Update from June 12, 2024: Apple introduced iOS 18 and many other innovations at WWDC 2024.
- Click here for the article EVERYTHING APPLE UNVEILLED AT WWDC 2024: IOS 18, VISION PRO, APPLE INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND MORE!
- Here you can find our top 15 features of iOS 18
In a few days, Apple will unveil iOS 18 at WWDC 2024. Although the exact details have yet to be announced, most of the information is based on rumors and leaks from Sources such as MacRumors were collected. The first beta version of iOS 18 is expected to be available to members of the Apple Developer Program immediately after the WWDC keynote on June 10. A public beta will likely follow in July before the update is released to all users in September.
The iOS 18 beta version is expected to include these features
1. Improvements to Apple Maps
- Custom routes for personalized navigation.
- Introduction of topographic maps for detailed terrain displays.
2. Upgrades to Apple Music
- Automatically generated playlists based on listening habits.
- Smarter transitions between songs for a seamless listening experience.
3. Innovations at Apple News
- AI-generated summaries of news articles for quick updates.
4. New functions of the calculator
- New sidebar listing recent calculations.
- Improved UI for unit conversions and integration with the Notes app.
- Availability of the calculator app on iPads.
5. Integration of calendar and reminders
- Deeper synchronization between calendar and reminders for better task management.
6. Accessibility in CarPlay
- Introducing sound detection and other accessibility features in CarPlay.
7. Redesign of the control center
- Updated user interface with a redesigned music widget.
- Improved controls for HomeKit accessories.
8. Revision of the fitness app
- Comprehensive redesign of the fitness app.
9. New feature at Freeform
- New "Scenes" feature to boost creativity and productivity.
10. Advances in the health app
- AI-powered features (exact details pending).
11. Customizing the home screen
- Ability to freely place app icons on the grid.
- Option to change app icon colors for a personalized look.
12. Improvements to Keynote and Pages
- AI-powered features to automatically create slides in Keynote.
- Create content faster in Pages.
13thMagnifying Glass and Accessibility Improvements
- New Reading Mode and quick access to Recognition Mode via the Action button on newer iPhone models.
14. Improvements to the Mail app
- Suggested replies to emails for faster communication.
15. New features in the Messages app
- RCS support for improved messaging with Android devices.
- Word-by-word effects, suggested replies, custom emojis, and message recaps.
- New Tapback icons for better interactions.
16. Notes app improvements
- Built-in audio recording tool and audio transcriptions.
- Display of mathematical notations within notes.
17. Improvements to the notification system
- AI-generated notification summaries for a better overview.
18. Updates to the Photos app
- AI-powered photo retouching tools.
19. Improvements to the Safari browser
- Browsing assistant that summarizes web pages.
- "Web Eraser" tool for removing unwanted content from websites.
20. Revision of the settings
- Revised user interface with improved search function.
- New accessibility features.
21. Shortcuts app improvements
- Improved automation of complex tasks.
22. Improvements to Siri
- Introducing a ChatGPT-inspired, smarter Siri with advanced AI capabilities (full functionality not expected until 2025).
23. Spotlight search improvements
- Smarter search results and improved sorting capabilities.
24. Improvements to voice memos
- New audio transcription features.
iOS 18: These iPhones will not support some AI features
Apple is planning a major AI overhaul in iOS 18, but some new features are not expected to work on older iPhones. The basic AI features will be processed on the device itself, while more advanced features will use Apple's servers for AI processing.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the on-device AI features will primarily require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. This means that iPhone models like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and future models will support these advanced AI features. Older models like the iPhone 14 and earlier versions will be able to run iOS 18, but will not be able to take advantage of all the new AI features.
This development also affects iPads and Macs, with devices with at least an M1 chip required to support on-device AI features. Devices without Apple Silicon, such as older Intel Macs, will not be able to use these features.
Supported iPhone models for iOS 18
iOS 18 is expected to run on the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
This prediction is based on the fact that Apple drops an iPhone generation with each new iOS generation. This means that in 2023, with iOS 17, the iPhone X will no longer be supported. It is therefore likely that in 2024, with iOS 18, the successor models to the iPhone X - i.e. the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR with the A12 Bionic chip - will no longer be supported.
It remains exciting to see what iOS 18 and the new iPhones 16 will be capable of
With iOS 18, we're in for a major update that brings numerous improvements and new features for iPhone users. From intelligent, AI-powered tools in Apple Music, News, and the Photos app, to improved user interfaces in apps like Mail, Messages, and Safari, iOS 18 aims to take the user experience to a new level.
The deeper integration of AI and machine learning into many areas of the operating system promises even smarter and more intuitive use. Particularly exciting is the announced further development of Siri, which is set to become the ultimate virtual assistant. The improved customization options for the home screen and the new functions in the fitness app also show that Apple is striving to meet the individual needs of users even better. It remains to be seen which iPhones will get the new AI functions. It would be a shame if the rumors that only the latest iPhone models will benefit from the AI features turn out to be true.
The launch of beta versions in June and July gives developers and curious users the opportunity to test the new features early and provide feedback before iOS 18 is officially released in September alongside the new iPhone 16 generation. We are excited to see what other details and surprises Apple will reveal at WWDC 2024 and how iOS 18 will further improve daily life and work with the iPhone.
