iOS 18 for iPhone and iPad, Expected To Have Enhanced AI Features

As the June 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) approaches,
anticipation for Apple’s iOS 18 is building. This upcoming update
promises to be one of the most significant in the history of the iPhone, with
major advancements in artificial intelligence and a slew of new features
designed to enhance user experience. Here’s an in-depth look at what we think we know
so far about iOS 18.

Major Advancements in AI

Enhanced AI Integration

Apple is making a massive push into AI, investing over $1 billion annually in
research and hardware. The primary goal is to integrate AI across various apps
to significantly enhance their functionality. For example, Apple Music might
soon feature auto-generated playlists based on user preferences and listening
habits. Pages and Keynote could offer AI-assisted writing and slide creation,
making content creation more efficient and intuitive. These features will
initially run on-device, leveraging the new A18 chip’s upgraded Neural Engine,
which is expected to provide a substantial boost in AI performance.

Siri and Search

Siri is set to undergo a major overhaul, becoming more conversational and
proactive, thanks to the implementation of large language models (LLMs). Users
can look forward to Siri auto-summarizing notifications, transcribing voice
memos, and providing more contextually relevant suggestions. Additionally,
Siri will gain deeper integration with the Shortcuts app, enabling more
complex task automation that can significantly streamline daily routines.

AI in Xcode

Developers are also in for a treat with the updated Xcode, which will include
AI tools for code prediction and completion. These tools are designed to
streamline app development by providing smarter code suggestions and even
generating code for testing purposes. This can save developers time and reduce
the margin for error, leading to more robust and innovative apps.

Design and Customization Enhancements

Home Screen Customization

One of the most exciting updates in iOS 18 is the enhanced customization
options for the Home Screen. Users will have the ability to arrange app icons
with blank spaces, rows, and columns, offering a more personalized and
flexible user interface. This change aims to provide a level of customization
that fans have been eagerly awaiting, reminiscent of the significant Lock
Screen changes introduced in iOS 16.

App Updates

Safari

Safari is getting a substantial makeover in iOS 18. A new “Intelligent Search”
feature will summarize key topics and phrases on webpages, making it easier to
digest large amounts of information. The introduction of a “Web Eraser” tool
will allow users to remove unwanted sections from webpages, enhancing the
browsing experience. Additionally, an updated quick-access menu will
streamline navigation, making it easier to switch between tabs and access
favorite sites.

Apple Maps

Apple Maps is set to become even more user-friendly with the introduction of
custom routes. This feature will allow users to select specific roads for
their journeys, catering to personal preferences and needs. Furthermore, the
topographic map feature from watchOS 10 is expected to make its way to iOS 18,
which will be particularly useful for hiking and outdoor activities, offering
detailed elevation information and terrain data.

Photos

The Photos app will see the addition of AI-based editing features, although
they might not be as advanced as those found in professional editing platforms
like Photoshop. These tools will nonetheless enhance the user experience by
making it easier to edit and organize photos with minimal effort.

Notes and Voice Memos

The Notes app will soon support recording voice memos directly within the app,
allowing users to embed recordings in their notes and benefit from
AI-generated summaries of key points. The Voice Memos app will also feature
advanced audio transcription capabilities, making it easier to convert spoken
words into written text.

Calendar and Reminders

Integration between the Calendar and Reminders apps will allow users to view
and interact with reminders directly within the calendar interface. This
seamless integration is designed to improve productivity and ensure that
important tasks and events are never overlooked.

Apple Music

Apple Music will introduce smart song transitions and auto-generated playlists
based on user-defined parameters such as mood, activity, or time of day. These
features aim to enhance the listening experience by providing more
personalized and dynamic music recommendations.

New Accessibility Features

Reduce Motion Sickness

A new “Vehicle Motion Cues” option is being introduced to help prevent motion
sickness by using visual elements on the display to indicate real-time changes
in motion. This feature will be particularly beneficial for users who
frequently travel by car or other vehicles.

Eye Tracking

Eye Tracking technology will allow users to navigate their iPhone or iPad
interface using only their eyes. This groundbreaking feature will
significantly enhance accessibility for users with mobility impairments,
providing a new level of independence and interaction with their devices.

Music Haptics

“Music Haptics” will enable the iPhone’s Taptic Engine to play vibrations that
correspond to audio, offering a tactile music experience. This innovative
feature aims to provide a multi-sensory experience, allowing users to feel the
music as they listen.

Vocal Shortcuts

With “Vocal Shortcuts,” users can assign custom utterances to launch shortcuts
and perform complex tasks using Siri. This feature will provide a more
personalized and efficient way to interact with their devices through voice
commands.

CarPlay Updates

Enhanced Accessibility

CarPlay will receive several new accessibility features designed to improve
usability for all users:

Voice Control: Navigate CarPlay options and apps using voice commands,
reducing the need for manual interaction.

Color Filters: Adjust the interface for color-blind users, ensuring that all
information is easily accessible.

Sound Recognition: Receive notifications for sounds like car horns and sirens,
enhancing situational awareness while driving.

RCS Adoption

Later in 2024, Apple will adopt the Rich Communication Services (RCS)
standard, significantly improving iPhone-to-Android messaging. This update
will introduce features such as cross-platform emoji reactions, real-time
typing indicators, read receipts, and better group chat performance, enhancing
the overall messaging experience across different platforms.

Compatibility

iOS 18 will support all iPhones that can run iOS 17, ensuring that a wide
range of users can benefit from the new features and improvements. Supported
models include:

iPhone 15 models

iPhone 14 models

iPhone 13 models

iPhone 12 models

iPhone 11 models

iPhone XS and XS Max

iPhone XR

iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen)

Launch Date

iOS 18 will be previewed at WWDC on June 10, 2024. A developer beta will be
available shortly after the announcement, with a public beta expected in July.
The official release is likely to coincide with the launch of new iPhones in
September 2024.

As Apple continues to refine its AI strategy and enhance the user experience,
iOS 18 is shaping up to be a groundbreaking update that will push the
boundaries of what the iPhone can do. For Apple fans and iPhone/iPad users,
this promises to be an exciting year full of innovative features and
improvements.