In the exclusive Q&A section of his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman asserted that iOS 18 is poised to be the most significant software update in the history of the iPhone. He stated, “I’m told that the new operating system is seen within the company as one of the biggest iOS updates — if not the biggest — in the company’s history.”
Gurman revealed plans to unveil more details about specific iOS 18 features and changes in future updates. However, two notable features are already anticipated. iOS 18 is scheduled for release in September, with the first developer beta set to debut during Apple’s annual WWDC in June.
In a November 2023 announcement, Apple confirmed plans to introduce support for the cross-platform messaging standard RCS in the Messages app on the iPhone, expected to roll out later in 2024. This support is likely to be a key feature in iOS 18. The implementation of RCS is set to enhance the default messaging experience between iPhones and Android devices, bringing features like higher-resolution photos and videos, audio messages, typing indicators, read receipts, Wi-Fi messaging between iPhone and Android, improved group chats, and enhanced encryption.
Another noteworthy feature Gurman expects in iOS 18 is the integration of generative AI technology, aimed at improving Siri and the Messages app. This technology is anticipated to enhance Siri’s ability to field questions and auto-complete sentences. Apple has reportedly explored generative AI for various apps across its platforms, including Apple Music, Pages, Keynote, and Xcode.
The incorporation of large language models into Siri is on the horizon, allowing users to automate complex tasks with deeper integration into the Shortcuts app. According to The Information, this feature is slated for release in an iPhone software update in 2024, likely corresponding to iOS 18.
Generative AI gained prominence in 2022 with the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a chatbot capable of responding to questions and prompts. In a trend followed by Google and Microsoft, these chatbots leverage large language models, enabling them to generate human-like responses. The evolution of Siri with generative AI showcases Apple’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovative technologies.
