At the Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple unveiled iOS 18, the next iteration of its iPhone operating system, set to be available this fall for many iPhone models.
Apple Intelligence
A significant highlight is Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI initiative, available on devices powered by the A17 and all M series chips. This includes personalized AI tools designed to assist with daily tasks, such as prioritizing notifications. Writing tools across all apps can rewrite text in multiple versions, proofread, and summarize content. The Mail app also benefits with Smart Reply suggestions and the ability to highlight priority emails. Apple emphasized that its AI operates with “powerful privacy,” performing on-device processing to ensure personal data remains secure and uncollected. Additionally, Apple’s AI can create images based on friends’ profile pictures using styles like sketch, illustration, and animation through the Image Playground, integrated into various native apps and available as a standalone tool.
“Genmoji,” or generative AI emojis, allow users to create personalized emojis based on pictures. The AI also includes tools like the Clean Up tool, which erases unwanted objects in photos, and Memories, which crafts video stories from typed descriptions, using language and image recognition to select the best media and even suggesting suitable songs.
In the Notes and Phone apps, you can record, transcribe, and summarize audio. Recordings notify participants and provide summaries post-call. Apple Intelligence leverages large language and diffusion models and can access server-based models for complex queries via Private Cloud Compute, ensuring data privacy.
Siri Enhancements
Siri has received a significant upgrade, with a new look and improved natural language understanding. It now retains conversation context and supports typed queries. Siri will gain on-screen awareness over the next year, allowing app operation through voice commands. Additionally, Apple’s partnership with OpenAI brings ChatGPT to iOS 18, accessible through Siri and integrated into systemwide writing tools, ensuring privacy as no data is logged.
Additional iOS 18 Features
iOS 18 introduces extensive customization options, enabling more flexible home screen layouts, customizable app icon colors, and an enhanced Control Center with developer APIs for third-party controls. Security features include app locking and selective contact access for shared devices. The new Passwords app consolidates passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes, alerting users to common security weaknesses. Messages now support “tapbacks” with any emoji or sticker, scheduled messages, and text formatting with effects. RCS support and two-way satellite messaging with end-to-end encryption are also included.
The Mail app features on-device categorization and digests for quick access, resembling Gmail’s functionality. Maps now offer offline topographic maps with hiking routes, and Wallet introduces Tap to Cash for seamless Apple cash exchanges. Journal includes an Insights view for past entries, and Game Mode enhances performance by minimizing background activity. Photos has been redesigned, opening as a grid with the library at the bottom and offering “collections” for quick access to specific groups of images, such as people and pets. The app also filters out unwanted images like screenshots.
iOS 18 will be available as a public beta in July, with a full release expected in the fall. Developers can already test the new platform with the available developer beta.
