iOS 18 Features: What's New in iOS 18?

Apple has announced that the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place on June 10, 2024, when iOS will receive a software iteration. According to insider sources, iOS 18 will have a major update. In this article, we'll cover the top seven new features expected to be added in iOS 18, as well as FAQs about iOS 18. Let's get on with it.

Part 1: What's New in iOS 18?

1. AI Features

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being integrated into various devices, as evidenced by the AI features of the Samsung Galaxy AI and Google Pixel 8. Next, Apple may add AI features to iOS 18 as they have already invested heavily in generative AI technology, spending more than $1 billion per year.

Recent news suggests that Apple is exploring a partnership with Google to license Gemini AI technology on iPhones similar to that used in Samsung's S24 series, but the matter has not yet been finalized, while Apple may also consider adopting OpenAI as an alternative.

Apple is reportedly aiming to utilize large language models to bring a range of AI features to iOS 18, including but not limited to:

• A fully upgraded Siri that leverages new AI technologies to deliver a smarter interactive experience.
• Smarter Spotlight, which enables more actions through text commands.
• Text Assist in the SMS App, which processes content and auto-completes conversations.
• Apple Music's new AI feature that creates auto-generated playlists based on commands.
• Integration of generative AI in Keynote and Pages to assist in the creation of content such as text and slides.
• Health App will incorporate AI to provide personalized health and fitness advice.
• Including AI features in Xcode to help developers write new apps more efficiently.

Some of iOS 18's AI features may be limited to specific models, and even more powerful features won't be available until the iPhone 16 series is released.

2. Smarter Siri

As Apple invests in AI, Siri, the popular voice assistant, is set for an upgrade. Apple reportedly intended to significantly optimize Siri using large-scale language models (LLMs), which underpin chatbots like ChatGPT that train algorithms based on massive amounts of data from which they can generate content.

It is envisioned that the Siri of the future will be able to have more natural conversations and have greater user personalization capabilities. Among the features Apple is reportedly working on is enhancing Siri's interaction with the Messages app, enabling Siri to automatically complete sentences and even answer complex questions. In addition, Siri will be further integrated into the Shortcuts app to automate complex tasks.

3. iMessage supports RCS

Apple has officially announced that it will support the cross-platform messaging standard Rich Communication Services (RCS) in the Messages app on the iPhone.

The addition of RCS support to iOS 18 improves the exchange of messages between iPhone and Android devices, it brings improvements that include support for higher resolution photos and videos, audio messaging, larger file sizes, improved encryption, cross-platform emoji reactions, more reliable group chats, and more.

When RCS support goes live, the experience of exchanging messages between iPhones and Android phones will be significantly improved, more closely resembling the iMessage experience between Apple devices. However, even then, messages sent by Android users will likely continue to have the trademark "green bubble."

4. Maps support for customized routes

Apple Maps may support customized route planning, allowing users to no longer be constrained by the system's pre-set routes, but rather to choose a specific route based on their personal needs, whether it's to enjoy the scenery along the way or based on familiarity with the route itself.

Additionally, iOS 18 will likely introduce topographic maps to the iPhone, a feature that previously debuted in watchOS 10, which vividly displays detailed information such as paths, contour lines, elevations, and points of interest on a map.

5. More personalized home screen

In previous versions of iOS, app icons and widgets could only be pinned to the grid, with no gaps or white space allowed between them.

iOS 18 is expected to break this limitation. Even though the transparent grid will remain, users will be able to add blank areas, rows and columns between app icons and widgets, giving users the freedom to place apps and widgets where they like, according to the latest revelations.

6. AirPods Pro Hearing Aid Mode

iOS 18 may add a hearing aid mode to the current AirPods Pro, a change that's available via a software update, which is good news for existing AirPods Pro users.

Currently, the AirPods Pro already features Conversation Boost, which enhances the volume of the person talking directly in front of the user. It's unclear how the hearing aid mode will differ from the existing feature, but it's worth keeping an eye on.

7. Built-in APP completely revamped

According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman's latest revelations, several apps built into iOS 18 will receive a complete overhaul, including Notes, Mail, Photos and Fitness, among others.

For example, the Notes app will support the display of mathematical symbols, and adding this feature will make it easier for users to record mathematical formulas, scientific calculations, and other content to meet the needs of professional scenarios in the application.

Part 2: FAQs about iOS 18

Question 1: When does iOS 18 come out?

iOS 18 will probably be released in June 2024 at WWDC. The beta will then be released to developers. The public beta will probably be released in July 2024 and then in September 2024 to the public alongside new iPhones.

Question 2: How to get iOS 18?

If iOS 18 is released, you can update to iOS 18 by opening the Settings app and tapping General and Software Update on your iDevices.

Alternatively, you can use third-party software, TunesKit iOS System Recovery's iOS Upgrade feature to get iOS 18.

Question 3: Which iPhone & iPad models are compatible with iOS 18?

Here is the list of iPhone models expected to be compatible with iOS 18:

• iPhone 15 series
• iPhone 14 series
• iPhone 13 Series
• iPhone 12 series
• iPhone 11 Series
• iPhone XS Series
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation

And this iOS 18 update should be compatible with the below iPads:

• iPad Pro: 2018 and later
• iPad Air: 2019 and later
• iPad mini: 2019 and later
• iPad: 2020 and later

Part 3: Conclusion

This article describes the top 7 new features and FAQs of the upcoming iOS 18, I believe you have some basic understanding of the upcoming iOS 18 release. This year's iOS 18 could see some of the biggest changes in recent years. Which feature are you anticipating the most? Hit up the comments section to chat about it. By the way, if you are experiencing iOS errors such as, iPhone boot loop, right side of iPhone screen not working, etc. Do not hesitate to choose TunesKit iOS System Recovery to fix these iOS errors in one click.