Apple recently launched its latest iterations of iPad Pro and iPad Air, among other updates such as Pencil and Magic Keyboard. During the process of unveiling these new products, Apple dropped the AI bomb and hinted at a massive AI-overhaul in its upcoming iOS 18. More details will be out at the much anticipated WWDC 2024 conference, due to take place on June 10.
At WWDC every year, Apple unveils its software updates for the iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and Macs. Apple subsequently launches the beta versions of the updates around July, before the final release when they launch their new devices around September.
Initially just rumours, it is now almost confirmed (not officially) that Apple will most certainly being in a heavy dose of AI integration in its updated iOS 18, and possibly even OSX versions. Apple has teamed up with OpenAI for integrating ChatGPT with iOS 18, as per latest report from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. All that we know now is that Apple and OpenAI are finalising terms for a pact to use ChatGPT’s generative AI features for Apple’s iOS 18. No details about what those features might be have been shared.
We expect Apple to leverage ChatGPT to enhance the capabilities of its existing apps like Photos, Safari, Messages, and maybe Contacts, Phone and Reminders. Siri is also poised to receive a major overhaul and could be more smarter and more capable recognition. The updated Siri will algorithm that leverages large language models (LLMs) to make Siri’s suggestions more contextual and relevant.
On-device AI Processing
The big positive news is that Apple’s own LLM will handle basic AI tasks, without accessing the cloud, using the iPhone processor. It is still unclear what will classify as basic or advanced tasks. Keep in mind though, not all devices will support on-device LLMs. Only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, and later models will support this feature.
Both iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 are expected to share the same AI features as iOS 18, the prerequisite being that they should have the M1 (or later) processor.
List of New iOS 18 Features
Besides AI, Apple will be adding a bunch of new features to its OS and its included apps. Here is a basic rundown of the new additions (source: Macrumors):
- Apple Maps: Custom routes and topographic maps.
- Apple Music: Auto-generated playlists and smarter song transitions.
- Apple News: AI-generated news article summaries.
- Calculator: Several new features, including a sidebar that lists recent calculations, an improved interface for converting units, integration with the Notes app, and more. The app will finally be available on iPads.
- Calendar: Deeper integration with the Reminders app.
- CarPlay: New accessibility features, including Sound Recognition.
- Control Center: Updated interface, including a revamped music widget and improved controls for HomeKit accessories.
- Fitness: The app will be “overhauled” on iOS 18.
- Freeform: A new “Scenes” function.
- Health: New features powered by AI, but no specific details are known yet.
- Home Screen: Place app icons anywhere on the grid and change colors of app icons.
- Keynote and Pages: AI-powered features for auto-generating slides in Keynote, writing faster in Pages, and more.
- Magnifier: A new Reader Mode, and the option to easily launch Detection Mode with the Action button on newer iPhone models.
- Mail: Suggested replies to emails.
- Messages: RCS support, per-word effects, suggested replies, custom emoji, message recaps, and new Tapback icons.
- Notes: A built-in audio recording tool, audio transcriptions, and the ability to display mathematical notation.
- Notifications: AI-generated notification summaries.
- Photos: AI-powered photo retouching.
- Safari: Browsing assistant that can summarize web pages, and a “Web Eraser” tool.
- Settings: A revamped interface with improved search, and new accessibility features.
- Shortcuts: Automate complex tasks more easily.
- Siri: A smarter ChatGPT-inspired version of Siri with more per-app controls (in 2025).
- Spotlight: More intelligent search results and improved sorting.
- Voice Memos: Audio transcriptions.
iOS will be getting a complete colour overhaul. Users will now be able to change the app colours to streamline their homescreen. An interesting feature is Advanced Music Haptics, where the phone’s vibration engine will respond according to the music being played.
iOS 18 Beta and Final Version Launch Date
Immediately after the WWDC keynote that is poised to take place on the 10th of June this year, the first beta of iOS 18 will be made available to member of the Apple Developer Program. The Public Beta will be made available around July. iOS will officially launch around September, just before Apple announces the new iPhones.
