Here are the Biggest Features Coming to iPhones

May 30, 2024

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Here are the Biggest Features Coming to iPhones

Although only a few rumors have surfaced so far, we’ve compiled an iOS 18 features guide on what is supposed to be the biggest software update in iPhone’s history. In this article, we’ll share the rumored new features expected in this version, along with some interesting insights into Apple’s upcoming mobile software.

What to Expect from iOS 18

As we edge closer to the highly anticipated release of iOS 18—codenamed Crystal—the tech community is buzzing with speculation and excitement. This upcoming version of Apple’s operating system is expected to bring a host of new features, enhancements, and possibly a few surprises that will redefine how we interact with our iPhones.

Furthermore, at the end of January, one of the most prominent tipsters regarding Apple’s mobile software, Mark Gurman, disclosed in his Power On newsletter—under the subject ‘The Future of the iPhone’—that iOS 18 is tipped to be ‘one of the largest operating system updates, if not the biggest, in the company’s history’ that Apple will ship to iPhones.

That said, based on the latest rumors, expert analyses, and our understanding of Apple’s innovation trajectory, iOS 18 is expected to introduce features that many thought were forgotten (though I didn’t). RCS support, already confirmed by Apple, is set to resolve the longstanding debate over ‘green bubbles vs. blue bubbles.’

In addition, Apple is anticipated to integrate generative AI technology into the system, starting with Siri and extending to more advanced tasks. Continuing on the AI front, Apple is reportedly focusing on incorporating a broader range of artificial intelligence features into iOS 18.

We can also expect enhancements in user interface design, particularly on customization front, and advanced security measures. So, without further ado, let’s delve into what Apple has planned for us in 2024.

Rumored Features of iOS 18

The realm of technology thrives on speculation and anticipation, especially when it comes to major software updates like iOS 18. In this segment, we’re diving into the swirling pool of rumors and insider whispers that hint at the possible features of iOS 18. While Apple maintains its usual veil of secrecy, the tech world’s detective work has led to fascinating conjectures.

Here, we’ll sift through the most talked-about rumored features. Starting with the fact that Apple has prioritized performance and stability improvements for the upcoming iOS 18 update after the release of iOS 17 was plagued with bugs and issues. According to a recent report, the company is focusing on fixing the bugs in the first version of iOS 18 before introducing new features.

That said, as of the latest rumors and reports, iOS 18 is expected to introduce several notable features.

Advanced Accessibility Features

As recently previewed by Apple, iOS 18 continues to build on accessibility features on iOS 17. However, the new additions in this section will benefit both users who require assistive technologies and those who don’t.

The biggest in the suite of new tools is Eye Tracking which will be activated on iPhone and iPad over the air update. As the name implies, it uses machine learning and the front-facing in these devices to provide hands-free control when navigating in official apps and services as well and supported third-party apps.

Apple's new accessibility features including Eye Tracking tech — Apple is debuting an Eye Tracking feature on iPhone and iPad through the iOS 18 update. / © Apple

Another new capability centered on ease of use is Music Haptics. Apple described the feature will utilize the haptic motor on iPhones to produce varying vibrations to the tuned of a song or track.

Individuals prone to motion sickness may find relief with the new iOS 18 feature called Vehicle Motion Cues designed to minimize discomfort when traveling in a moving vehicle. When enabled the feature will generate animated spots around the edges of the screen with the movement based on the direction or motion of the vehicle.

Major Home Screen Customizations

In March, rumors regarding a significant home screen customization for iPhones surfaced on the web. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been eagerly anticipating this update. What does it mean? According to Bloomberg sources, starting with iOS 18, users will have the freedom to arrange apps and widgets on their home screens as they see fit, breaking free from the semi-locked grid view of previous iterations.

And in the latest update from Gurman, the leaker describes that users can also customize icons for apps, such as allowing to change the color and design of each icon. This is a similar feature that has long existed on Android and that would have a big impact on the way iPhone users interact with their devices.

UI Changes Inspired By VisionOS

We still haven’t had the chance to test the Apple Vision Pro goggles; however, it’s hardly a secret that their user interface and system navigation are quite intriguing. On that note, iOS 18 is rumored to introduce some UI changes inspired by VisionOS, Apple’s new platform for spatial computing and mixed-reality devices.

Given this, we can reasonably expect changes in the visual aspect of iOS, including features like rounded and more in-depth elements, and a streamlined workflow view for multitasking. Moreover, knowing Apple’s approach, while we might not see a massive overhaul in navigation, we can anticipate a smarter, more efficient way to interact with the iPhone.

RCS Support

Apple has announced plans to add the RCS protocol to its iPhones by 2024, finally giving Android users a better messaging experience when communicating with iPhone users. RCS offers advantages over Apple’s iMessage, such as support for higher resolution images and videos, larger file sizes, and better compatibility between different messaging apps.

Currently, iMessage displays chats from Android devices in green bubbles, leading to discrimination and incompatibility issues. Since there’s no third-party applications that can bridge this gap, Apple’s decision to adopt RCS will benefit most users. The blue bubble vs. green bubble debate may finally be resolved.

Major AI Features

Apple is reportedly focusing on incorporating more artificial intelligence features into iOS 18. This includes a revamped Siri using large language models, AI integration in the Messages app for fielding questions and auto-completing sentences, auto-generated playlists in Apple Music, and generative AI features in iWork apps and Xcode.

In 2023, supply chain sources indicated that Apple was constructing AI servers, with plans to expand their deployment this year. Yet, setting up these servers doesn’t ensure the implementation of LLM-based features in Apple’s devices.

On March 18th, the tech industry was abuzz with rumors of a potential partnership between Apple and Google concerning Apple’s adoption of Gemini, Google’s AI model. Discussions about a partnership with OpenAI were also in the air, but Google seemed to lead the pack, with rumors swirling about Apple negotiating with Google to license the Gemini models for AI features on iPhones.

This collaboration might include cloud-based AI features, such as text-to-image generation and essay writing through prompts. Nonetheless, Apple might still offer unique on-device AI features for the iPhone 16, powered by the new A18 chipset and an enhanced Neural Engine.

Regardless of the approach, Apple is reportedly proceeding with caution to ensure that privacy and security standards are upheld. The company is weighing the benefits of on-device AI, which offers speed and privacy, against a cloud-based approach that enables more complex operations. A hybrid method may be employed. The exact applications of AI in Apple devices remain under wraps.

Powered By Cloud

Based on the recent chatter courtesy of Bloomberg’s Gurman, Apple is powering many of the advanced generative AI features on iOS 18 through cloud servers. Even so, the Cupertino is equipping its new servers with its M2 Ultra chipsets. On the other hand, the basic AI processes are said to be done on-device.

Likewise, this setup would also mean Apple’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro might feature exclusive AI functions given they will run on the newer and upcoming A18 chipset. Nonetheless, we won’t be waiting for too long to find out which are going to be deployed in compatible and older iPhone models.

Smarter Siri

Siri is anticipated to become more intelligent with the integration of generative AI technology. This could include the ability to automate complex tasks and better field questions and auto-complete sentences. These advancements are expected to extend to other Apple apps as well, such as Apple Music, Pages, and Keynote.

Voice recognition. Personal assistant. Smart music sound waves or voice recognition technology. Soundwave intelligent technologies. Vector illustration. Volume curve energy waveform. Neon Ai concept. — Siri is about to get smarter with the iOS 18 update in 2024. / © Free Ukraine&Belarus / Adobe Stock

Invisible Face ID scanner in development

Apple is likely to phase out Touch ID completely and focus on Face ID for its future devices, according to a recent report. A credible leaker suggests that Apple has indefinitely shut down the equipment used to manufacture fingerprint scanner components, indicating that upcoming iPhones and possibly future iPad tablets will not feature Touch ID.

Instead, Apple might be exploring the development of an invisible Face ID scanner, which would be concealed under the iPhone’s display. Although the specifics of how this will affect the user experience with the operating system remain unclear, it’s quite likely that we’ll see some changes in the overall user interface.

Apple's patent for hidden Dynamic Island — Apple’s patent of invisible Dynamic Island on iPhones. / © Patently Apple

The release of iOS 18 is expected to be announced at WWDC 2024. However, these predictions are based on rumors and expectations, and the actual features and release schedule may vary as Apple finalizes its plans for iOS 18.

As more information becomes available, we will update this iOS 18 guide with newly rumored features. So, bookmark this page to stay informed about the latest developments in Apple’s new iOS features.