We are just a few months away from the unveiling of iOS 18 at WWDC 2024. This update is expected to bring a ton of new features to the iPhone. Internally, it’s been called one of the most innovative software updates since Apple first released the original iPhone.
While it’s hard to predict the software features of the upcoming iOS updates, plenty of leaks and reports have offered a sneak peek at iOS 18. The Cupertino company has also already publicly confirmed several new features of iOS 18. Here’s what we know so far:
RCS is coming (but the battle of green vs blue bubbles remains)
Last year, Apple announced that RCS messaging support would be available on its devices in 2024. It will most likely be implemented in iOS 18. This change will make it easier to start group messaging with Android users, send high-quality photos and videos, share locations, and more. toga.
However, prominent iOS features such as Memoji, stickers, and the ability to edit or unsend messages will continue to be exclusive to iMessage. Another catch is that once Apple rolls out RCS support in 2024, carriers will also have to add it on their end.
AI, AI and AI
Apple CEO Tim Cook has already confirmed: We will hear a lot more about artificial intelligence from the company in 2024. As expected, the company is preparing many artificial intelligence features for iOS 18. Although some people expect chatbots and features similar to ChatGPT, Apple probably will focus on simpler AI tools — features that already exist in iOS but will likely be rebranded.
Reports also suggest several other AI-related additions, such as:
- Auto-compress and auto-completion features for basic applications and productivity software
- Better playlist creation in Apple Music
- Revision of Siri with a focus on AI
- Code Completion in the new developer version of Xcode
Third-party AI chatbots
Apple is in talks with OpenAI, Google and even China’s Baidu to bring their AI chatbots to the iPhone. Ultimately, the company’s goal is to offer exciting AI features without spending millions of dollars on servers and suffering the problems some brands face with AI.
Recently, Bloomberg Mark Gurman reported that Apple is in talks with several players. If the company closes a deal or two, it would be easier to integrate AI into everyday tasks instead of Apple having to build its own solutions. It would also help the company save and even make more money without being accused of ethical and privacy issues with generative AI.
Home screen for the biggest makeover ever
Bloomberg Mark Gurman believes Apple will allow users to truly customize the appearance of Home Screen app icons for the first time in iOS 18. Additionally, users will be able to freely arrange icons on the iPhone, something users have been asking for for years.
This approach is similar to what Android users have been able to do on their phones and tablets for years, but Apple would certainly add its own flair to the UX. This update would give Apple fans the ability to create empty spaces, rows and columns between apps.
Freeform application update
According to MacRumors, Apple is preparing an update to the Freeform app. The publication says that with iOS 18 comes a new “Freeform Scenes” feature that will help with board navigation. Users will be able to select, edit, name and collaborate in scenes.
The Freeform Scenes UI will be located near the zoom controls. With the new sandwich bar, it will display individual arrow icons to navigate between scenes.
The Apple ID rebrand is coming
Apple is reportedly considering renaming Apple ID to “Apple Account,” potentially in the iOS 18 release cycle. It’s unclear why Apple is considering this change, but it would make a lot more sense in the context of Apple’s current business. Both MacRumors and Bloomberg expect this change, according to previous reports.
New emojis
Later in the iOS 18 cycle, Apple should introduce new emojis. It is currently unclear what the new emoji symbols will be. Later this summer, Emojipedia will re-open the draft of all upcoming candidates. Then it’s up to Apple to add them to iOS. Apple recently introduced new emojis in iOS 17.4 and iOS 16.4.
Summary of iOS 18 features
We’ve covered seven upcoming iOS 18 features that are pretty much confirmed. Apple is likely to announce new accessibility features coming to the operating system before the WWDC keynote. If we learn more about rumored changes coming to iOS 18, we’ll let you know. Below you can check out our guide highlighting all the latest rumours.