Apple is likely to release a number of AI capabilities with iOS 18, considerably improving Siri, Notes, Photos, and possibly other apps.
So, when will iOS 18 be released, what iPhone models will it support, and what new features will it include? Continue reading for the most recent iOS 18 news and rumors.
When will iOS 18 be released?
Apple generally introduces a new version of iOS at its Worldwide Developers Conference, also known as WWDC.
This generally always happens in early July, with the iOS announcement made at the opening keynote on a Monday. With that in mind, an announcement on June 10, 2024 is plausible.
Assuming iOS 18 is announced around that time, the final version will most likely not be available until September 2024. Apple often announces a release date during its main iPhone event, so the iPhone 16 models can be supplied with the new software.
If you can’t wait that long, you may join Apple’s Beta Program, which gives you access to unfinished versions of the most recent iOS developments.
It is crucial to remember that these software iterations are still being developed and may contain bugs and other concerns. So, we’d only advocate that route if you’re comfortable working with beta software or have an iPhone that you’re willing to use as a test machine.
Which iPhones will be compatible with iOS 18?
Apple has not specified which iPhone models will be compatible with iOS 18. However, if the rumors about AI capabilities are real, it could mark the end for several older models.
When iOS 17 was released in 2023, it excluded the iPhone 8 and iPhone X phones from the list. This time, we could say goodbye to the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and iPhone SE (2nd generation). But it’s not guaranteed, so we’ll have to wait and see.
It’s possible that certain iPhones acquire iOS 18, however not all features will be supported. This is something Apple has done in the past, so there is still hope if you have an older device.
Here’s the list of devices that support iOS 17:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- 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 XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)
What new features can we expect from iOS 18?
It won’t be until WWDC in June that Apple makes any specific announcements regarding what we can expect in iOS 18. However, there are already some rumors that this will be a big upgrade from iOS 17.
In a January 2024 newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote: “I’m told that the new operating system is seen within the company as one of the biggest iOS updates – if not the biggest in the company’s history.”
So, what exciting new features will iOS 18 bring? That is not yet certain, although there are a few rumors.
RCS support
We do know that Apple plans to include support for RCS cross-platform texting, which will enhance the experience across iOS and Android smartphones.
In late 2023, the corporation issued a statement confirming this: “Later next year, we will add support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard currently published by the GSM Association.” We believe that RCS Universal Profile will provide a better interoperability experience than SMS or MMS. This will complement iMessage, which will continue to be the greatest and most secure messaging experience for Apple users.”
RCS is a new standard that aims to replace SMS/MMS as the primary messaging protocol across all platforms. It should work with existing messaging programs like iMessage and Google chats, making it easy to send texts, group chats, and photographs. It will have typing indicators so you can see when someone is responding. It will also allow you to share read receipts with friends, family, and colleagues, regardless of the device or app you are using.
Text Effects in iMessage
According to MacRumors, Apple plans to add numerous new capabilities to the Messages app in iOS 18. These include a new text effects feature that animates individual words within a message, adding to the current bubble and full-screen effects.
Although it is unknown what the impacts will be, Apple may include text style options like bold, italics, and underline. The upgrade could possibly include an AI-powered autocomplete feature.
Additionally, with the future RCS capability, these text effects may apply to messages sent to non-iPhone users.
Updated Control Center
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the impending iOS 18 version will contain Control Center changes.
Although past rumors of iOS 15 and iOS 17 updates did not materialize, Gurman is regarded as a reputable source, so it is possible that it will happen this time.
A lot of people using macOS 15 and iOS 18 keep mentioning the revamp to Settings. Obviously not a huge deal, but it’s getting a new UI with a reorganized, cleaner layout that’s more simple to navigate. It also has much improved search. There are also updates to Control Center.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 31, 2024
Furthermore, MacRumors reports that Apple has internally tested a new Control Center for iOS 18, however it is unclear whether these changes will be included in the final release.
AI boost for Siri and other apps
Siri, the often-criticised virtual assistant, may also receive a significant improvement. Many people believe Siri has fallen behind Alexa and Google Assistant in recent years, but the development of generative AI has the potential to change that. And the Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 series provide some hints as to what it could entail.
According to AppleInsider, Apple wants to include a number of new AI features in iOS 18. They now go by the internal codename “Project Greymatter”. Key features may include:
- Greymatter Catch Up: A new notification summary feature offers intelligent summaries of missed alerts, web pages, notes, and documents. Users can ask Siri for a summary of recent notifications.
- Siri enhancements: Apple’s on-device LLM has been incorporated, as has a new smart response architecture for more natural responses, tighter connectivity with contacts, calendar events, and geolocation, and cross-device media controls.
- Text Summarization and Audio-to-Text Transcription: Available in both Siri and Notes.
- Photos app features: Generative AI capabilities include a Clean Up feature that removes undesirable elements (similar to Google’s Magic Eraser) and a Generative Playground for image creation and editing. Possible features include moving/resizing subjects and filling in missing sections in photos.
- Enhanced Notes app: In-app audio recordings, integration of text, audio, and images in notes, and ‘Math Notes’ for mathematical notation, equation recognition, and solution generation.
Stay tuned we’ll update this article if there’s any news.
