Apple is set to preview iOS 18 at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10, 2024, and plans to launch it for users in September 2024. This new update promises to be one of the most significant in the iPhone’s history, incorporating many advanced AI features and design changes to enhance user experience.
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Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
Major AI Features
Smarter Siri
One of the most anticipated updates in iOS 18 is the enhancement of Siri, powered by large language models (LLMs). These models will enable Siri to have more natural interactions and better understand and respond to complex commands. Siri can auto-summarize notifications, transcribe voice memos, and provide more accurate app and calendar suggestions.
Auto-Generated Emojis
iOS 18 will introduce auto-generated emojis based on user messages’ content. This feature will expand the existing emoji catalog, allowing users to have a custom emoji for any occasion.
Suggested Replies
AI-generated suggested replies will benefit email and messaging apps, making it easier and quicker for users to respond to messages and emails.
Photo Retouching and Voice Memo Transcription
The Photos app will see AI-driven photo retouching tools. In contrast, the Voice Memos app will gain transcription capabilities, automatically converting spoken words into text.
Enhanced Spotlight Search
Spotlight search will become faster and more reliable, leveraging AI to deliver more intelligent and relevant search results.
Core App Improvements
Safari
Safari will receive a significant overhaul, including an “Intelligent Search” option that uses AI to summarize key topics and phrases on web pages. A “Web Eraser” tool will allow users to remove unwanted sections of web pages, with these changes persisting across visits.
Notes and Voice Memos
The Notes app will support recording voice memos directly, embedding recordings in notes. Additionally, AI-generated summaries of key points in audio recordings will be available. Voice memos will include transcription features and convert audio recordings into text.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps will offer custom routes, allowing users to select specific roads for scenic or familiar routes. The app will also include topographic maps for hiking and outdoor activities, showing trails, elevation, and points of interest.
Apple Music
Apple Music will introduce smart song transitions and auto-generated playlists based on user preferences, such as mood or time of day.
Design Changes
Home Screen Revamp
iOS 18 will bring a more customizable home screen, allowing users to create blank spaces, rows, and columns between app icons. This will give users greater control over the appearance of their home screens.
Redesigned Apps
Several built-in apps will receive updates, including Notes, Mail, Photos, and Fitness. These changes will include new features and improvements to enhance usability and functionality.
Enhanced Developer Tools
Xcode
Apple is updating Xcode with AI tools that predict and finish blocks of code, streamlining the app creation process for developers. AI-generated code for testing apps will also be included.
Accessibility Features
Vehicle Motion Cues
A new Vehicle Motion Cues option will help prevent motion sickness by using visual elements on the display that represent real-time changes in motion.
Eye Tracking
Eye Tracking will allow users to navigate the iPhone or iPad interface using only their eyes, activating buttons and swipes with a glance.
Music Haptics
Music Haptics will play taps, textures, and refined vibrations that correspond to the audio of music, enhancing the listening experience with tactile feedback.
Vocal Shortcuts
Vocal Shortcuts will enable users to assign custom phrases to launch shortcuts and perform complex tasks using Siri.
CarPlay Updates
Expanded accessibility features will be available for CarPlay, including voice control for navigating options and apps, color filters for color blindness, and sound recognition for deaf or hard-of-hearing users.
Rich Communication Services (RCS)
Apple will adopt the RCS standard to improve messaging between iPhone and Android users. This will enhance group chats, photo and video sharing and offer features like cross-platform emoji reactions, read receipts, and typing indicators.
Compatibility and Launch Date
iOS 18 will be compatible with all iPhones that can run iOS 17, including the iPhone XR, XS, SE 2nd and 3rd gen, and newer models. The update will be previewed at WWDC, with a developer beta available soon after, followed by a public beta in July. The official release is expected in September 2024.
FAQs
Q: When will iOS 18 be released?
A: iOS 18 will officially launch in September 2024, with a preview at WWDC on June 10, 2024.
Q: Which devices will support iOS 18?
A: iOS 18 will support all iPhones that can run iOS 17, including the iPhone XR, XS, SE 2nd and 3rd gen, and newer models.
Q: What are the key AI features in iOS 18?
A: Key AI features include a smarter Siri, auto-generated emojis, suggested replies, photo retouching, voice memo transcription, and enhanced Spotlight search.
Q: What changes are coming to the home screen?
A: iOS 18 will allow for more customizable home screens, enabling users to create blank spaces, rows, and columns between app icons.
Q: Will iOS 18 improve messaging with Android users?
A: Yes, iOS 18 will adopt the RCS standard, improving group chats, photo and video sharing, and offering features like cross-platform emoji reactions, read receipts, and typing indicators.