Following iOS 17, Apple is preparing for its next big iOS version, iOS 18, which is anticipated later this year. According to rumors, iOS 18 will be one of the greatest iPhone updates ever, transforming the user experience with significant advances in artificial intelligence. As an iOS expert, I will examine the most recent leaks and speculations around iOS 18 to anticipate the enormous changes it may bring.
iOS 18: The AI Revolution
At the heart of iOS 18‘s redesign will most likely be a revamped virtual assistant driven by cutting-edge AI. Apple is apparently working on an enhanced large language model (LLM) similar to Google’s LaMDA. This might turn Siri into a highly conversational assistant capable of complicated, context-based interaction.
Siri may soon be able to accept multi-step inquiries without losing context, similar to Google’s planned Bard assistant. For example, users may ask Siri to turn on their living room lights and then adjust the brightness without having to repeat the context. Siri may potentially provide full multimedia responses rather than just short excerpts from the web.
Apple’s LLM might allow Siri to react to the instruction “write me a poem about my cat” with a unique, cohesive poem. These human-like skills to follow narratives and develop content may finally put Apple’s assistant on level with competition.
Beyond Siri, iOS 18 is likely to incorporate AI throughout the native app experience. The Mail app may get the ability to produce brief responses based on the contents of an email. An AI-powered dictation capability can write and format messages depending on speech. Even apps like Maps and Photos might benefit from AI for better discovery, searching, and management.
Apple’s cautious approach to AI development suggests that these functions will most likely be enabled on-device, avoiding the privacy risks associated with cloud processing. While less scalable, it demonstrates Apple’s dedication to consumer data security.
iOS 18: Intelligent texting
Of all the rumored AI-powered innovations in iOS 18, Rich Communication Services (RCS) support in Messages is the most anticipated.
RCS is a messaging technology that carriers have been gradually introducing as an upgrade to standard SMS. It provides benefits such as read receipts, high-quality media sharing, improved encryption, and more. However, RCS support on Android smartphones is fragmented.
iOS 18 may finally allow iPhone users to use RCS while messaging their Android buddies. This would significantly improve cross-platform messaging by indicating when contacts are typing and allowing for high-fidelity photo and video sharing.
Apple refuses to give up control over Messages to carriers’ RCS implementations. However, by embedding its own support into iOS, Apple is able to introduce RCS features on its own terms while also driving communication with Android forward. It’s a significant concession that recognizes the reality of messaging beyond Apple’s walled garden.
With iOS 18, Apple is likely to add new social features to Messages, inspired by apps such as WhatsApp. Shared picture libraries may allow organizations to cooperate on photo collections. Activities, such as co-listening to Apple Music, may introduce shared experiences into discussion threads.
These additions, together with the boost from RCS adoption, have the potential to revitalize Messages after years of stagnation.
Redesigned Look and Feel for iOS 18
While AI will serve as the backbone of iOS 18, it is likely to be Apple’s most significant visual upgrade in many years. Apple recently redesigned the lock screen in iOS 16 and introduced widgets to the home screen. iOS 18 may now overhaul app icons, typefaces, color schemes, and other aspects of the UI.
According to leaks, Apple’s apps would use a more modern, unified design language, eliminating inconsistencies. Mail may lose its stamp icon, and Messages may migrate away from the cartoon conversation bubble. System fonts are expected to become more rounded, similar to the existing San Francisco Pro Rounded, to help unify the visual approach.
More dynamic system colors that vary according to wallpapers are also expected, bringing iOS in line with Android and Windows. These colors may be applied to system menus, programs, widgets, and other elements to create a more coherent look.
For customers who are not ready to be on the bleeding edge, Apple will most likely allow them to scale back the revamped look and app icons. However, activating the new layout may make using iOS feel fresh again on older devices.
Under the Hood Refinements
While huge advancements in AI and messaging will define the iOS 18 cycle, Apple is committed to enhancing performance, stability, and privacy in the background.
iOS 18 will include the standard set of speed improvements, improving on the already impressive performance of A16 devices. Apple may extend its lead over Android in terms of single-core performance and energy efficiency.
New developer APIs could allow third-party programs to take advantage of Apple silicon’s hardware-accelerated capabilities, resulting in lightning-fast experiences. Apple may potentially change how apps are frozen when backgrounded to promote multitasking.
On the privacy front, new transparency capabilities may expose what data apps are accessing and when. iOS 18 may even restrict access to data such as location for app periods specified by the user.
Health app improvements are scheduled to include the ability to share specific data types with caregivers, as well as additional interactions with medical devices. Even as it shifts its focus to artificial intelligence, Apple is not forgetting the fundamentals.
The Road Ahead
iOS 18 is a significant evolutionary step for Apple. After years of polishing and refining, Apple is making a major move into AI to reinvent essential experiences such as texting and voice help.
This transition is not without its challenges. Apple’s anticipated plan to temporarily suspend feature development demonstrates the company’s commitment to mastering the fundamentals before revealing game-changing AI capabilities.
Much remains unknown about iOS 18 as its June unveiling approaches. But one thing is certain: iOS 18 will be the release that finally integrates the iPhone’s traditional strengths in privacy and performance into the AI era. It aims to upend the smartphone landscape and chart Apple’s course for years to come. As devices become more intelligent, Apple is ensuring that the iPhone stays at the forefront.
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