iOS 18 release | Apple release its latest OS update for iPhones?

iOS 18 release

Apple is gearing up to unveil its latest operating system, iOS 18, during the company’s WWDC 2024 event on June 10. This update is poised to be one of the most significant advancements in Apple’s history, promising a slew of new features driven by generative AI. The event is expected to include announcements regarding a revamped Siri voice assistant, substantial upgrades to the Apple Music, Messages, iWork, and Settings apps. This unveiling is highly anticipated, marking a milestone for Apple enthusiasts worldwide.

Phone makers are getting more into generative AI for their top-of-the-line smartphones, trying to catch the buzz around this new tech. Google came out with its Pixel 8 series last fall, all pumped up with new AI features. Then, in January, Samsung released the Galaxy S24 lineup, complete with Galaxy AI. Now, it’s Apple’s turn to step up with the upcoming iPhone 16 and iOS 18. Tim Cook, the CEO, hinted at this in a May earnings call, talking about Apple’s plans to lead the AI game.

“We’ve got some things that we are incredibly excited about that we’ll be talking about later this year,” Cook teased during an earnings call in February, hinting at the upcoming generative AI.

Apple’s iPhones already have some AI features, like detecting duplicate photos. But, the big question is how generative AI will be used in the iPhone and iOS. With iOS 17, Apple introduced AI-powered features like voice cloning and an improved keyboard. However, they haven’t yet unveiled generative AI products similar to Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s Chat GPT. Rumors suggest that might change with iOS 18, though. Here are some of the most likely changes coming our way.

iOS 18 Release Date

Every year, Apple kicks off its new iOS release at the WWDC keynote, led by the CEO. Shortly after this announcement, the first developer beta for the new iOS version goes live. According to 9to5Mac, the public beta for iOS 18 is expected about a month later, putting it around mid to late July. Typically, Apple then rolls out the stable version of iOS a few days after unveiling the latest iPhone series in September. This timeline helps users and developers prepare for the newest features and improvements well in advance.

iOS 18 New Features

Apple Music

With iOS 18 and macOS 15, Apple Music will enhance song transitions, moving beyond the current crossfade option. Users can now set crossfade durations between 1 to 12 seconds, ensuring seamless transitions where the music flows smoothly from one song to the next without interruption.

In addition, Apple Music might introduce auto-generated playlists. Users could input their mood, the time of day, or other preferences to receive personalized music suggestions.

iWork Apps: Keynote, Numbers, and Pages

Apple’s iWork suite is getting smarter with new AI features. Keynote will be able to auto-generate slides, while Pages will have a tool for creating text automatically, making it easier to prepare presentations and documents.

Shortcuts

Shortcuts are set to integrate more deeply with Siri, simplifying the automation of complex tasks and making your workflow smoother and more efficient.

Health App

The Health app is expected to receive new AI-driven features, although specifics remain under wraps.

Notifications

iOS 18 will introduce smart recaps for missed notifications and messages, allowing users to catch up quickly and skip unimportant alerts.

Control Center

Control Center is getting a makeover, though details on the changes are not yet available.

Settings

The Settings app will be streamlined with a redesigned interface that is more organized and easier to navigate. Improved search functionality will also be part of the update.

CarPlay Updates

CarPlay will see several enhancements, particularly in accessibility:

• Voice Control: Navigate through CarPlay using voice commands.
• Color Filters: Adjust the CarPlay interface for color blindness.
• Sound Recognition: Notify users who are deaf or hard of hearing about important sounds like car horns and sirens.

RCS for Better Texting with Android Users

In late 2024, Apple will adopt the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard, enhancing communication between iPhone and Android users. This will improve sending photos, videos, and group chat experiences. Features like cross-platform emoji reactions, read receipts, and real-time typing indicators will be included.

Key benefits of RCS include:

• Higher resolution photo and video support
• Larger file sizes for sharing
• Audio messages
• Cross-platform emoji reactions
• Real-time typing indicators
• Read receipts
• Messaging over cellular or Wi-Fi without extra cost
• Improved group chats

Accessibility

Apple has announced several new accessibility features for iOS 18:

• Reduce Motion Sickness: A Vehicle Motion Cues option helps prevent motion sickness by displaying real-time motion changes on your screen, reducing sensory conflicts.
• Eye Tracking: Navigate your iPhone or iPad using only your eyes, thanks to AI and the front-facing camera, which can activate buttons and gestures based on where you’re looking.
• Music Haptics: This feature uses the Taptic Engine to create tactile feedback in sync with your music, enhancing the audio experience with corresponding vibrations.
• Vocal Shortcuts: Assign custom voice commands to Siri to launch shortcuts and perform complex tasks effortlessly.

Reduce Motion Sickness

iOS 18 introduces a Vehicle Motion Cues option designed to help prevent motion sickness for passengers using an iPhone or iPad in a moving vehicle. This feature addresses the sensory conflict between what you see and what you feel while on the move. By showing animated dots at the screen’s edges to represent changes in vehicle motion, it eases this conflict without disrupting the main content. You can turn this option on or off in the Control Center, and it can activate automatically when needed.

Eye Tracking

Eye Tracking lets you control your iPhone or iPad just by looking at it. Using AI and the front-facing camera, it tracks where you’re looking to activate buttons, swipes, and other gestures, making navigation hands-free.

Music Haptics

With Music Haptics, the iPhone’s Taptic Engine enhances your music experience by creating tactile feedback that matches the audio. This feature works across millions of songs in the Apple Music catalog, and developers can add it to their apps.

Vocal Shortcuts

Vocal Shortcuts allow you to create custom voice commands for Siri, enabling it to launch shortcuts and perform complex tasks with specific phrases you set.