IOS 18

WWDC 2024 is just a week away, and with it will come our first official glimpse of iOS 18. While the current iOS 17 will remain the software of choice for iPhones until the launch of the iPhone 16 in September, the wait for iOS 18 is nearly over.

Early rumors suggest that a key focus of iOS 18 will be on AI integrations. Apple is reportedly preparing to incorporate advanced large language models into some of its most popular apps. This AI-driven enhancement will be enabled in part by the anticipated hardware upgrades, such as the powerful M4 chip. However, the software innovations in iOS 18 will be central to realizing these AI capabilities.

Interestingly, despite the AI focus, we're told not to expect a major visual overhaul to the iOS interface akin to the sweeping changes seen in iOS 7. However, sources indicate that iOS 18 is poised to be the "biggest iOS update in the company's history."

The question remains - how will Apple achieve this ambitious goal without a complete design refresh? The details are still unclear, but we'll likely gain more insights when Tim Cook takes the stage at WWDC 2024 on June 10th. One thing is certain: the iPhone experience is about to be significantly powered up in 2024 through a combination of hardware and software innovations in iOS 18.

iOS 18: Rumored features

IOS 18: AI

iOS 18 is expected to focus on AI improvements, with Siri being a major area of enhancement. Apple is reportedly working on a new AI system called Ajax GPT, which promises to outperform existing models like ChatGPT. The company is also planning to bring AI features to Messages, Xcode, Apple Music, Pages, and Keynote.

In an earnings call, Tim Cook mentioned that Apple is heavily investing in AI and other technologies, with plans to reveal more details later in the year. There's also speculation about AI enhancements for the iPhone 16 lineup, including a potential microphone upgrade.

Further rumors suggest that Apple may collaborate with OpenAI or Google's Gemini AI for AI capabilities, as well as negotiate with Baidu for the Chinese market. It's also been reported that Apple is considering integrating ChatGPT into a new version of Siri.

Besides Siri, Apple intends to improve other apps with AI, such as Spotlight search, the Safari web browser, and Messages. These AI features aim to enhance user experience, with functionalities like summarizing messages and notifications.

One significant aspect of iOS 18's AI improvements is that they are expected to be on-device, rather than cloud-based. This aligns with Apple's commitment to privacy and the desire for speedy performance independent of internet connectivity.

IOS 18: RCS SUPPORT

iPhone 14 with messages app open being held in front of green wall

Although Apple continues to prevent iMessage from working on Android, it is striving to make it easier for iPhone users to communicate with their friends and family who use Android.

Currently, people who want to send and receive rich messages and content with those on Android have to use third-party apps like WhatsApp or others, as SMS is becoming outdated.

However, in 2024, Apple plans to bring RCS to the iPhone. The release date has not been confirmed, but it may be a feature of iOS 18, which means that Apple has until September 2024 to make it functional.

Once RCS support is implemented, it will provide iMessage-like features for cross-device chats. Unfortunately, it won't solve the "green bubble" problem

IOS 18: ACCESSIBILITY

Accessibility in iOS 18, Vocal Shortcuts

Apple announced a number of new Accessibility features that are expected to be included in the upcoming iOS 15 release.

One of these features, Vocal Shortcuts, will utilize Siri to execute shortcuts and perform complex tasks, potentially leveraging the assistant's rumored AI capabilities.

Another new feature will use AI to recognize Atypical Speech, improving speech recognition for iPhone users with conditions that affect speech, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or cerebral palsy.

Additionally, the new Vehicle Motion Cues feature aims to reduce motion sickness for passengers in moving vehicles by displaying animated dots on the edges of the iPhone screen that move in sync with the vehicle's motion, without obstructing the on-screen content.

There were plenty of other accessibility updates announced on May 15:

The Magnifier feature will include a new Reader Mode and an easier way to launch Detection Mode using the Action button.

Braille users will have a new method to initiate and remain in Braille Screen Input for quicker control and text editing. Additionally, Japanese language support will be available for Braille Screen Input, along with support for multi-line braille with Dot Pad. Users will also have the option to select different input and output tables.

For users with low vision, Hover Typing will display larger text when typing in a text field, using the user's preferred font and color.

For users at risk of losing their ability to speak, Personal Voice will now be available in Mandarin Chinese. Those who struggle with pronouncing or reading full sentences will be able to create a Personal Voice using shortened phrases.

For nonspeaking users, Live Speech will include categories and be simultaneously compatible with Live Captions.

For users with physical disabilities, Virtual Trackpad for AssistiveTouch will enable them to control their device using a small region of the screen as a resizable trackpad.

Switch Control will offer the option to use the cameras in iPhone and iPad to recognize finger-tap gestures as switches.

Voice Control will provide support for custom vocabularies and complex words.

IOS 18: AIRPODS HEARING AID

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that iOS 18 will include support for a new AirPods hearing aid mode, which may enhance Apple's conversation boost feature. The details of how this feature will work are not yet clear, but it has the potential to transform Apple's AirPods Pro 2 into a valuable accessibility tool.

IOS 18: HOME SCREEN

In late March, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported that iOS 18 could offer more customization options for the iPhone Home Screen. A follow-up report from MacRumors suggests that this may include the ability to add blank spaces, columns, and rows to your Home Screen, similar to what's available on Android.

On May 26, Gurman further explained this Home Screen improvement. With iOS 18, you'll be able to freely move the app icons and change their colors to any shade. This means that you could have a Home Screen of apps all in yellow if you want.

IOS 18: APP UPGRADES

Several popular iPhone apps are expected to get some new features, or indeed a major overhaul with iOS 18:

Remember the following updates coming to iOS 18: Messages: Apple's messaging app is getting new effects for use on specific words, not just whole messages. System Settings: Settings will have a new user interface with improved search and a cleaner layout. Apple Music: There will be improvements, including better crossfading between songs and "Passthrough," which will only be available on supported hardware. Calendar: The Calendar app will bring task support and a closer integration with Reminders. Users will be able to set a reminder or schedule an event by tapping or right-clicking an area within the Day, Week, or Month views. Mail: Mail will undergo a major overhaul with a new user interface. Photos: The Photos app will also receive an overhaul. Fitness: Apple's Fitness app on iPhone is expected to get a major overhaul. Notes: Notes will be overhauled with new features, including voice recording and math capabilities. Safari: Apple is reportedly working on a new Safari browsing assistant feature powered by AI. It will also feature a new Web Eraser tool to hide unwanted webpage elements. Maps: Apple could be planning to add a new custom route option to Apple Maps, allowing users to create their own routes.

IOS 18: WHAT WE'D LIKE TO SEE

I think iOS 18 could bring some exciting changes. One area that needs attention is Siri. There have been rumors about upgrades to Siri, and that's definitely something we're looking forward to. Siri has been problematic for Apple, especially when compared to ChatGPT and similar chatbots. It often struggles with simple questions and commands, like turning off a HomeKit-capable light. There's definitely room for improvement there.

iOS 18 could also enhance the iPhone's photography capabilities. While the iPhone already takes great photos, there's always room for improvement. It would be great to see Apple offer advanced AI-powered photo editing features like the ones available on Google's Pixel phones. Additionally, improved zoom capabilities might require new hardware, not just a software update.

IOS 18: EXPECTED RELEASE DATE

While Apple has not yet confirmed the release date for the new iOS 18 update, we can estimate based on their previous schedules. With WWDC 2024 now confirmed and its keynote on June 10, we can anticipate the first beta of iOS 18 to be released shortly after the event.

Following that, there will likely be a several-month beta testing period, with a public release expected around September, coinciding with the launch of the new iPhones.

IOS 18: COMPATIBLE DEVICES

The current iOS 17 software is compatible with a variety of iPhones from previous years, and it's anticipated that iOS 18 will continue this trend. While the 2nd-gen iPhone SE, iPhone XR, XS, and newer models are already supported, we can look forward to more advanced iOS 18 features making their way to the latest hardware. The potential limitations of older A-series chips may become apparent with the introduction of new AI-powered features in iOS 18, as these chips might not offer the necessary processing power for seamless functionality. Given that the A12 Bionic chip is the oldest supported iPhone chip, there is a possibility that support for iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR could cease with the arrival of iOS 18. However, it's reassuring to note that the A13 chip, which powers Apple's iPhone SE 2 and the iPhone 11 generation, is likely to remain compatible for another year.

According to an iOS 18 leak in April, Apple is reportedly going to support all of the iPhones that can currently run iOS 17. That would include:

iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPhone SE (3rd generation)

THE STORY SO FAR: IOS 17

Apple released iOS 17 in September 2023, following a months-long beta program involving developers and public beta testers. The update introduced several new features, including StandBy, which turns an iPhone into a status board when charging in landscape orientation, making it ideal for use with MagSafe chargers. It also brought interactive widgets, allowing apps to update themselves when tapped, and new mental health monitoring features. Additionally, iOS 17.2 introduced the new Journal app and improvements to Messages.

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