iOS 18, unveiled at WWDC 2024, is set to be released in September and is centered around Apple Intelligence, integrating AI features into the operating system. This feature set combines generative AI with personal context, making it “AI for the rest of us.”
The Writing Tools in iOS 18 allow for rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text in all apps, enhancing writing across the operating system. Image Playground app lets users generate images using prompts or suggestions from Apple, with styles like Animation, Illustration, or Sketch available. Genmoji in the Messages app allows users to create custom emojis.
Siri has been overhauled with Apple Intelligence, becoming more contextually relevant, personal, and natural. Siri now has a new look with a glowing ring around the display when activated. It can perform actions within apps, such as editing photos, managing files, and more. Siri also integrates with ChatGPT for complex requests.
iOS 18 brings new customization options for the Home Screen, redesigned Control Center, and updates to the Photos app. Messages supports scheduling texts, Tapbacks with any emoji, and transition to RCS for better messaging with Android users. Messages via satellite allows texting without Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
Mail in iOS 18 adopts on-device categorization with a new digest view aggregating relevant emails. Safari introduces Highlights for key webpage information, and Notes supports live audio recording and Math Notes for solving equations. Maps now includes topographic maps and trail networks.
A new Game Mode minimizes background activity to enhance gaming performance, while Tap to Cash feature allows for easy money transfers between iPhones. Passwords section in Settings is now a dedicated Passwords app, supporting various login information.
Privacy features in iOS 18 include locking/hiding apps, contact access control, and Private Cloud Compute for on-device AI processing. Apple Intelligence features are opt-in, and parental controls are available. Additional app features powered by Apple Intelligence enhance user experience.
iOS 18 design updates include improvements to the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center. AirPods Pro 2 in iOS 18 support new gesture-based Siri responses and Voice Isolation for clearer calls. Compatibility includes all iPhones from iPhone XR onwards, with on-device AI capabilities requiring iPhone 15 Pro models.
Overall, iOS 18 brings a host of new features and improvements across various apps, enhancing user experience and privacy while integrating AI capabilities for a more personalized and efficient operating system.
