With this year’s WWDC date now scheduled, the anticipation for our initial glimpse of iOS 18 has officially started. We are accustomed to viewing sneak peeks of Apple’s future software updates at its yearly developers conferences. However, there is a heightened level of excitement for WWDC 2024 due to the buzz surrounding iOS 18.

In particular, iOS 18 is expected to showcase Apple’s initial focused attempts to incorporate AI-supported features comprehensively. Some individuals are now persuaded that iOS 18 will have a significant impact due to this change. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned in a January 2024 column that the new operating system is considered by the company as their biggest iOS update ever.

Even though the excitement is largely due to upcoming AI capabilities, there are probably additional reasons behind the anticipation for iOS 18. The software appears to be receiving interface updates and users can anticipate the usual array of improvements and updates to current applications.

WWDC might give us a sneak peek at the new iPhone software, but it won’t be the final say on iOS 18. Anticipate a summer release of a public beta, offering an opportunity for adventurous individuals to test out new features. The culmination will be the official launch of iOS 18 later this year, probably occurring right before the arrival of the iPhone 16 models.

Smarter Siri

Typically, with each iOS update, Siri gains new abilities to respond to a wider range of questions without relying on internet search results.

Siri has improved in reliability over time, and its manner of speaking and interacting with users appears to have become increasingly natural in recent years. However,this update has the potential to bring Apple’s virtual assistant to a higher level.

In particular, there have been discussions about a Siri 2.0 being unveiled at WWDC as a feature of iOS 18. At first, this update for the virtual assistant was seen as Apple’s move towards a chatbot, but later reports have dismissed the possibility of Apple creating its own chatbot.

Those reports suggest the possibility of Apple utilizing a chatbot from another company, given discussions between Apple and Google about potentially incorporating Google’s Gemini tool on the iPhone.

Whether or not there is a chatbot involved, speculation about iOS 18’s Siri upgrade indicates that it will become more interactive and skilled at managing intricate duties. Undoubtedly, Apple’s numerous acquisitions and job listings in this field indicate that there are plans being made — we will need to wait for the iOS 18 preview to fully understand the extent of the changes coming to Siri.

Generative AI coming to built-in apps

It is anticipated that artificial intelligence will be integrated into iOS 18 in various forms, such as generative AI enabling fresh functionalities in popular apps.

A report from Bloomberg by Mark Gurman highlights how AI assists iPhone users by creating playlists in the Music app or slides in the Keynote presentation tool automatically. Reportedly, the Spotlight search function is being trained on extensive language models and Apple may follow Samsung’s lead by introducing summary and formatting functions to Notes and Safari.

Apple has been transparent about its focus on generative AI. “CEO Tim Cook expressed his anticipation for sharing upcoming advancements in generative AI at a shareholder meeting in February, which he believes will revolutionize the future.” That timing coincides perfectly with an iOS 18 sneak peek.

Support for RCS in the Messages app

We’re discussing the standard known as RCS, which stands for rich communication services. Apple announced towards the end of last year that it planned to provide RCS support through a software update in 2024. When that occurs, likely through iOS 18 Update, it will enhance communication between iPhone and Android users.

RCS support is expected to enhance the default messaging experience between iPhones and Android devices with the following improvements:

– Photos and videos with greater clarity and detail.
– Voice recordings
– Indicators of typing
– Receipts that indicate when a message has been read.
– Communicating via Wi-Fi between iPhones and Android devices.
– Enhanced group chats now allow iPhone users to exit conversations with Android users included in them.

The advanced features can already be used in conversations between iPhones with blue bubbles through iMessage, and can also be found in third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. RCS functionality will broaden the capabilities of green bubbles in the Messages app on the iPhone.

The dividing green bubbles between Android and iOS, often mentioned in antitrust lawsuits, will remain in place, ensuring iMessage remains a top-notch chatting experience for iPhone users.

Customizing the main screen of your device.

Conversations have been circulating about iOS 18 Update potentially bringing notable alterations to the appearance of Apple’s iPhone system, however, there have not been many details disclosed thus far. Another report from Mark Gurman suggests that iOS 18 will allow users to have more control over the customization of their home screens.

At this moment, you have the ability to customize the wallpaper on your iPhone’s home screen and rearrange the order of apps on various screens. Since the iOS 14 update in 2020, it is possible to include widgets on the home screen as well. However, throughout this period, you have remained committed to the 6 x 4 grid structure in which app icons are organized in rows and columns.

Allegedly, in iOS 18, the customization options will allow you to have increased influence on the placement of app icons, creating empty spaces and gaps as desired. We believe there is more to this change than what has been revealed, but having more flexibility in where apps can be placed seems like a positive move.

Map Features

Some updates in iOS 18 will not be focused on AI. Certain upgrades will be traditional, such as new features integrated into current applications, enhancing their functionality. This is also true for Maps, as it is already scheduled to receive a few enhancements in iOS 18.

MacRumors recently disclosed two possible upcoming Apple Maps functions in iOS 18: personalized routes and terrain maps.
Apple Maps users can opt for certain roads to travel on during navigation by utilizing the custom routes feature, whether it be for familiar routes or picturesque surroundings. This functionality is anticipated to be accessible solely in the United States upon its initial release. Google Maps currently enables users to plan custom routes online and later access them on an iPhone.

Topographic maps were introduced on the Apple Watch in the previous year through watchOS 10, and indications show that this feature will be extended to the iPhone, Mac, and Vision Pro in iOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2. These maps provide information like hiking trails, contour lines, elevation, and points of interest for outdoor activities.

The feature that will generate the most excitement is the option to personalize your routes when using Maps for directions, a capability noticed in code for the app. We will need to wait for Apple’s official statement, but it appears that you will have the option to specify directions while mapping out a route.

For instance, when planning a road trip, Maps and I have contrasting strategies for reaching the nearest freeway entrance from my home. I won’t have to disregard Maps for that portion of my trip; I believe I can personalize my route along the streets I like to take instead of the ones chosen as the quickest by Apple.

The feature can also come in handy if there’s a specific location you’d like to visit that is not included in the Map app’s recommended route.

Features for easy access

The accessibility enhancements will be included in iOS 18 (and the forthcoming macOS update as well). Adaptive Voice Shortcuts seem to be the standout feature, allowing users to use a custom phrase to manage a particular accessibility option. It will simplify the use of the iPhone for those who find a touch interface challenging.

However, sources indicate that there are other accessibility enhancements as well. It has been said that the Live Speech enhancement will improve organization tools for phrases, and the Adjustable Text Size feature will now support additional apps including Books, News, Stocks, Tips, and Weather.

Hearing Aid mode for AirPods Pro users

Talking about accessibility features, iOS 18 is expected to introduce a new feature that enhances the value of AirPods Pro for individuals with hearing impairments.

A Hearing Aid Mode could potentially be introduced in iOS 18 Update according to a report from Bloomberg. Assuming Apple obtains the necessary regulatory approval, the feature will be compatible with Second-Gen models of the AirPods Pro wireless earbuds.

Comprehensive assistance for iPhone

Every WWDC event creates suspense as attendees eagerly await the announcement regarding which phones will be compatible with the latest iOS update. Apple provides generous support for a minimum of five years with iOS and security updates, yet it’s still disappointing to hear about exciting new features for iPhones knowing you’ll need to upgrade your older device.

There might be positive updates regarding iOS 18 if you trust a recently removed post concerning iPhone compatibility. It is believed that the software update will be compatible with all iPhones that support iOS 17, including the iPhone XR, iPhone XS from 2018, and the iPhone SE versions from 2020 and 2022.

Not all phones will necessarily support every feature. We have been informed that certain advanced AI features might only be available on iPhone 16 models, and it is uncertain what other future iOS 18 features will need newer hardware. However, every time you manage to extend the life of your iPhone by another year, it is a reason to rejoice.

‘Apple ID’ Expected to Change to ‘Apple Account’ Starting With iOS 18

Apple has already named the money added to an Apple ID as an “Apple Account balance,” and according to Gurman, there is a specific team dedicated to managing “Apple Accounts” within the company.

The term Apple ID is anticipated to be entirely discontinued later this year as part of a complete rebranding effort, more than twenty years after it was first introduced by the company. The reason for Apple’s decision is unclear, but naming it “Apple Account” would be a more direct branding choice.

Apple is expected to give a sneak peek of iOS 18 update and other important software updates at the WWDC event in June, where they are also likely to announce the rebranding to “Apple Account”. The release of the updates is scheduled for September on a large scale.

iOS 18 view forward

Remember that information about software leaks is typically more difficult to obtain than hints about upcoming iPhone releases. This is because Apple creates its software internally, so there are no talkative third-party suppliers leaking information about future specifications.

That is one additional method of stating that we have an understanding of a few of the new features of iOS 18 update and WWDC is over two months away. Anticipate further information to be revealed regarding the upcoming iPhone software update, as we determine if iOS 18 will be as impactful as expected.