Early rumors about iOS 18 suggest we could be in for a major software update in 2024, featuring new features and designs with a focus on AI. Considering how highly we rated iOS 17, the potential for an even more substantial update in iOS 18 is certainly exciting.
However, details about this update are scarce, so we are still unsure about what it will entail. Here’s what we know so far about iOS 18, including the possible release date and expected supported devices.
Further on, we’ll also discuss what we hope to see in iOS 18 to make it the best update possible. We’ll continue to update this article with leaks and news as they emerge, so check back for the latest information.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? The next major iOS release
- When is it out? Probably September 2024
- How much will it cost? It will be a free upgrade
iOS 18: predicted release date
(Image credit: Apple)
Based on past releases, we can expect iOS 18 to launch around mid-September 2024, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 16 line and the Apple Watch 10. We may see a glimpse of iOS 18 at WWDC in early June, where Apple typically unveils new iOS versions.
At WWDC, key features are showcased, and shortly after, Apple releases developer previews followed by public betas. This means that an unfinished version of iOS 18 could be available for testing well before the September release.
iOS 18: expected compatibility
(Image credit: TechRadar)
While it’s still unknown which phones will support iOS 18, iOS 17 works on iPhone models from the iPhone XR and iPhone XS onwards. Considering this, it’s likely that iOS 18 might drop support for iPhones released in 2018, requiring an iPhone 11 or newer.
iOS 18: news and leaks
Early leaks indicate that Apple is investing heavily in AI servers and features for iOS 18, with the first AI-driven features expected to debut in 2024. Rumors suggest that Apple is internally developing Apple GPT, a potential competitor to ChatGPT, which could bring AI advancements to Siri and AppleCare.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
There’s also speculation that a revamped AI-powered Siri could be revealed at WWDC 2024, potentially exclusive to the iPhone 16 and later. Moreover, there are murmurs that Siri might replace the Shortcuts app, acting as a simpler way to execute complex tasks through voice commands.
According to Bloomberg, iOS 18 is being described internally as an ambitious upgrade with major new features and designs. However, there are reports of Apple encountering challenges in development, potentially leading to delays or cancellations of certain features.
iOS 18: what we want to see
We have a wishlist of improvements for iOS 18, here are five key ones.
1. A worldwide rollout of all the key features
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
iOS 17’s Live Voicemail feature is limited to the US and Canada, excluding users in other regions. For iOS 18, we hope that all key features can be accessed globally. If global availability isn’t feasible, we expect Apple to be transparent about feature limitations.
2. Compatibility with Android for Check In
Another
One of the habits of Apple that many are not fond of is the company’s tendency to limit certain features, such as iMessage and SharePlay, to iOS users and locking out Android users. While this is somewhat understandable, it becomes less justifiable when it comes to safety features, like the Check In function.
The Check In feature, introduced in iOS 17, provides an automated way for users to inform their loved ones about their safe arrival or, conversely, to alert them if they might be in an unsafe situation by not checking in. However, the feature requires both the sender and recipient to have iOS 17, effectively preventing Android users from both utilizing the feature and receiving Check In notifications from iOS users.
With the upcoming iOS 18, it would be beneficial for Apple to consider opening up the Check In feature to Android users. This would allow Android users to receive automated messages and alerts from iOS users, even if they are unable to automate their own check-ins.
Another improvement to anticipate in iOS 18 is a significant AI upgrade for Siri. Rumors suggest that Apple is incorporating AI heavily into the new release, with Siri expected to be a primary beneficiary. These upgrades could potentially enable more natural and fluid conversations with Siri, as well as support for carrying out complex tasks beyond basic functions like web searches or controlling smart devices.
Additionally, it would be advantageous if iOS 18 incorporates a feature borrowed from Android, allowing users to simply tap in the center of a word to place the cursor there for easy correction of typos. This small but useful improvement could streamline text editing and enhance the overall user experience.
Furthermore, deep but thoughtful AI integration is encouraged beyond Siri, particularly in the realm of photography. Apple should consider incorporating a robust AI toolset for photo editing, similar to Google’s Magic Eraser and Magic Editor tools, to provide users with advanced photo editing capabilities. Moreover, making spatial photos and videos more accessible to a wider range of users, beyond just Apple Vision Pro owners, would further enrich the creative possibilities within the iOS ecosystem.
In conclusion, the upcoming iOS 18 release presents an opportunity for Apple to enhance its features and promote a more inclusive and advanced user experience, particularly by considering opening up certain functionalities to Android users and enriching the capabilities of existing features like Siri and photo editing tools. These improvements have the potential to elevate the iOS platform and meet the evolving needs of a diverse user base.