iOS 18 is still months away from being unveiled, but rumors continue to surface about the upcoming software update, as outlined below.
iOS 18 is rumored to include new ChatGPT-inspired generative AI features for Siri and many built-in apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is also rumored to have design changes, new accessibility features, and more.
At least some Apple employees believe that iOS 18 could be the biggest software update in the iPhone's history, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The update is expected to be announced at Apple's developers conference WWDC in June.
Smarter Siri and Generative AI
iOS 18 is rumored to have new generative AI features for Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and more, according to sources such as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and The Information's Wayne Ma.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly teased that the company is working on generative AI, and plans to share details "later this year."
Generative AI surged in popularity in late 2022, when OpenAI released ChatGPT, a chatbot that can respond to questions and other text prompts. The company has also expanded into generative AI tools for images and videos.
Some generative AI features might be exclusive to iPhone 16 models, which are rumored to have a Neural Engine with "significantly" more cores.
At least some of Apple's new generative AI features may be powered by Google's Gemini system.
RCS Support in Messages App
In November, Apple announced that it would support the cross-platform messaging standard RCS in the Messages app on the iPhone starting "later" in 2024, so it will likely be an iOS 18 feature based on that timeframe.
RCS support should result in the following improvements to the default messaging experience between iPhones and Android devices:
- Higher-resolution photos and videos
- Audio messages
- Typing indicators
- Read receipts
- Wi-Fi messaging between iPhones and Android devices
- Improved group chats, including the ability for iPhone users to leave a conversation that includes Android users
These modern features are already available for iPhone-to-iPhone conversations with blue bubbles, via iMessage, and many of the features are also available in third-party messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Telegram. RCS support on the iPhone will extend the features to green bubbles in the Messages app.
Design Changes
In a February edition of his newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple was working to update the design of iOS as "early as this year."
Gurman has yet to reveal any specific design changes planned for iOS. In a November edition of his newsletter, however, he said Apple's senior management described iOS 18 as "ambitious and compelling," with "major new features and designs."
Gurman does not expect iOS 18 to receive a "total overhaul that mirrors visionOS."
More Rumors
- AirPods Pro may get a new hearing aid mode with iOS 18
- iOS 18 may have new accessibility features tied to VoiceOver, Live Speech, and Text Size.
- iOS 18 may have an updated Freeform app with a new "Scenes" feature.
- "Apple ID" is expected to be rebranded to "Apple Account" starting with iOS 18.
- iOS 18 is rumored to be compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17.
For additional information, read our iOS 18 roundup.
