Apple is gearing up for its developer conference WWDC 2024 next month, and one of the big highlights of the event will be iOS 18. The new OS update for iPhones is said to bring the biggest revamp in iOS history, with a range of customisation options, AI, smarter Siri, and a lot more to offer iPhone users greater flexibility than ever before.
Let’s take a detailed look at everything we are expecting from the upcoming iOS 18 software upgrade.
Option to change the colour of app icons
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the upcoming iOS 18 will introduce a range of customisation options, including the option to change the colour of app icons, providing users with the freedom to curate their home screens to suit their preferences. This feature will provide iPhone users with more options for personalisation.
Home Screen Makeover
In addition to icon customization, iOS 18 is said to revolutionise home screen organisation by enabling users to place apps anywhere on the grid. This departure from the traditional locked grid layout will allow users more control over the arrangement of their apps, akin to the flexibility offered by widgets. With the ability to freely position apps, users will be able to create custom layouts and give their iPhone a personal touch.
AI to take the centre stage
The upcoming release of iOS 18 is also expected to be Apple’s entry into AI. The Cupertino giant is said to bring significant artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities with iOS 18 across various native apps. Leveraging AI, iOS 18 will introduce features like photo retouching, voice memo transcription, and auto-generated emojis based on message content. These AI-driven enhancements are said to be aimed at streamlining user interactions and offering users intelligent tools that enhance productivity and creativity.
Smarter Siri With iOS 18
Apple is also said to make its virtual assistant Siri smarter. Siri is rumoured to undergo a transformative overhaul, leveraging large language models (LLMs) to deliver more natural and conversational interactions. With improved proactive intelligence and deeper integration with apps like Messages, Siri is said to offer enhanced capabilities such as auto-completing sentences and automating complex tasks through Shortcuts.
Design refinements
iOS 18 is also rumoured to introduce design refinements to elevate the overall user experience. While not adopting a complete overhaul like visionOS, iOS 18 is said to incorporate subtle design changes aimed at modernising the aesthetic and enhancing usability. These design updates, coupled with the customizable home screen and AI-driven features, will further improve the overall user experience.
More changes to native apps
iOS 18 will also bring updates to several native apps, including Safari, Maps, Photos, and more. Safari, in particular, reportedly will receive a significant overhaul with an updated look and new tools to improve browsing, such as an intelligent search feature and a web eraser tool. Similarly, Apple Maps will also gain support for custom routes and topographic maps, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and travellers alike.
Moreover, iOS 18 is also said to introduce new AI-based features to apps like Notes, Calendar, and Reminders, augmenting their capabilities with voice memos transcription, AI-generated summaries, and seamless integration with Siri and Shortcuts. These enhancements will aim to streamline workflows and empower users to accomplish more with their devices effortlessly.
iOS 18 availability and compatibility
Apple will likely unveil iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. After a developer testing period, a public beta is expected in July, with a full release likely in the fall. As for compatibility, iOS 18 is expected to run on iPhone XR and newer models. iPadOS 18, on the other hand, may drop support for some older iPad models.
Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
