As we are approaching Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, speculation about the new operating system for iPhones is intensifying. Scheduled for June 2024, WWDC 2024 is when Apple is expected to introduce the next iteration of the iPhone’s iOS 18. Reports suggest that this update will significantly revamp iPhones. And this makeover will be with AI features and significant software changes.
In his latest newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reveals that along with the eagerly awaited AI features, iOS 18 will update many popular built-in iPhone apps, such as Photos, Mail, Notes, and Fitness. Additionally, the Calculator app will gain new features and, for the first time, be available on the iPad.
Gurman earlier highlighted that iOS 18 will be the biggest update Apple has released for its iPhones ever. And this will be possible with an all round makeover thanks to artificial intelligence backed features and some more prominent OS changes including improved SIRI and customisable home screen.
AI Advancements: With the release of iOS 18, Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce on-device AI features. These features might include auto-generated playlists on Apple Music and AI-powered writing assistance in Pages and Keynote. Apple is expected to make its iPhone AI smarter with iOS 18. Unlike other AI platforms that use cloud processing, Apple is said to power its AI features primarily on your iPhone, without relying on cloud servers. However, some advanced functionalities may be exclusive to the powerful iPhone 16 lineup.
Smarter Siri and Beyond: Apart from AI features, Apple is also planning to enhance Siri with AI advancements. These improvements could boost Siri, Spotlight search, Shortcuts automation, and even iMessage. This could lead to more natural conversations with Siri, improved search suggestions, and automated tasks tailored to your needs. The underlying technology might be Apple’s own large language model or could involve partnerships with Google or OpenAI.
Home Screen Makeover: iOS 18 might finally offer the ability to freely place app icons anywhere on the Home Screen. This will allow users more customization options, including creating blank spaces, organising icons in rows or columns, and ultimately personalising the iPhone experience.
RCS Messaging: Apple is also said to adopt RCS messaging standard with iOS 18 and this update could significantly improve communication between iPhone and Android users. RCS messaging will aim at smoother texting with features like high-resolution photos, improved group chats, and read receipts between iOS and Android users.
A Smarter Safari Experience: The power of AI might extend to Safari with a potential browsing assistant. While specifics are scarce, the update could be similar to existing AI tools in browsers like Microsoft Edge, which offer web page summaries and information extraction.
Calculator on iPad and More in Notes: The long-awaited Calculator app might finally grace the iPad with iOS 18. The iPhone’s Calculator app is also rumoured to receive a revamp, including a history bar for past calculations and improved unit conversion tools. Additionally, the Notes app might gain the ability to display complex mathematical equations, perfect for students and professionals who need to jot down formulas.
Enhanced Apple Maps: Apple is also said to improve its navigation app with the addition of topographic maps featuring elevation details and marked trails.
AirPods Pro as Hearing Aid: iOS 18 might introduce a “hearing aid mode” for AirPods Pro. Whether it significantly improves upon the existing Conversation Boost feature remains to be seen.
Apple is also planning to introduce Next-Generation CarPlay and additional updates to Freeform and other apps. However, all these reports are based on speculation and will only be confirmed by Apple at WWDC 2024 in June.
Source Agencies
