What is iOS 18?
iOS 18 is going to be Apple’s new operating system version, coming with large updates in response to the “AI race.” Upcoming features to iOS 18 were recently covered in our article regarding the Apple WWDC, where we explored how some of Apple’s updates were innovative, while others were derivative from other technology companies exploring AI. At the same time, Apple’s announcements regarding iOS 18 may make iOS 18 one of the most powerful updates to Apple iPhones, introducing new features to iPhones that are eligible to run iOS 18.
How Can I Get iOS 18?
Although iOS 18 is not officially released, you can create a free-tier Apple Developer account to access iOS 18 early.
- Make a free Developer Account (on https://developer.apple.com/develop/) with the same Apple ID as your Apple device.
- On your device, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates to choose a Beta update to download.
- If your device is eligible, you can choose iOS 18 Developer Beta.
- Navigate to Software Update and press Update Now.
Note that this is only available to any device created between the iPhone X to the iPhone 15, as well as the two latest iPhone SE models.
iOS 18 Features
More Customizable Themes and UI Updates
In iOS 18, users will be able to further customize their themes. Users will be able to set a specific color for Apple icons, widgets, and more on the app selection screen. Apps can be moved to more locations on the app grid as well. Apple apps will also have new UIs, such as the Mail and Photos app.
Custom Emojis and AI-generated Images
Users will be able to generate custom emojis and base them on real people. The same will be true for AI-generated images, in which users will be able to make cartoon-style characters based on real people. This update also comes with more extensive emoji options in Tapbacks, as well as text emphasization in messages (bold, italics, strikethrough, etc.).
AI-Powered Writing Tools
Apple is also announcing AI-powered writing tools with similar capabilities to Grammarly. Users will be able to edit, proofread, and rewrite text with Apple’s AI-powered writing tools. This update also comes with tone analysis features to make sure that messages sent are friendly, professional, or concise.
AI-Enhanced Siri
Siri will be enhanced by AI, allowing requests to get more personal than before. Siri will look into your app activity across Apple applications to understand and process complicated requests without much input. For example, you can ask Siri to “Generate a summary of the Meeting Notes and email them to Bob” without giving additional information.
Easy Face ID Authentication
Users can lock apps using Face ID and other authentication methods more easily in iOS 18. Although this was usable in past updates as well, it was restricted to specific applications solely. Now, this can be done for any apps that can be kept “hidden.”
Updates to Photos
Photos will be much easier for users to browse, and photos will be better organized for users to access. Helpful topics will allow users to access photos much quicker than before, as well as organize photos by albums and the date they were taken.
Messages via Satellite, RCS, and Scheduled Messages
If WiFi or Cellular Signal is unavailable, phones will have the ability to send messages through satellite on iPhone 14+ phones with satellite capabilities. Users will also have the ability to schedule messages with “Send Later.”
Additionally, Rich Communication Services will enhance text messages and media sent to non-Apple users and support read receipts.
Mail Updates
Similar to Gmail, Apple Mail will now support icons for mail senders in addition to snippets of mail from similar senders. This will make Mail easier to navigate and enable inbox sorting methods that are incorporated in Google as well.
AI Enhancement on Safari
AI will now highlight a table of contents in supported articles and provide summaries of articles to users in Safari. At the same time, Highlights in Safari will display important information on a webpage to a user, such as a location or information about people, movies, music, and TV shows.
Passwords App
Apple announced the Passwords App to securely sync passwords across Apple devices for different websites and applications, providing mobile support for saving passwords.
Downloadable Maps
Users will be able to save hikes for offline access and create custom routes for walking or hiking. This will make it easier for users to use their Apple devices for exploration, and add onto Apple’s satellite updates that allow users to send SOS signals if they are lost and can only connect to a satellite.
Payments Updates
Apple users will now be able to tap iPhones together to quickly transfer cash securely. At the same time, users will be able to pay using rewards balances or installments and save tickets more easily in Apple Wallet.
Enhanced Airpods
Users will be able to speak to Siri more easily on AirPods, nodding “yes” or “no.” AirPods will also isolate your voice to sound clear in environments with background noise. AirPods will also support better speaker quality for immersive gaming environments.
Updates to Notes
Notes will be able to handle calculations with variable expressions and transcribe audio. Notes will also handle Collapsible sections similar to those seen in Microsoft Word. At the same time, users will be able to finally highlight text, making Notes more similar to Word and other text-editing applications.
Updates to Journaling
Journaling Activity will be tied into the Health App as mindful minutes. At the same time, you can track your journaling goals with insight widgets that you can add to your home screen. Users will also be able to search past entries in their Journal.
“Magic” Express Mode
On supported devices, users will be able to automatically unlock doors as they approach them, if they are connected to the Apple Home app. If your iPhone or Apple Watch is near a door, it can automatically unlock the door for you. You can customize your device to support this for specific aspects of your smart home, such as a security system or front door. Later this year, Siri and Home will also have the ability to support robot vacuum cleaners.
Security and Privacy Updates
Users will be able to share solely some contacts with applications. Users will also have the ability to adjust security settings on a redesigned Settings page. Finally, accessories can be paired with better privacy with recent updates to Bluetooth.
Conclusion on iOS 18
Although many updates to iPhones that support iOS 18 are derived from other companies’ features made in response to enhancements in artificial intelligence, Apple is unique in its focus on simplicity in product design. Apple will be successful in making AI more mainstream to all Apple users in its release of iOS 18.