The yearly iPhone update could be the biggest yet according to analyst Mark Gurman. Released around September, the 2024 version will be known as iOS 18. 2023’s iOS 17 introduced offline maps, profiles in Safari, and third party passkeys to name a few.
iOS 18 is expected to introduce AI into Siri, one of the last big tech firms to deploy the technology for consumers. It also could be releasing RCS text support, which would make communication between iPhones and Androids more modern. Tech Crunch says:
Although the latest report doesn’t detail any specifics, Gurman has previously reported that Apple is planning to launch a newer version of Siri that leverages a new AI system. Apple is also expected to launch new features that improve how both Siri and the Messages app can auto-complete sentences and field questions. Plus, Apple Music is expected to get auto-generated playlists, which is something that Spotify introduced last year.
Apple is said to be looking at integrating generative AI into development tools like Xcode to allow developers to write new applications faster. In addition, Apple’s productivity apps, like Pages and Keynotes, should also be getting generative AI updates.
In lieu of RCS, many users have taken to third party apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, which are all device agnostic. Mac World gives some more insight on what could be included in this update:
What that bigness will actually entail is less clear at this point. Gurman pledged to reveal more in due course but kept things brief in this exchange. Fortunately, however, we already know quite a lot about the ways in which iOS 18 will be a Very Big Deal, or as Gurman phrased it back in November, “ambitious and compelling.” The support of RCS cross-platform messaging is expected to arrive in iOS 18 and will make a huge difference in interactions between iPhone and Android owners. Apple is only doing this reluctantly, but as we’ve explained elsewhere, this is a win for pretty much everyone else, including Apple fans.
As for the hapless Siri, which we’ve criticized again and again and again, the launch of iOS 18 could be the moment it finally starts punching its weight. The company may appear to have been neglecting Siri for years, but behind the scenes, it has been working on a major AI strategy pushwhich is expected to bear fruit in improved Siri performance, among other things. Generative AI in particular could be a game-changer for the beleaguered voice assistant.
Although Apple to Android switches are not very common, Apple feels pressure to keep up with its competitors. Unlike Android which is developed by many competitors, such as Google and Samsung, iOS is solely the responsibility of Apple. This means innovation is particularly important to remain competitive.
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