Apple just revealed its eagerly awaited iOS 18 update, which includes a big dollop of its own flavour of AI. But the WWDC 2024 keynote won't just be remembered for a super-charged Siri. This fall's big iPhone update brings features that users have wanted for years.
This blog post will give you the highlights and the new features of iOS 18, as well as the release data and compatibility. Keep reading to explore what's new in this year's update!
Part 1. iOS 18 Release Date
iOS 18 is likely to be released in the week of September 16, 2024, although this date is not yet confirmed by Apple. Before the official release, there will be a structured beta testing phase. It starts with a developer beta and is followed by a public beta in July.
Part 2. Top 10 Must-See Highlights of iOS 18
1. Apple Intelligence
At the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple showcased its commitment to artificial intelligence and software improvements. One highlight introduction is "Apple Intelligence," an AI-driven feature set to enhance iOS 18, iPadOS, and macOS.
Additionally, Apple's collaboration with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT features signifies a strategic move to enhance conversational abilities within its ecosystem. This aligns with the prevailing trend of AI adoption.
2. Home Screen Customization
One of the new features of iOS 18 is giving more customization options for users to control their iPhone's Home Screen. For the first time, Apple allows users to freely arrange apps and widgets anywhere on the screen. This means you can drag and drop your favourite apps to preferred locations, even leaving blank spaces for a cleaner look.
In addition to placement, iOS 18 also offers more app icon customization options. App icons can now be switched to a dark mode appearance and even have their colors adjusted to better match your wallpaper. These features provide a more personalized and visually-appealing Home Screen experience.
3. RCS for Texting
iOS 18 finally brings long-awaited support for RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging, allowing iPhone users to exchange higher-quality images, videos, and audio files with Android users. This is great news for improving messaging interoperability between the two platforms.
Here's what you can expect with RCS on iPhones.
Higher quality media sharing without compression.
Enjoy features of reading receipts and typing indicators in group chats.
Send larger files without encountering size limitations.
Send and receive messages over Wi-Fi for free, avoiding carrier data charges.
4. Transformation in Siri
Apple's virtual assistant, Siri, is getting a significant overhaul in iOS 18. Here's a look at what to expect.
New Look and Feel: Siri's visual design gets a refresh. Instead of a glowing orb, a colorful frame appears around your screen when interacting with Siri.
Text-Based Requests: You can now type your questions and prompts to Siri, accessed by double-tapping the bottom of the screen.
Improved Understanding: Siri is more forgiving of natural speech patterns. It can now understand your intent even if you mid-correct yourself.
Enhanced Functionality: Siri can now better handle tasks across apps. For instance, you can use Siri to find a photo and add it directly to a note.
5. Update in Google Map
With iOS 18, you can plan your trip exactly how you want. Set your preferred route before you go, and easily switch to it while navigating for greater control. Furthermore, you are allowed to get detailed views of the terrain with trails, elevation contours, and more. This enhanced information is perfect for outdoor adventures and exploring unfamiliar areas.
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6. Redesign in Photos
The iOS 18 Photos app ditches the familiar tabbed layout for a single, unified view. Here's a quick rundown of the changes.
Unified View: Everything is now on one screen. Your photos start with a familiar grid at the top, followed by collections categorized by date and "People & Pets". You can also pin your favorite collections for easier access.
Finding Favorites & Memories: Swipe left on the grid to see curated collections of your favorite moments and featured photos.
Goodbye Clutter: A new "Hide Screenshots" button lets you easily filter out screenshots, keeping your memories.
7. New Messaging and FaceTime Features
In Messages, users can now enjoy a plethora of expressive options with the introduction of effects and stickers, facilitating more nuanced and creative conversations.
Furthermore, the SharePlay feature adds a new dimension to FaceTime calls by enabling users to share music, videos, and screens during their conversations.
8. New Password Manager App
iOS 18 introduces a dedicated password manager app to streamline the management of passwords and enhance security measures. This feature aims to simplify password management tasks and improve overall device security.
9. Safari
The "Intelligent Search" function utilizes AI technology to generate summaries of web pages based on recognized key topics and phrases.
10. Calendar & Reminders Integration
This integration allows users to access and manage their reminders directly within the Calendar app, streamlining their workflow and ensuring all tasks are in one centralized location. Users can schedule and organize reminders directly from the Calendar app without the need to switch to the Reminders app, simplifying the process of setting up and managing tasks.
Part 3. Check If Your iPhone/iPad Compatible with iOS 18
Looking to upgrade to the latest iPhone software, iOS 18? Here are the compatible devices for this next generation of iPhone OS:
iPhone 15 series
iPhone 14 series
iPhone 13 series
iPhone 12 series
iPhone 11 series
iPhone XS series
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Additionally, to fully utilize the upcoming Apple Intelligence features, you'll need the A17 Pro chip, available in either the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Conclusion
Apart from the iOS 18 highlights discussed above, iOS 18 brings several additional features to the table. For instance, the revamped Notes app, now supporting collaborative editing, along with the introduction of new labels and templates. Furthermore, users can expect the addition of new widgets for enhanced customization and improvements to the Focus Mode functionality, all contributing to a more comprehensive and enriched user experience.
Stay tuned for more updates, news, and tips on iOS 18 as we continue to explore its advancements and functionalities.
