In just four months, Apple will reveal iOS 18, the highly anticipated software that will power the iPhone and be available for general release in the fall. This year's update is expected to be exceptional, potentially surpassing any previous free updates. In the past, major updates like the Mac's OSX used to come at a cost, but now Apple is delivering significant updates for free.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who shared insights in his Power On newsletter, this year's iOS update is anticipated to be one of the most significant in Apple's history. Gurman states that the new operating system is regarded within the company as a monumental update. With this knowledge, Apple's developers conference in June is expected to be thrilling.
So, what makes this update so special? One noteworthy feature is the increased integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the iPhone. While the iPhone already utilizes machine learning, Apple's preferred term for AI, iOS 18 will introduce generative AI. Gurman previously mentioned that we can expect an enhanced Siri, capable of handling language more intelligently. Additionally, there will be generative AI in various apps such as Keynote, Pages, Numbers, and Xcode, making it easier and faster for developers to create new applications.
Apart from these AI advancements, not much is known about the specific details of iOS 18. However, Apple's head of software engineering, Craig Federighi, indicated last year that the OS, codenamed Crystal, will undergo ambitious changes across the board. This promises a substantial upgrade for Apple's next iPhone software.
Recent reports further support the notion that iOS 18 will be a game-changer. Esat Dedezade from Stuff suggests that the official unveiling may occur during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in early June. AI is expected to take center stage, similar to Samsung's recent emphasis on AI software in their Galaxy S24 Ultra release. Speculations suggest that Apple is developing its own AI chatbot and exploring the use of large-language models for an enhanced Siri experience. With advanced silicon expected in the iPhone 16 series, the updated AI functionality will likely run seamlessly on-device.
In terms of release dates, Lifewire predicts that iOS 18 will be available to the public in September. This aligns with Apple's usual September release for iOS updates. Preceding the official release, a public beta is projected to be available in July, following its announcement at WWDC in June. The report from Lifewire also emphasizes the significance of AI in iOS 18, mentioning features such as human-like conversations with Siri and smarter autocomplete in messaging. The potential of AI-powered Siri for effortless integration with various apps holds immense possibilities for users.
Interestingly, Lifewire even suggests a future where Siri may not require a prompt to activate, eventually becoming smart enough to anticipate user needs autonomously. Although this may be a distant reality, it sparks imagination. In terms of compatibility, it is anticipated that iOS 18 will work with iPhones as far back as the iPhone 11. However, the AI features might be limited to newer models like the iPhone 16 series or this year's phones and the iPhone 15 series from 2023.
As we eagerly await iOS 18, there is no doubt that Apple is poised to deliver a powerful and transformative update to its loyal user base. With the integration of generative AI and potential advancements in Siri's capabilities, this software upgrade promises to be a monumental evolution for the iPhone. In the coming months, we can expect more updates and exciting news surrounding iOS 18. Stay tuned for further developments as Apple's mysterious Crystal comes to life.
