the Shortcuts app will integrate more deeply, enabling users to automate difficult activities. For instance, Siri might be able to take five pictures, combine them into a GIF, and then transmit the finished product to a recipient with only one command.
Modifications in Design:
It is anticipated that the iOS 18 upgrade may introduce some design changes. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is reportedly preparing to alter the operating system's design "as early as this year."
Though there has been a rumor that iOS 18 will be rebuilt to mirror visionOS, it is not thought that iOS will adopt a full visionOS overhaul. Instead, iOS may borrow some design ideas from visionOS.
Revamping the Home Screen:
It is anticipated that iOS 18 will include a more customizable Home Screen, offering iPhone owners additional choices for how their device will appear. Apple intends to provide users additional customization options for the arrangement of their app icons.
For organizational reasons, app icons are expected to stay tied to an invisible grid; however, the upgrade may include the ability to make rows and columns of blank space between app icons. Similar to the Lock Screen modifications that Apple unveiled in iOS 16, iOS 18 is probably going to provide the biggest overhaul to the Home Screen in years.
Apple Maps:
The Apple Maps app in iOS 18 is rumored to have a number of new features. Apple Maps users might be able to enter their own routes instead of being restricted to the pre-selected choices Apple offers if custom routes were supported. Users might create custom itineraries and choose the roads they want to go based on their familiarity with a route or for beautiful views.
With iOS 18, Apple can potentially port the watchOS 10 topographic map functionality to the iPhone. Trails, contour lines, elevation, points of interest, and other elements useful for hiking and other outdoor activities are included in topographic maps.
Using RCS to Improve Texting with Android Users:
The Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard will be adopted by Apple "later in 2024" as a replacement for SMS/MMS. For iPhone to iPhone discussions, iMessage isn't going away, but RCS will improve iPhone to Android conversations in a number of ways. There will be no more issues when sending images and videos to Android users from an iPhone, and group chats will function more smoothly. There will also be additional features like read receipts, real-time typing indicators, and cross-platform emoji reactions.
- Support for movies and images with better resolutions.
- Support for file sharing and bigger file sizes.
- Audio communications.
- Emoji replies across platforms.
- Indicators for typing in real time.
- Examine the receipts.
- The option to send messages over Wi-Fi or cellular (SMS is limited to cellular).
- Transmitting an RCS message via Wi-Fi is free of charge.
- Enhanced group conversations.
Although Apple has not stated when RCS will be implemented, the phrase "later in 2024" implies that it will happen after iOS 18 is released. Our RCS guide has all the information you need to understand RCS and what it means for iPhone users.
AirPods Pro 2: Mode for Hearing Aids:
It is anticipated that the AirPods Pro will get a new "hearing aid mode" with the release of iOS 18. Although the functionality was first said to be coming with the next AirPods Pro, Apple is now reportedly preparing to provide it via a software update. It's unclear what the hearing aid mode will do differently because Apple already has Conversation Boost, which increases the volume and clarity of people who are right in front of the wearer's face.
The FDA has approved over-the-counter hearing aids intended for customers who are not hearing impaired, but Apple is not allowed to sell the AirPods Pro as providing assistance for hearing impaired people.
Features of Accessibility:
New accessibility features for iOS 18 and macOS 15 are being developed by Apple. Users can build a custom phrase using the Adaptive Voice Shortcuts feature, and then link to that phrase by selecting an accessibility setting. The accessibility option will thereafter become active upon speaking the phrase. Accessibility features such as Zoom, Voice Over, Voice Control, and more will be toggleable by users.
Custom phrases can be arranged using Live Speech's new feature that allows users to define their own categories.
Freeform:
An upcoming update to the Freeform app will include a "Scenes" feature that will enable users to pick individual boards or Scenes for easier browsing. A new Scenes UI will make scenes available, allowing users to switch between previously saved scenes.
Compatibility:
All iPhones that can run iOS 17, such as the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone SE 2, and newer, should be able to run iOS 18.
- Every iPhone 15 model
- Every model of the iPhone 14
- Every model of the iPhone 13
- Every iPhone 12 model
- Every iPhone 11 model
- Apple iPhone XS and Max
- iPhone XR
- 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SE
It is rumored that iPadOS 18 will no longer support the A10X Fusion-powered 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, which were both produced in the first generation. It is improbable that the update will function for iPad models from the sixth and seventh generations.
The following iPads should be able to use the update:
- iPad Pro: starting in 2018 and going forward
- iPad Air: starting in 2019 and going forward
- iPad mini: after 2019
- iPad: starting in 2020 and on forward
Release Date of iOS 18:
On June 10, there will be a peek of iOS 18 at the Worldwide Developers Conference. Following WWDC, developers will have access to iOS 18 for testing, with a public beta release anticipated in July.
After going through beta testing, iOS 18 will be released in September 2024 along with new iPhone models.
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