In this article, we will discuss iOS 18 Expected Features Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 is on the way to be the iPhone software update for 2024, packed with ambitious features and design changes. Here’s a roundup of what we know so far about iOS 18.
iOS 18 Expected Features: What to Expected
In an unusual move, Apple took a one-week pause in the development of iOS 18 after completing the first milestone build to address early bugs and issues. However, This brief delay is not expected to significantly impact the release date or the introduction of new features.
Release Date Predictions
iOS 18 is likely to be announced at WWDC 2024, scheduled for the first or second week of June. Following this announcement, developers will have access to the beta version for testing, with a public beta expected in July. The official release to the general public is anticipated in September 2024.
Recent iOS release dates for reference
- iOS 17: September 17, 2023
- iOS 16: September 12, 2022
- iOS 15: September 20, 2021
- iOS 14: September 16, 2020
- iOS 13: September 19, 2019
- iOS 12: September 17, 2018
Major New AI Features
One of the significant highlights of iOS 18 is the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features. Apple, caught off guard by the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Microsoft Copilot, is actively working on enhancing Siri and implementing AI across various applications.
The reported AI features include:
- A revamped Siri utilizing a new AI system with large language model technology
- AI integration in the Messages app for question handling and sentence auto-completion
- New AI features for Apple Music, facilitating auto-generated playlists
- Integrating generative AI into iWork apps (Keynote and Pages) and Xcode for faster application development
RCS Support
In a surprise announcement, Apple revealed that RCS (Rich Communication Services) support is coming to iPhones in 2024. RCS is the successor to SMS and MMS, bringing iMessage-style features to texts between iPhone and Android users. This includes read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality media sharing, and location sharing within text threads.
Additional Insights
Bloomberg describes iOS 18 as Apple’s most ambitious and compelling update in years, filled with major new features, designs, and improvements in security and performance. However, the complete feature set of iOS 18 remains uncertain at this stage.
Leaks and Speculations
iOS 18 Launch Date
Based on past releases, iOS 18 is expected to launch in mid-September 2024, coinciding with the iPhone 16 line and the Apple Watch 10. However, Apple typically provides a glimpse of the key features during WWDC in early June, with developer previews and public betas available shortly after.
Device Compatibility
While specific devices supporting iOS 18 are yet to be confirmed, it’s speculated that iPhones released in 2018, including the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, may no longer be supported. This speculation aligns with Apple’s historical pattern of dropping support for devices released three years prior.
AI Investment
Apple’s focus on AI is evident through significant investments in AI servers and features. The rumored Apple GPT, a ChatGPT rival, is in development, potentially revolutionizing Siri and AppleCare. AI-powered Siri enhancements, including chatbot capabilities and image-generating AI, are expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2024.
Wishlist for iOS 18
As iOS 18 takes shape, users have expressed a desire for the following improvements:
- Global Availability of Key Features: Ensure that headline features are accessible globally, avoiding limitations seen in previous releases like Live Voicemail.
- Compatibility with Android for Check-In: Extend features like Check-In to Android users, enhancing safety-related functionalities.
- AI Upgrade for Siri: Enhance Siri with advanced AI capabilities for more natural conversations and complex task execution.
- Cursor Placement in the Middle of a Word: Implement a feature allowing users to tap the center of a word to place the cursor, simplifying typo corrections.
- Thoughtful AI Integration: Integrate AI into various aspects of iOS 18, particularly in photography, with a focus on enhancing image editing capabilities.
Conclusion
In the realm of iOS updates, the recent iOS 17.3 brings noteworthy improvements, especially in the realm of stolen device protection for iPhone. Explore these enhancements and stay tuned for the latest in iOS security.
