Excitement builds for iOS 18 as reports detail a major overhaul of built-in apps. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and other sources shed light on what to expect from this iPhone update. Significant upgrades to Notes, Safari, Home Screen, and Siri are leading the charge.
While specifics remain under wraps, rumors suggest Notes will gain the ability to display complex math equations and record voice memos directly within the app. Additionally, iPad users can rejoice as iOS 18 is rumored to bring a dedicated Calculator app to their devices.
Calculator app for iPad
One long-awaited addition is the Calculator app for iPadOS 18, previously exclusive to iOS. This update will finally bring the Calculator app to the iPad, providing users with a convenient tool for quick calculations.
AI-powered features
iOS 18 is expected to introduce new generative AI features across various aspects of the operating system. These features will include enhancements to Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, and more. Powered by Apple’s on-device large language model (LLM), these AI features are set to improve the user experience by providing smarter and more personalized interactions.
Home Screen
Another exciting rumor suggests that iOS 18 will introduce a more customizable Home Screen, allowing users to place app icons anywhere on the grid. This change will give users greater flexibility in organizing their apps and creating a personalized user experience.
RCS messaging
Apple has also announced support for the cross-platform messaging standard RCS in the Messages app, starting “later” in 2024. This feature is expected to improve the texting experience between iOS and Android devices by allowing for higher-resolution photos and videos, audio messages, typing indicators, read receipts, Wi-Fi messaging, and more.
Additional features
Other rumored features of iOS 18 include:
- Custom routes in Apple Maps: Users will be able to choose specific roads to travel on while navigating, and topographic maps will include details such as trails, contour lines, elevation, and points of interest for hiking and other outdoor uses.
- Safari browsing assistant: A new browsing assistant in Safari powered by generative AI, although specific details are not yet known.
- AirPods Pro as hearing aid: iOS 18 will reportedly include a “hearing aid mode” for AirPods Pro, although details about this feature are still unclear.
- Next-generation CarPlay: Apple’s next-generation CarPlay, compatible with some iOS 17 versions, is expected to debut alongside iOS 18.
On-device AI processing and privacy
Privacy takes center stage in iOS 18 with on-device AI processing. This innovative approach keeps user data secure by running AI features entirely on the device, even with the rumored performance boost from the iPhone 16’s new chip. While this may limit raw processing power compared to competitors, it prioritizes user privacy and offers faster response times.
