iOS 18 remains to be months away from being unveiled, however there are already rumors and expectations for the software program replace, as outlined beneath.
iOS 18 is rumored to incorporate new ChatGPT-like generative AI options for Siri and a number of other built-in Apple apps. The replace is predicted so as to add RCS help to the Messages app for an improved texting expertise with Android customers. A sketchy rumor claimed that iOS 18 may even have some visionOS-inspired design modifications.
iOS 18 will likely be introduced at Apple’s annual builders convention WWDC in June, and the replace will likely be launched to all customers in September.
Generative AI and Smarter Siri
iOS 18 is rumored to have new generative AI options for Siri, Shortcuts, Messages, Apple Music, Pages, and extra. On a February 2024 earnings name, Apple CEO Tim Prepare dinner mentioned the corporate was engaged on generative AI and would share details “later this year.”
Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said generative AI “ought to enhance how each Siri and the Messages app can area questions and auto-complete sentences.” The Data‘s Wayne Ma said Apple would incorporate massive language fashions into Siri to let customers automate advanced duties, a characteristic that will contain deeper integration with the Shortcuts app.
Generative AI surged in recognition in 2022 after OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a chatbot that may reply to questions and different prompts. Google, Microsoft, and different firms have additionally launched comparable chatbots and instruments, together with ones that may robotically generate photographs, reply to voice queries, and extra.
Some generative AI options might be exclusive to iPhone 16 models, that are rumored to have a Neural Engine with “significantly” more cores.
RCS Assist in Messages App
In November 2023, Apple introduced that it might support the cross-platform messaging standard RCS within the Messages app on the iPhone beginning “later” in 2024, so it can possible be an iOS 18 characteristic based mostly on that timeframe.
RCS help ought to end result within the following enhancements to the default messaging expertise between iPhones and Android gadgets:
- Greater-resolution pictures and movies
- Audio messages
- Typing indicators
- Learn receipts
- Wi-Fi messaging between iPhones and Android gadgets
- Improved group chats, together with the flexibility for iPhone customers to depart a dialog that features Android customers
- Improved encryption in comparison with SMS
These trendy options are already obtainable for iPhone-to-iPhone conversations with blue bubbles, through iMessage, and lots of the options are additionally obtainable in third-party messaging apps, equivalent to WhatsApp and Telegram. RCS help on the iPhone will prolong the options to inexperienced bubbles within the Messages app.
Greatest iOS Replace Ever?
Apple believes iOS 18 has the potential to be the “biggest” software update in the iPhone’s history, based on Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
“I am advised that the brand new working system is seen inside the firm as one of many largest iOS updates — if not the largest — within the firm’s historical past,” he wrote, in a January 2024 version of his Power On newsletter.
visionOS-Impressed Design Modifications?
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will characteristic visionOS-inspired design elements, based on a rumor shared by Israeli web site The Verifier.
For instance, the report claimed that the Apple TV app on iPadOS 18 will characteristic the identical translucent navigation bar that was introduced in the tvOS 17.2 version of the app in 2023. The design of this menu attracts similarities to visionOS, the working system that runs on Apple’s new Imaginative and prescient Professional combined actuality headset.
Apple additionally plans to revamp numerous different system menus and built-in apps on iOS 18, together with Safari, based on the report.
The Verifier has a combined monitor report with Apple rumors over time, so this newest rumor ought to be handled with some skepticism.
Extra Particulars
For extra info, learn our iOS 18 roundup.
