Apple iOS 18 is just a few months away. Here’s everything new in Apple’s next annual update that you should know about.
Apple iOS 18 Beta Release Date
The full version of the Apple i0S 18 will be launched in September 2024. Apple iOS 18 public version will be released this June at the WWDC 2024 event, which will be held between June 10 and 14. Apple will give us a sneak peek of the beta version before the full iOS 18 release. The iPhone 16 will also be launching around the same time. Apple has set the tradition of launching its products in September.
AI Features
iPhones with the iOS 18 update will have multiple features, including Artificial Intelligence. The company has invested in an AI-powered update. Conversational AI is the concept behind how users can automate complex tasks using simple voice commands, essentially enhancing Siri into a more intelligent digital assistant. Moreover, analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities believes the company will launch its AI chatbot in late 2024, around the same time as the iOS release in September.
iPhone 16 Update: Artificial Intelligence
Along with iOS 18, the iPhone 16 stands to benefit significantly from Apple’s AI advancements. Leaker Revegnus stated that Apple will employ large language models (LLM) for its Siri upgrade. iPhones can rely on cloud-based AI features; the iPhone 16 is expected to have sufficient processing power to enable these tasks locally. Reports show the importance of on-device AI in Apple’s strategy.
Additionally, Apple is said to be in discussions with Google regarding the integration of Google’s Gemini AI models into the iPhone ecosystem. These are likely in collaboration with iOS 18’s AI initiatives.
Much of this advancement is anticipated to be facilitated by the A18 family of chips slated for the 2024 iPhone. All models of the iPhone 16 are expected to utilize some variation of the A18 system-on-chip, with the higher-end versions boasting powerful silicon. This will improve performance and ensure user privacy by keeping data on the device.
While specifics about these AI-driven features for iOS 18 are currently lacking, more details are expected to emerge before WWDC 2024.
Supported Devices for Apple iOS 18
While we’ll get more updates on AI features, let’s look at the supported devices. iOS 18 might be available for all iPhones currently running iOS 17.
Here’s the list of iPhones rumored to be eligible for iOS 18:
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the upcoming iOS 18 is anticipated to be a “relatively groundbreaking” software update with “major new features and designs,” but specific details are scarce. Apple executives have reportedly described iOS 18 as “ambitious and compelling.” Gurman suggests that there is a chance that it will be the “biggest” software update in the iPhone’s history, featuring a “slew of new AI features.” He says it is safe to assume that this update will be significant.
Moreover, Gurman has hinted at Apple enhancing home screen customization in iOS 18. This could allow users to place apps wherever they prefer on the grid instead of using the current auto-alignment. However, the exact details of this customization are still unclear.
RCS Support
Besides the exciting AI feature, Apple confirmed another functionality most believe will be part of iOS 18. The company confirmed RCS support for iPhones 2024 last November.
RCS, which stands for Rich Communication Services, is a texting technology Android messaging apps use. Apple has confirmed that its iMessage platform will still be exclusive to iPhone users. However, there’s a change coming regarding texting from iPhones to Androids. While the distinction between green and blue bubbles will remain, there should be better communication between the two platforms. This means features like typing indicators and read receipts could work when texting Android users from your iPhone.
Accessibility Features
Like many iOS updates, iOS 18 may introduce additional accessibility features. According to MacRumors, industry sources suggest three new accessibility features:
- Adaptive Voice Shortcuts: Users can create a unique spoken phrase linked to an accessibility setting.
- New “Categories” section in Live Speech: Building on iOS 17’s Live Speech feature, iOS 18 may add a user-created categories section for organizing desired phrases.
- Customizable font size in more apps: Apple may expand support for adjustable text size in iOS 18 and macOS 15, allowing users to customize font size for more individual apps.
