The upcoming operating system for iPhone and iPad by Apple, set to launch in 2024.
Overveiw
Apple IOS 18 Update :In anticipation of the June 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, where Apple is set to unveil iOS 18, there’s already buzz about the upcoming enhancements. With a surge in consumer interest in generative artificial intelligence products such as ChatGPT, Apple is poised to prioritize AI advancements in iOS 18. Expect to see AI and machine learning upgrades across various apps and features, as Apple harnesses large language models to enrich in-app functionalities.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 18 is anticipated to be a ‘relatively groundbreaking’ update, introducing significant new features and designs, although specific details remain scarce. Described by Apple executives as ‘ambitious and compelling,’ Gurman suggests that it could be the ‘biggest’ software update in iPhone history, boasting a host of new AI capabilities.
Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed in February the company’s substantial investment in artificial intelligence, with plans to unveil further details on their AI initiatives ‘later this year.’
As customary, the release of iOS 18 will coincide with iPadOS 18, tailored to leverage the larger displays of Apple’s tablet range.
AI Features
Apple is striving to catch up with industry leaders like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and OpenAI in AI development, investing over $1 billion annually in research and necessary hardware. The intention is to integrate AI across various aspects of iOS 18, enhancing built-in applications like Apple Music, Pages, and Keynote with features such as auto-generated playlists and AI-assisted content creation. Advanced AI capabilities may be exclusive to iPhone 16 models equipped with more powerful chips, particularly if reliant on on-device processing.
Decisions are still pending on whether to confine certain AI functions to on-device processing for heightened security or to utilize cloud deployment. Apple is exploring a hybrid model, combining cloud functionality with on-device processing for sensitive data. Plans include deploying generative AI capabilities by late 2024, coinciding with the launch of iOS 18. The upcoming A18 chip for iPhone 16 Pro models is rumored to feature an enhanced Neural Engine, indicating Apple’s commitment to advancing AI in its ecosystem.
Furthermore, Apple is enhancing its development environment with AI tools in the updated version of Xcode, facilitating code prediction and completion, as well as app testing using AI-generated code. While Apple may not introduce its own generative AI chatbot in iOS 18, collaborations with companies like Google are being considered, potentially integrating Google’s Gemini AI engine into the iPhone. Discussions are ongoing regarding the licensing of Google’s large-language models, although terms and branding remain unresolved.
Recognizing the need for extensive hardware infrastructure to support cloud-based AI features, Apple is seeking partnerships with companies like Google, Baidu, and OpenAI. However, the full realization of Apple’s generative AI vision may extend beyond iOS 18 as scaling such features will take time.
Siri
Siri is poised to capitalize on the advancements in artificial intelligence introduced by Apple in iOS 18. Speculation from a leaker suggests that Apple intends to leverage large-language models (LLMs) to completely overhaul Siri, transforming it into the “ultimate virtual assistant.”
LLMs, akin to those empowering chatbots like ChatGPT, harness vast datasets and utilize algorithms to generate content based on this wealth of information.
Reports indicate that the enhanced Siri will boast superior conversational abilities and enhanced user personalization. This upgraded functionality is expected to extend across devices, potentially enabling Siri to retain conversational context as users switch between devices.
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg notes that one specific feature Apple is working on involves improving the interaction between Siri and the Messages app, facilitating more effective auto-completion of sentences and handling complex inquiries.
Furthermore, The Information suggests that Siri will achieve deeper integration with the Shortcuts app, enabling users to automate intricate tasks. For instance, Siri could potentially execute a sequence of actions like capturing five photos, converting them into a GIF, and sending the resulting GIF to a recipient, all with a single command.
Anticipated Design Alterations
The forthcoming iOS 18 update is anticipated to introduce certain alterations in its design, as indicated by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who suggests that Apple is in the process of refreshing the operating system’s design ‘as soon as this year.’
While iOS may draw inspiration from visionOS in its design, it is unlikely to undergo a complete overhaul akin to visionOS, despite rumors hinting that iOS 18 would undergo a redesign to align with visionOS.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps in iOS 18 is rumored to introduce several new features, including support for custom routes. This means users may have the flexibility to input their preferred routes instead of being restricted to Apple’s preset options. Custom routes could allow users to choose specific roads for various reasons, such as scenery or familiarity. Additionally, iOS 18 might bring the topographic map feature from watchOS 10 to iPhones. These maps include trails, contour lines, elevation details, points of interest, and other elements useful for outdoor activities like hiking.
AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Mode
AirPods Pro 2 may soon incorporate a ‘hearing aid mode’ with the release of iOS 18. Initially speculated for the next AirPods Pro iteration, Apple intends to implement this feature through a software update. Currently, Apple offers Conversation Boost, enhancing volume and clarity for individuals directly facing the wearer. The exact distinction of the upcoming hearing aid mode remains unclear. Although Apple cannot promote AirPods Pro as aids for the hearing impaired, FDA has sanctioned over-the-counter hearing aids catering to non-hearing-impaired users
Apple IOS 18 update with Accessibility Features
Apple is developing fresh Accessibility functionalities for iOS 18 and macOS 15. One such feature, Adaptive Voice Shortcuts, empowers users to craft a personalized phrase and assign it to an accessibility setting. Uttering the phrase will then trigger the corresponding accessibility option, allowing users to easily toggle features such as VoiceOver, Voice Control, Zoom, and others.
Moreover, Live Speech will introduce a new capability for users to establish custom categories, facilitating the organization of personalized phrases.
iOS 18 Launch Date
The launch date for iOS 18 is set to coincide the apple ios 18 update with the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, where it will be showcased. After WWDC, developers will gain access to iOS 18 for testing, and a public beta is anticipated to follow in July. The official release of iOS 18 is slated for September 2024, coinciding with the launch of new iPhones.
