The forthcoming iOS 18 from Apple is expected to bring about a significant redesign, maybe with a circular icon design reminiscent to VisionOS and an emphasis on generative AI features incorporated into key apps.
Only a few months remain until Apple’s 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, which usually begins with a keynote address in early June. Although WWDC is largely a developer-focused conference, new hardware is rarely the main focus. Instead, iOS updates are. It is anticipated that iOS 18 will be the biggest software upgrade for the iPhone that Apple has released in a long time. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, recently made hints about significant developments pertaining to Generation AI that will be made later this year. Based on what he said, we may assume that WWDC is the event where everything will happen.
iOS 18 is rumoured to have a significant redesign.
The iOS 16 and iOS 17 releases from Apple were merely cosmetic improvements. The primary goal of these two iPhone software versions was to stabilize the operating system by making the most of the already-existing key features. According to reports, the future iOS 18 will be very different, offering several new features that will benefit iPhone users in addition to UI-level improvements. iOS 18 has been internally dubbed “Crystal,” and work on it is reportedly underway, according to a Bloomberg story.
When will iOS 18 be released?
Most likely in September, the stable version of iOS 18 will launch alongside the upcoming iPhone 16 series. But at its yearly developers conference, which is probably going to happen in June along with the release of the next generation OS for Apple Watch, Mac, Apple TV, and other devices, Apple will offer us an early look at the same.
It is anticipated that the first public beta of iOS 18 will be released in July or August, with the developer beta expected to launch in June. These builds are primarily intended for app developers and enthusiasts who want to be the first to use the new improvements, but they won’t be flawless by any means.
Rumoured visual makeover
It is said that iOS 18 was influenced by VisionOS. If this is accurate, we should anticipate features like circular icons and a transparent user interface that melds in perfectly with the rest of the operating system. A redesigned control centre may perhaps appear at last, and the upgrade is also rumoured to provide more customization options. Though iOS has consistently had square-shaped icons since iOS 1, it will be interesting to observe whether the firm decides to go to circular icons in keeping with the VisionOS design philosophy.
AI-powered original apps
Though it’s possible that iPhones won’t have stand-alone AI functions like the Galaxy S24 series has. Apple is anticipated to include AI features into its current suite of products and services, nevertheless. Indeed, Apple Podcasts’ AI-generated transcripts were made possible by iOS 17.4. AI elements are reportedly being added by Apple to native apps. According to a previous Bloomberg story, the business is working on an LLM (large language model) called Ajax, which is expected to have generative AI capabilities similar to those of ChatGPT. Part of these features are planned to be integrated into Siri to provide users with a more engaging chat experience.
Similar to Samsung, Apple is anticipated to adopt a hybrid AI integration strategy in which cloud computing would power certain features and on-device computing will power others. Along with the notes app, the mail app is anticipated to acquire generative AI capabilities as well. This could enable users to summarize and translate text on both apps natively. Some of these capabilities, nevertheless, could only be available on the most recent models.
According to some rumours, Apple is reportedly planning to release iOS 18 on a global scale, bringing with it features like third-party default browser, third-party payment gateway, and app sideloading. It is rather doubtful, though.
iOS 18-compatible gadgets
The iOS 18 upgrade is probably compatible with more than 20 iPhone models. Any iPhone released on or after iPhone 11 is probably eligible for the iOS 18 update, while the Apple iPhone XS and XR (review) series might not be.
The full list of gadgets anticipated to support the iOS 18 update is as follows:-
Phone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max