What to expect from the next biggest iPhone update, iOS 18: New AI features, design changes and more

Apple‘s upcoming iOS 18, set to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10, is rumoured to be one of the most significant updates in the iPhone’s history. The new operating system will reportedly introduce new artificial intelligence (AI) features, major design changes, and enhanced customization options.

Apple Intelligence to power iOS 18 smarts

At the forefront of iOS 18’s new features would be the integration of generative AI, which Apple might dub “Apple Intelligence,”with a focus on creating a more intuitive and personalised user experience.
With the AI upgrades is expected to come revamped Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, is expected to receive a significant upgrade, boasting improved natural language processing and the ability to handle more complex queries with ease.
In addition to the Siri enhancements, Apple Intelligence will manifest itself in various other aspects of the iOS 18 experience. The Messages app will feature AI-powered suggestions, helping users craft more contextually relevant responses and even auto-completing sentences based on the conversation’s context. The AI will also be capable of summarising notifications, emails, and webpages, allowing users to quickly digest important information without having to read through lengthy content.
Other AI-driven improvements are expected in the Photos and Voice Memos apps, with features like advanced image editing, object removal, and automatic transcription of audio recordings. Perhaps one of the most exciting additions is the ability to create custom emoji using AI, enabling users to express themselves in entirely new ways.

More customisation than ever

iOS 18 is set to offer users an unprecedented level of customization, particularly when it comes to the iPhone’s Home Screen. In a significant departure from previous versions of iOS, users will be able to freely place app icons and widgets anywhere on the screen, breaking free from the rigid grid layout that has been a staple of the iPhone interface since its inception. This newfound flexibility will allow for greater personalization and the creation of unique, visually appealing Home Screen designs.
Furthermore, iPhone owners will be able to change the colour of app icons system-wide, offering a new level of visual customization. This feature is expected to be particularly popular among users who enjoy theming their devices and creating cohesive, eye-catching layouts. And the rumour is that the dark mode might extend to the Home Screen.
In addition to the Home Screen updates, iOS 18 will also bring a redesigned Control Center, featuring an updated music widget and enhanced HomeKit integration. The revamped Control Center will offer users more granular control over their connected smart home devices, making it easier to manage and automate their living spaces directly from their iPhones.
Users might even be able to lock each app individually using the Face ID.
Other notable updates include a custom route creation feature in Apple Maps, allowing users to plan and save personalised routes for their favourite journeys, and a revamped Settings app with improved organisation and search capabilities, making it easier to navigate the increasingly complex array of options and preferences available on modern iPhones.

A new Passwords app

Another key addition to iOS 18 is the dedicated Passwords app, which will provide a centralised hub for managing login information across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Windows devices. This app will make it easier for users to generate, store, and autofill secure passwords, reducing the risk of data breaches and improving overall device security. The Messages app will also receive upgrades, including the ability to react to messages with any emoji and schedule messages to be sent at a later time, providing users with more flexibility and control over their communications.

RCS, finally

In addition to the AI-focused updates, iOS 18 is set to introduce several other significant changes aimed at improving communication and security. One of the most notable is the inclusion of RCS (Rich Communication Services) support for messaging between iPhone and Android users. RCS is seen as a long-overdue upgrade to the traditional SMS and MMS protocols, offering iMessage-like features such as read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing for cross-platform conversations. This move is expected to greatly enhance the messaging experience for iPhone users who frequently communicate with Android device owners.