Get ready for iOS 18, the highly anticipated software update for Apple devices. With rumors circulating about smarter Siri, design changes, and more, there’s plenty to look forward to. Sources suggest that iOS 18 will introduce new generative AI features inspired by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, enhancing Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, and other built-in apps. Additionally, RCS support is expected to be included in the Messages app, improving the texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. Furthermore, there may be some exciting design changes to enhance the overall look and feel of iOS. Keep an eye out for more details and prepare yourself for the release of iOS 18 later this year.
Smarter Siri with AI Features
iOS 18 is rumored to bring exciting new generative AI features to Siri and other built-in apps. According to sources such as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and The Information’s Wayne Ma, Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and more will all benefit from the addition of these AI capabilities. The introduction of generative AI features is expected to make Siri smarter and more intuitive.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has already teased that the company has been working on generative AI and plans to share more details about it “later this year.” This indicates that Apple is investing in AI advancements and striving to enhance the capabilities of its virtual assistant. With generative AI, Siri will be able to understand and respond to natural language inputs in a more conversational and context-aware manner.
Generative AI has gained significant popularity since the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a chatbot that can generate human-like responses. OpenAI has expanded its generative AI technology to include images and videos as well. The incorporation of generative AI features in iOS 18 aligns with the growing demand for AI-driven applications and services.
Interestingly, there are rumors that some of the AI features in iOS 18 might be exclusive to iPhone 16 models. The iPhone 16 is expected to come with an upgraded Neural Engine, which will have significantly more cores than its predecessors. This enhanced hardware capability may enable the iPhone 16 to handle more complex AI tasks and deliver an even more sophisticated user experience.
RCS Support in Messages App
In an effort to improve the messaging experience between iPhones and Android devices, Apple has announced that iOS 18 will bring RCS (Rich Communication Services) support to the Messages app. The adoption of RCS, a cross-platform messaging standard, is expected to bridge the gap between iPhone users and Android users when it comes to messaging capabilities.
The introduction of RCS support will introduce several enhancements to the default messaging experience. iPhone users will now be able to enjoy features such as higher-resolution photos and videos, audio messages, typing indicators, read receipts, and the ability to send and receive messages over Wi-Fi. Additionally, group chats will see improvements, including the ability for iPhone users to leave conversations that include Android users.
These modern features are already available for iPhone-to-iPhone conversations through iMessage, as well as in popular third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. With RCS support, these features will finally be extended to conversations with Android users, denoted by the green bubbles in the Messages app.
Design Changes
Apple is reportedly planning to update the design of iOS in iOS 18, with rumors suggesting that these changes could be introduced as early as this year. However, specific details about the design changes have yet to be revealed. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a reliable source of Apple rumors, has described iOS 18 as “ambitious and compelling” with “major new features and designs.”
While iOS 18 is expected to bring some design enhancements, it is unlikely to undergo a total overhaul that mirrors visionOS. Apple is known for its meticulous design philosophy and careful evolution of its software aesthetics, ensuring that changes remain in line with its overall vision for the user experience. Therefore, while iOS 18 will likely introduce some visual updates, users should not expect a drastic departure from the familiar iOS design.
Accessibility Features
iOS 18 may bring new accessibility features related to VoiceOver, Live Speech, and Text Size. Apple has always prioritized accessibility, ensuring that its products and software are inclusive and usable by people with diverse needs. With each software update, Apple aims to enhance the accessibility of its devices, allowing users to fully utilize their capabilities regardless of any disabilities they may have.
By introducing new accessibility features, iOS 18 will further empower individuals with different abilities, making it easier for them to navigate and interact with their iPhones and iPads. These enhancements will help ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of Apple’s products and services, regardless of any physical or cognitive challenges they may face.
iOS 18 Rumor Recap
In summary, iOS 18 is anticipated to be an exciting software update with various new features and improvements. From the introduction of generative AI features for Siri and built-in apps to the adoption of RCS support in the Messages app, iOS 18 aims to enhance the overall user experience and bridge the gap between different platforms.
The design changes in iOS 18 are expected to be ambitious and compelling, although specific details remain unknown at this time. Additionally, Apple’s commitment to accessibility is reflected in the potential new accessibility features related to VoiceOver, Live Speech, and Text Size that may be introduced in iOS 18.
As we eagerly await the official unveiling of iOS 18 at Apple’s annual developers conference, WWDC, in June, the rumors and expectations surrounding the update continue to generate excitement. For more detailed information and further updates on iOS 18, be sure to check out MacRumors’ iOS 18 roundup.
