Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference will take place between June 1-14 this year. At WWDC, Apple unveils new software versions for its major devices. This year, iOS 18 is set to feature in the upcoming iPhone 16 Series. Touted by many as the most important iOS update in Apple’s history, iOS 18 will mark the debut of AI features on the iPhone. But that’s not all. Let’s take a look at the expected features and upgrades on iOS 18.

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AI features

After Samsung debuted its Galaxy AI on the new Galaxy S24 Series (our review here) earlier this year, Apple will be looking to make Artificial Intelligence the next big thing in the next version of iOS. Murmurs of Apple collaborating with Google to introduce the Gemini chatbot in iOS 18 have been all over the Internet. If that is the case, it will be confirmed at WWDC 2024. An AI chatbot created entirely by Apple is out of the question for now.

Apple will look to upgrade its native iOS apps with new AI features. Expect Voice Memos to get smarter with AI transcriptions. The native Photos app could also rock new photo-editing features. Siri, Messages, Apple Music, Shortcuts, and other apps are also set to get smarter. More premium features will be held back for the iPhone 16 Series which is set to make its debut this fall. This is because these features will require a dedicated neural engine which is bound to be present in the upcoming Bionic chipset.

RCS Messaging

At last, RCS messaging is finally coming to the Messages app. This will greatly benefit cross-platform messaging, allowing smooth transfer of hi-res images, videos and audio messages between Android and iOS devices. It will also allow Android users to view read receipts and typing indicators of iPhone users. The two platforms will finally be able to communicate through WiFi messaging as well.

New home screen customisations

When it comes to customisation options, Android is comfortably ahead of iOS. Apple may finally be bridging that gap by allowing iOS 18 users to freely place icons on the home screen. Right now, iOS users have to follow the strict grid pattern for the home screen which does not allow any gaps between app icons. iOS 18 will give users more control over how their smartphone’s home screen looks.

Apple Maps gets two important updates

Apple’s native navigation app is getting two important updates on the new iOS 18 – custom routes and topographic maps. Using custom routes, users can now choose specific routes to reach their destinations instead of the standard route suggested by Apple Maps.

Topographic maps allow users to view the contours and terrain of a particular area. If you’re on a hike, you can use the topographic filter to gauge the elevation and contour of the hiking trail. This feature made its debut last year on watchOS 10. Apple will bring it to its Maps app for the iPhone this year.

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Conclusion

These are the major upgrades and features that are expected on iOS 18. Some minor tweaks to the interface and design are also expected in the new iOS version, but they won’t radically change the way users interact with their iPhones. Which feature are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments!

The post WWDC 2024: What to expect from iOS 18? appeared first on Gadget Bridge by Utkarsh Joshi.