Apple’s latest iOS update could be its biggest one yet. That’s according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who says the new software will feature major changes that will be seen across all iPhone models.
AI-driven features will be a key focus. That means improved Siri and Messages support, plus generative AI (like ChatGPT or Google Bard) for core apps like Pages or Keynote, and more.
AI Integration
Apple has been making it clear for a while that it plans to put a big emphasis on AI integration with iOS 18. The company’s voice-activated Siri could get much smarter, and its built-in apps like Messages and Safari might add new features that will make use of generative AI technology.
The latest version of its mobile operating system also reportedly includes upgrades for Apple’s Spotlight Search feature. The system-wide search tool will be trained on large language models, allowing it to answer more complex questions and help users find specific functions on their iPhones.
Another upgrade expected in the next version of iOS is an overhaul for the App Store. The new app store could offer a more personalized experience with intelligent search and recommendations based on your previous purchases. Moreover, it will also enable you to customize your home screen more freely.
The update will also include enhancements for Xcode, Apple’s development platform that powers macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The coding tool will incorporate AI tools similar to those found in GitHub Copilot, which will help you write code faster by suggesting suggestions and automating tasks. It will also integrate with OpenAI’s language models, enabling app developers to create more sophisticated functionality for their apps. This strategic incorporation of AI into Apple’s ecosystem can significantly enhance user experience and productivity.
Visual Aesthetics
Visual aesthetics refers to the perception and evaluation of beauty or pleasing appearance. It is an important part of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) because it is a central component of user satisfaction and can influence a variety of HCI-related variables. Aesthetics has been extensively studied in various fields, including art, design, and consumer behavior. However, few research studies focus on visual aesthetics in the context of interactive systems and products.
Apple is reportedly redesigning several system menus and built-in apps in iOS 18 for a more aesthetically appealing look. The Verifier’s report suggests that the revamped menus will be based on the translucent navigation bar that first debuted in tvOS 17.2 last year. It is possible that the navigation bar will also appear in other Apple products, such as the new Vision Pro headset.
In addition, Apple may introduce a dark mode for all apps, native translations, and improved privacy settings. It is also expected that the grid system for app icons will be updated for a more consistent look. Currently, users can customize the grid system through third-party apps, but a native feature would make it easier to add blank spaces or rows between app icons. Furthermore, Apple will likely allow users to remove the flashlight and camera shortcuts on their Lock Screen. Users are also expecting a more refined Siri experience with expanded Siri Shortcuts and text and image generation capabilities.
Rich Communication Services (RCS)
Apple’s new messaging protocol, RCS, is set to bring a plethora of features including typing indicators, high-resolution media sharing, and in-line reactions. The tech giant says it will offer a “vastly improved experience for iPhone users texting with Android friends” and will be visually distinguished from iMessage conversations using green message bubbles instead of blue.
Unlike SMS, RCS can operate over mobile data and Wi-Fi, offering greater flexibility and speed when compared to traditional SMS. The protocol will also feature read receipts and enhanced encryption to give users peace of mind when communicating with others.
While introducing RCS, Apple will not be incorporating native end-to-end encryption for iOS devices, which would require major changes to the existing Messages app. However, the company does promise to work with GSMA and Google on the specification to enable more features that aren’t currently available on both platforms.
Although Apple hasn’t provided an exact launch date for RCS, it will likely debut with the fall release of ios 18 this September. This will dovetail with the unveiling of the iPhone 16 line during Apple’s WWDC 2024 keynote. Additionally, Gurman noted that RCS support could be included in the developer beta of ios 18. So, keep your eyes peeled for more details on the latest iOS update. If you are interested in acquiring an iPhone, click here to view our range of models.
Accessibility
Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 update is expected to include significant accessibility improvements. The update is rumored to introduce a new feature called Adaptive Voice Shortcuts which will allow users to link unique spoken phrases with an accessibility setting. Users will then be able to toggle the respective setting using just the custom phrase. In addition, a Categories section is also reportedly being added to Live Speech that will let people organize their personalized phrases into categories for more efficient use.
Another major accessibility enhancement that is reportedly being included in iOS 18 is expanded support for adjustable text size in various apps on the device. Currently, only the Calendar, Finder, Mail, Notes, and Messages apps offer this functionality but iOS 18 is reportedly set to bring additional apps into the fold such as Books, News, Stocks, Tips, and Weather. This will allow users to tailor their reading experience according to their preferences and improve overall readability.
With Apple’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) approaching, rumors are circulating about the features that will be introduced with iOS 18 and macOS 15. These include things like voice-activated shortcuts, expanded use of the Live Listen category to help users with hearing aids, and improved font size control across all systems on the devices.
