iOS 18: What to Expect from the Ambitious iPhone Update

iOS 18: Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming Ambitious iPhone Update

iOS 18 is the forthcoming iteration of the iPhone operating system, set to introduce significant advancements, especially in artificial intelligence. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the features, release date, compatibility, and implications of iOS 18.

What are the expected new features, release date, compatible devices list, and implications of this update? Here’s everything you need to know about iOS 18.

When is iOS 18 Expected to Release?

Apple has not officially announced the release date for iOS 18. However, based on Apple’s usual schedule, we can make educated guesses. Typically, Apple unveils the new iOS version at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

The final version of iOS usually aligns with the launch of the new iPhone, typically in September. Between these events, Apple releases public beta versions, allowing volunteers to test new features and report bugs.

If Apple follows this pattern, iOS 18 is likely to be introduced at WWDC 2024, expected in June 2024. The stable version of iOS 18 should be available by September 2024, coinciding with the iPhone 16 release. Public beta versions might be accessible about a month after the WWDC presentation for developers.

What are the Anticipated Features of iOS 18?

iOS 18 is expected to bring numerous innovations and improvements. With Apple reportedly building servers dedicated to AI, a significant emphasis on generative AI is anticipated. Here are the main features rumored to be part of iOS 18:

Siri’s Major Overhaul

Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, is expected to undergo a major revamp based on generative AI technology. This means Siri could generate original content, such as texts, images, or sounds, from existing data.

For instance, Siri could create personalized responses, music playlists, article summaries, or interactive stories. Siri could also automate complex tasks, provide more accurate answers, and complete sentences automatically. These advancements could extend to other Apple apps like Apple Music, Pages, Keynote, or Xcode.

Apple filed a patent last February aimed at making Siri more autonomous. Eventually, the assistant could potentially join conversations, counter aggressive marketing, broadcast recorded messages, and much more.

Support for RCS Protocol

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a communication protocol designed to replace SMS and offer features similar to instant messaging apps, like support for high-resolution images and videos, read receipts, voice messages, or video calls.

Apple plans to add RCS protocol support to the iPhone by 2024, enhancing the messaging experience for Android users communicating with iPhone users and offering better compatibility between different messaging apps.

Here are a few specific improvements (not exhaustive):

• Send high-quality photos and videos to friends and family without worrying about compression.
• Know when your messages are being typed and when they’ve been read, on both iPhone and Android.
• Reply to individual messages in a group conversation.
• Easily find old messages with advanced search.
• AI Integration in Messages

Messages, Apple’s native messaging app, is also expected to benefit from AI integration in iOS 18. AI could enable Messages to answer questions, suggest quick replies, translate messages, detect relevant information (like dates, locations, or contacts), or offer contextual actions (such as adding an event to the calendar, opening a map, or making a call).

Automatically Generated Playlists in Apple Music

Apple Music, Apple’s streaming music service, is also expected to utilize generative AI to create personalized playlists based on users’ tastes, moods, or activities. AI could also analyze song lyrics, musical genres, or current trends to offer tailored recommendations.

Generative AI Features in iWork and Xcode Applications

iWork, Apple’s office suite, and Xcode, Apple’s development environment, are expected to benefit from generative AI in iOS 18. AI could assist users in creating content, such as presentations, documents, or apps, by generating templates, graphics, animations, or code. AI could also correct errors, optimize performance, or suggest improvements.

Development of an Invisible Face ID Scanner

Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition system, might undergo a significant evolution with iOS 18. Apple is considering the development of an invisible Face ID scanner, hidden under the iPhone’s screen. This change could alter the overall user interface of the operating system by removing the current notch housing the Face ID scanner.

What iPhones Will Be Compatible with iOS 18?

The definitive list of devices compatible with iOS 18 has not been confirmed, but assumptions can be made based on devices compatible with iOS 17. Generally, Apple supports its devices for about five years, meaning older models are gradually phased out from updates.

iOS 18: A Major Design Change?

Rumors have been circulating for months about a potential major design overhaul for iOS 18. While Apple has not officially confirmed anything, accumulating evidence suggests the mobile operating system’s next version could undergo a significant redesign.

Based on available information, iOS 18 could lean towards a more streamlined and minimalist design. Icons might be redesigned with simpler shapes and more neutral colors. The user interface could also be simplified, reducing the number of superfluous elements.

The control center, already slightly modified in iOS 17, might undergo a more profound redesign in iOS 18. A more customizable control center is envisioned, with the ability to add or remove widgets and change their arrangement.

The multitasking mode, which hasn’t seen major changes for several years, could be improved in iOS 18. Enhanced management of applications in Split View and Slide Over modes is anticipated.

Links

• iOS 18 Potentially ‘Biggest’ Software Update in iPhone’s History – MacRumors
• Sell yourpre-owned Apple iOS device online – iGotOffer
• Everything About Apple’s Products – The complete guide to all Apple consumer electronic products, including technical specifications, identifiers and other valuable information.

The iOS 18 AI iPhone LAUNCH! What can we expect? [Video]

Video uploaded by Matt Talks Tech on February 6, 2024.