iOS 18: What We're Getting Ready For

The WWDC conference is aimed at developers and the focus will be on iOS 18. The Cupertino-based tech giant will show how it is integrating artificial intelligence technology into its devices and software, including its historic partnership with OpenAI. Ahead of the big event, there is a lot of news coming out about iOS 18 and its artificial intelligence-based apps and features.

One rumor is that Apple will use Ajax LLM to power some new AI features. Other reports say that Apple plans to make AI data inaccessible to employees, which will help the company fulfill its promise of user privacy. Below, we take a look at how Apple will add AI to apps and services in the next major iPhone update, as well as other improvements and changes in iOS 18.

The future of Siri with artificial intelligence

Apple's Siri digital assistant is getting an update to support artificial intelligence. The digital assistant uses Apple's larger language model to allow Siri to control the functionality of individual apps. Users can ask Siri to delete emails, edit photos, and more.

Some of Siri's updated artificial intelligence features won't be ready until next year. For example, Siri's ability to solve tasks that require multiple steps will likely be delayed. A more advanced Siri will also appear in the Apple Watch mobile watch. According to one report, Siri will be able to play music from other devices on the watch. Siri will be able to summarize notifications about people, businesses, calendar events, places and dates.

The new look of Apple Photos

People will be able to use artificial intelligence to retouch their photos, and this is where it could challenge Google Photos. For example, the “Cleanup” feature can remove objects from photos using generative artificial intelligence technology similar to Google's Magic Eraser.

According to one report, Apple has created its own Generative Playground app that uses GenAI to create and edit images. It's not yet known how this feature will be brought to end users, but integration with iMessage will likely be an extension of it.

More artificial intelligence in Safari

The new Smart Search feature lets you use artificial intelligence in Safari to navigate web pages and news articles.

Notes with AI capabilities

• Users can ask artificial intelligence to transcribe notes.
• GenAI also supports transcription of voice recorded in notes.
• The voice recorded in the app supports AI transcription and synthesis.
• Math Notes helps AI recognize the text of an equation and find the answer when you graph or solve a formula.
• Notes users can also autocomplete formulas as they type.

Bloomberg reports that Project Greymatter is the code name for an artificial intelligence tool that will be integrated into key apps like Safari, Photos and Notes.

Decoding voice notes

Real-time voice note decoding is also in development. iMessages will be updated with AI. Generative AI will be supported and users will be able to create custom emoji using this technology. The AI will also be able to replay lost messages.

The integration with Siri has been improved

A new return icon will be added. Effects will be supported for individual words as well as for the entire message. Messages will have an on-device reply option created with Apple's Ajax LLM, making it easier to reply to messages. Also coming this year will be RCS support with read-aloud recipes, typing indicators, and high-quality videos and images when messaging Android users via iMessage.

Updates

• Calendar updates: Apple LLM will integrate with the Calendar app so you can see your schedule when you type a reply to a message. Artificial Intelligence-enabled email. The ability to suggest replies to emails created using Ajax has been added. The settings interface has been redesigned to improve organization and search.
• Control Center updates: A new music widget has been added.
• Improved HomeKit functionality for smart home integration.
• Notification features: Added artificial intelligence to track missed notifications. Apple is working on what it calls an advanced notification feature.
• Home screen updates: In iOS 18, you'll be able to place app icons wherever you want. You'll also be able to change the color of app icons, which could be Apple's answer to Google's “Material You.”
• Maps to create routes: In iOS 18, Maps will support custom route generation, allowing users to design their own routes.
• Music with artificial intelligence playlists. Apple Music will be able to compete with Spotify with personalized playlists created by artificial intelligence.

Q&A

Q: Which iPhone models will get iOS 18?
A: iOS 18 will be compatible with these iPhone models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Q: When will iOS 18 be released?
A: iOS 18 will be previewed at the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10. After WWDC, iOS 18 will be available to developers for testing, and a public beta will likely be released in July. After the beta testing period, iOS 18 will be launched in September 2024 along with the new iPhones.

Q: Will the iPhone 7 get iOS 18?
A: According to The New York Post, iPhones released before 2018, including the iPhone SE, iPhone 8 Plus, and earlier models, won't be able to upgrade to iOS 18. This is because the software requires more sophisticated hardware, and the outdated chips won't be able to handle some of the new features.