What to Expect from iOS 18: AI, App Updates, and More

The anticipation for iOS 18 is palpable, with many considering it one of Apple’s most significant updates yet. Set to be previewed in less than two months and fully released later, iOS 18 is expected to bring major changes, particularly in its use of artificial intelligence (AI). Apple seems keen on catching up with other tech giants by integrating AI more aggressively into its products. Rumored upgrades include large language modules (LLM), generative AI features, and an enhanced Siri capable of handling more complex requests.

While AI is the star of the show, there’s more to iOS 18 than just that. Apple usually introduces new features and improvements to existing apps with each iOS update, and this time is no different. Although the focus seems to be on system-wide enhancements. However, you will also get app-specific updates.

Many built-in iPhone apps with iOS 18 will get exciting enhancements and new capabilities. Some of these features are likely part of Apple’s AI push, while others are more typical of a regular iOS update.

What to Expect from iOS 18: AI, App Updates, and More

As we get closer to WWDC 2024 and the preview of iOS 18, more details will emerge. However, here are some of the rumored app updates that have piqued our interest so far.

iOS 18 Notes:

The Notes app is expected to gain two significant capabilities in iOS 18: the ability to include voice recordings and calculator integration. While iOS 17 allows you to add pictures, videos, sketches, and scanned documents, it lacks the ability to embed audio recordings. This is likely to change with iOS 18, making it easier to record lectures or meetings alongside typed notes or pictures of a whiteboard.

iOS 18 Maps

Following the addition of offline maps in iOS 17, iOS 18 is rumored to introduce the ability to create custom routes in Apple Maps. This feature would allow users to tailor their routes, useful for road trips or when wanting to visit specific points of interest not on the suggested route. There are also rumors of topographical maps coming to the app, extending a feature already available to Apple Watch users.

iOS 18 Messages

Apple is set to add support for the Rich Communication Service (RCS) standard to the iPhone with iOS 18. This support will improve interplatform texting, especially in group chats, bringing features like emoji reactions, real-time read receipts, and typing indicators to messaging with Android users.

iOS 18 Music

Rumors suggest that iOS 18 will bring AI-generated playlists to Apple Music. While specifics are unclear, this feature could allow users to request playlists based on genre or mood. It will likely tie to Apple Music’s subscription service.

iOS 18 Pages and Keynote

Both the Pages word processing tool and the Keynote presentations app are expected to receive AI-powered improvements. These could include an AI-powered writing assistant and assistance with creating presentations, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy AI features.

iOS 18 Freeform

Freeform, a tool for cross-platform collaboration, is rumored to add a new navigational feature called Scenes. This feature would allow users to designate specific sections of their whiteboard as scenes. It will make it easier to navigate and work within the app.

iOS 18 Safari

Safari is expected to get an AI-powered browsing assistant and encrypted visual search in iOS 18. The browsing assistant could summarize website contents, similar to Galaxy AI, while the visual search would enhance privacy in searches.

While these are just a few of the rumored changes, iOS 18 promises to be a significant update with a focus on AI enhancements. More details will be revealed at WWDC 2024, where Apple will unveil its software updates for the year.