Apple is once again set to revolutionize the smartphone experience with the introduction of iOS 18, the latest iteration of its mobile operating system. Unveiled at the WWDC 2024 in June, iOS 18 is scheduled for a public release in September. This new version brings a host of exciting features, most notably the integration of “Apple Intelligence,” a cutting-edge AI feature that Apple describes as “AI for the rest of us.” Built to enhance every aspect of the iOS experience, Apple Intelligence promises to make your interactions with your iPhone more intuitive, personal, and powerful.

Introducing Apple Intelligence: AI Feature for the Masses

At the core of iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, a feature set that merges generative AI with personal context to deliver a deeply integrated AI experience within the iOS ecosystem. This AI-driven innovation enhances text-based tasks across the operating system, boosts Siri’s intelligence, and offers various content generation options.

One of the standout features of Apple Intelligence is the Writing Tools suite, accessible in all apps. These tools let users rewrite, polish, proofread, and summarize text with ease. They also provide options to adjust the tone, make writing more concise, and eliminate spelling or grammar errors.

Another exciting addition is the enhanced Photos app. Users can generate images based on prompts or Apple’s suggestions, with customizable themes like Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. The app also allows the incorporation of images of friends and family, making it easy to create personalized photos. This updated Photos app integrates seamlessly into apps like Messages and Notes, expanding your creative possibilities.

iOS 18 introduces the Genmoji feature in the Messages app, enabling users to create custom emojis. By entering a simple description, you can generate any emoji you want, even incorporating your friends’ likenesses.

The Photos app also benefits from Apple Intelligence. Now, users can create custom Memories by typing in a description, and Apple Intelligence curates the perfect photos and videos to match. These Memories come with a full narrative arc, complete with music and chapters. Additionally, a new Clean Up tool helps you easily remove unwanted objects from photo backgrounds.

Siri Gets a Major Upgrade

With new iOS 18 features, Apple has completely overhauled Siri, making it more contextually aware, personal, and natural in its interactions. Siri now performs actions in apps, manages files, edits photos, creates folders, and more. The personal assistant has become smarter, better understanding language and context, and can track previous requests for more coherent interactions.

Siri’s new look includes a glowing ring around the display when activated. The assistant now possesses deep knowledge of Apple products, providing step-by-step instructions when needed. If Siri cannot answer a question, users can tap into OpenAI’s ChatGPT for more detailed responses.

Exclusive Features for the Latest Devices

It’s important to note that Apple Intelligence is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models and Apple devices equipped with M-series chips. This limitation is due to the on-device processing required for privacy and security, with more intensive tasks handled by Apple’s Private Cloud Compute feature. Apple assures users that this feature does not store data or make it accessible in any way.

Non-AI Enhancements: New Customization Options and More

Beyond AI, iOS 18 introduces a wide range of new features across more iPhones. The Home Screen now supports greater customization, allowing users to rearrange apps and widgets around wallpapers, with larger icons and widgets available in dark mode.

The Control Center has been redesigned, letting users rearrange controls for a more personalized experience. A new controls gallery offers quick actions, including third-party app controls, and Control Center can be split into multiple screens for dedicated functions like HomeKit, media playback, and connectivity.

The Photos app has combined the Library and For You tabs into a streamlined view, focusing on surfacing your best content. The Messages app now includes scheduled texts and the ability to react to texts with any emoji. Additionally, Apple is transitioning to Rich Communication Services (RCS) for improved messaging with Android users.

For times when you’re off the grid, iOS 18 allows users to send texts via satellite on iPhone 14 and later models. This feature supports text, emoji, and Tapbacks, with end-to-end encryption for iMessages.

Later in 2024, Apple Mail will gain on-device categorization and a new digest view, while Safari will introduce Highlights for summarizing webpage content. The Notes app will include live audio recording and transcription, as well as Math Notes that can automatically solve equations.

Enhanced Privacy and New Features

Privacy remains a cornerstone of iOS 18. Apple has introduced the ability to lock or hide any app, requiring Face ID or Touch ID for access. Additionally, apps requesting contact access can now be limited to specific contacts. Third-party accessories can connect without exposing other devices on the network.

iOS 18 also adds gesture-based Siri responses for AirPods Pro 2. Users can shake their head for “no” or nod for “yes” when interacting with Siri. Voice Isolation has been introduced to block out background noise, enhancing the user experience.

Coming Soon

iOS 18 features are currently available to developers and public beta testers, with a full launch expected in the fall alongside the latest iPhone models. However, Apple Intelligence will be rolled out in an iOS 18.1 update later this year.

Stay tuned for more updates as Apple continues to refine and expand the capabilities of iOS 18, promising a richer, more personalized experience for users around the world.