iOS 18: Expected Features & Release Details
Apple’s next major mobile OS update, iOS 18, is set to be unveiled at WWDC 2024 (June 10) and released publicly in September 2024 alongside the iPhone 16 series. Below are the key rumored and confirmed improvements:
1. Major AI Enhancements
- Siri 2.0: A smarter, more conversational Siri powered by Apple’s large language model (LLM), enabling:
- Context-aware responses (e.g., follow-up questions).
- Complex task automation (e.g., “Summarize my notes and email them to Mom”).
- AI Photo Editing:
- Object removal (like Google’s “Magic Eraser”).
- AI-generated backgrounds or composition adjustments.
- Custom AI Emoji: Dynamically created emojis based on text input.
2. Home Screen & UI Customization
- Free Icon Placement: Icons can be placed anywhere (no more forced grid layout).
- System-Wide Color Themes: Apply uniform tints to app icons, widgets, and menus.
3. RCS Messaging Support
- Improved texting between iPhones and Android devices (higher-quality media, typing indicators, Wi-Fi messaging), though iMessage remains exclusive to Apple.
4. Ecosystem Openness (EU-First)
- Third-Party App Stores: Allowed in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
- Alternative Browser Engines: Apps like Chrome can ditch Safari’s WebKit engine.
5. Other Upgrades
- Dedicated Passwords App: Built-in password manager with Passkey support.
- Health App: Sleep apnea detection, advanced fitness metrics.
- CarPlay 2.0: Deeper vehicle integration (e.g., climate controls, multi-screen support).
Compatible iPhones
iOS 18 will likely support iPhone XR/XS (2018) and newer (A12 Bionic chip or later):
- iPhone 16/16 Pro (2024)
- iPhone 15/15 Pro
- iPhone 14/14 Pro
- iPhone 13/13 Pro
- iPhone 12/12 Pro
- iPhone 11/11 Pro
- iPhone XS/XS Max/XR
- iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen)
Release Timeline
- June 10, 2024: Beta for developers (WWDC).
- July-August 2024: Public beta testing.
- September 2024: Final release + iPhone 16 launch.
