iOS 18 is shaping up to be the most ambitious iOS update in Apple’s history. While AI will be the hot buzzword—as Apple works to close the gap with competitors like Google and Microsoft—reports suggest the new update—to be announced at WWDC 2024 on June 10—will bring a bunch of other quality of life improvements to Apple devices. These changes span across various system apps, promising a more streamlined and intuitive user experience.
Apple WWDC 2024 — Non AI features coming to Apple devices
Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, has revealed that Apple plans to overhaul the “Settings” apps for both iOS and macOS. The new design aims to offer a “cleaner” user interface, improved organisation, and enhanced search capabilities. This revamp will extend to the macOS System Settings app, ensuring consistency across Apple’s ecosystem.
The Control Center in iOS will also see notable improvements. Among these is the introduction of a new music widget and improvements in the operation of smart home appliances. These updates are designed to offer users more control and customisation at their fingertips. The exact nature of changes remains a mystery at the time of writing.
The Messages app is similarly set to receive several engaging new features. Users will soon be able to animate individual words in their text messages, adding a dynamic and personalised touch to conversations. Additionally, Apple will introduce new Tapback icons, expanding the range of reaction emojis available when long-pressing a message.
The Photos app is also on the list for a user interface makeover, which is expected to streamline the photo browsing and editing experience. Meanwhile, the Mail app will benefit from “several improvements,” enhancing its functionality and user-friendliness.
Previous reports suggest that Apple will allow users to change app icon colours in iOS 18, offering more flexibility in personalising the home screen. Another anticipated enhancement is the ability to arrange app icons freely on the home screen. This feature would enable users to organise their apps in a way that suits their preferences, moving beyond the traditional grid layout.
Apple WWDC 2024 — AI features coming to Apple devices
AI will be the bigger news though, even if Apple may not be looking to introduce anything too flashy. Apple and OpenAI have reportedly struck a deal to integrate OpenAI’s advanced generative AI technology into Apple’s software ecosystem. According to The Information, this collaboration aims to enhance Apple’s AI capabilities and could significantly boost OpenAI’s revenue.
Bloomberg had hinted at this impending agreement, highlighting Altman’s ambition to embed OpenAI’s conversational AI within Apple products. This integration could generate billions for OpenAI.
Outside the partnership, Apple is expected to launch a smart recap tool for summarising missed texts and notifications, and AI-generated transcription capabilities for the Voice Memo app, among other features. Watch this space for more updates.
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