Holding a massive user base, Apple’s iOS system updates are always highly anticipated. Just shortly after the unveiling of the iOS 17.4 last week, Apple have now revealed the successor to iOS 17, which is the brand new iOS 18.
Apple are gearing up to release iOS 18, the upcoming significant update for their iPhone operating system, expected later this year. Reports suggest that iOS 18 is poised to become one of Apple’s most extensive and ambitious updates to date, placing a strong emphasis on incorporating AI features aimed at enhancing various facets of the iPhone user experience.
Exploring Apple’s Present AI Scenario
Before diving into iOS 18, it’s essential to grasp Apple’s current status in the realm of AI. Despite the iPhone boasting longstanding AI capabilities, such as photoduplication detection and photo enhancement, there’s recognition that Apple might be in pursuit, aiming to catch up with competitors like Samsung and Google in the realm of generative AI.
Apple in the Generative AI Race
Google and Samsung have elevated expectations with their latest flagship offerings, highlighting advanced AI functionalities. The Pixel 8 series from Google brought forth Bard, while Samsung integrated Galaxy AI into their Galaxy S24 lineup. The anticipation now centres on whether Apple will make their move with the iPhone 16.
Despite Apple’s existing AI features, such as the voice-activated assistant Siri, there’s a prevailing expectation that iOS 18 will propel these capabilities to new heights. The historical trend of Apple unveiling significant software updates at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), their annual software development conference in June, intensifies the speculation surrounding potential AI advancements.
iOS 18 May Be the Biggest Update in iPhone History
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, as reported by MacRumors, suggests that iOS 18 might be a groundbreaking update, possibly the most significant in Apple’s history, according to insights from Apple employees. Apple have already hinted at an “Ambitious and compelling” update with “Major new features and designs”. Gurman’s remarks have heightened anticipation, especially considering that iOS 18 is expected to mark Apple’s substantial entry into the realm of AI.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software engineering, is said to have conveyed that iOS 18 will introduce ambitious changes across various aspects. The expectation is that this update will be remembered as one of the most substantial milestones in Apple’s iOS evolution.
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A Sneak Peek on the AI Integration
Mark Gurman’s insights shed light on the diverse AI integrations in the pipeline for iOS 18:
1. Upgraded and More Intelligent Siri
With the introduction of Gemini, Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, is set to become more intelligent and conversational. Siri will gain the ability to summarise content from web pages, articles, podcasts, and videos, delivering relevant information and suggestions. Additionally, Siri will be capable of handling more intricate and natural queries, providing personalised and contextual responses.
2. Smarter Interaction on Messages App
The Messages app is poised for AI integration, enabling it to handle inquiries and automatically complete sentences. This potential transformation could reshape the way users engage with the messaging platform, offering a more intuitive and streamlined experience. Picture your iPhone predicting your responses and finishing sentences based on your customary conversational style.
3. AI Touch on Apple Music
This update is for music enthusiasts, as AI features are poised to elevate the Apple Music experience. The potential introduction of auto-generated playlists tailored to individual preferences can transform how users explore and relish music. With Apple Music’s AI, the creation of playlists that align with users’ distinctive tastes promises a more personalised and enjoyable music streaming experience.
4. Generative AI in iWork Apps
Productivity applications such as Keynote and Pages within the iWork suite are poised to incorporate generative AI features. This integration is designed to streamline tasks and enhance efficiency for users involved in creating presentations and documents. The incorporation of generative AI into content creation holds the promise of a substantial leap in productivity for users of Apple devices.
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5. Generative AI on Xcode
Developers are poised to benefit from the AI revolution with rumours suggesting that iOS 18 will introduce generative AI features to Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment. This anticipated move is expected to empower developers, enabling them to expedite the creation of new applications by harnessing the capabilities of AI.
6. Inclusion of RCS Support
The integration of RCS support in iOS 18 is poised to revolutionise cross-platform messaging between iPhones and Android devices. Apple have already announced the inclusion of RCS support in their iPhones this year since November 2023, and you can learn more about the RCS in this article.
Extending these contemporary features beyond iMessage’s exclusive iPhone-to-iPhone conversations to the green bubbles in the Messages app signifies a stride towards a more inclusive messaging experience.
7. AI in Notes
The note-taking application is set to introduce a novel AI-driven functionality known as Quick Notes, streamlining the process of note creation for users. Quick Notes will efficiently generate content based on user input, encompassing bullet points, summaries, outlines, and diagrams. Additionally, it will have the capability to extract and organise information from web pages, images, and documents while seamlessly incorporating links and references.
8. AI in Photos
The photo editing application is poised to introduce a novel AI-driven functionality named Photo Editor, providing users with the capability to edit and enhance their photos using generative AI. Photo Editor will have the ability to apply filters, effects, stickers, and text, allowing users to alter the style, mood, and context of their photos. Additionally, it will be proficient in creating collages, slideshows, and animations from the photos.
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What to Expect From iOS 18
While specific details about iOS 18 remain scarce, the available information suggests a revolutionary update. Apple‘s dedication to making it one of the most ambitious updates in years, combined with the integration of groundbreaking AI features, creates anticipation for an exciting future.
As we await the official reveal at WWDC, it’s evident that iOS 18 has the potential to redefine our interactions with iPhones. With more intelligent Siri, advanced messaging features, and enhanced productivity tools, the upcoming iPhone update appears ready to establish new benchmarks and elevate the user experience to unprecedented levels. In the meantime waiting for the official reveal, you might want to take a look back at what the previous iOS 17 offered for a slight comparison.