Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
Apple’s WWDC event kicked off on July 10 with a polished presentation that was streamed globally. The main focus of the event was on iOS 18, the upcoming operating system from Apple that is set to launch later this year. While Apple Intelligence was a highlight, it was just one of many new features that were revealed. To help you navigate through all the announcements, we will take you through the key iOS features that will soon be available on your iPhone.
iOS 18 availability and compatibility
Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority
Before we delve into the various features of iOS 18, it’s important to know which devices will be compatible with the new OS and when it will be released.
iOS 18 is scheduled for a Fall release. While the exact date is not yet known, developers enrolled in the Apple Developer program can download an early version of the software. The developer beta of iOS 18 is currently available for download, but it is recommended to exercise caution as it may contain bugs that could impact user experience.
When iOS 18 is officially rolled out, it will first be available on the flagship iPhone 15 series. Apple Intelligence will initially be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, with a possibility of requiring users to join a waitlist initially. The update will eventually be compatible with iPhones as old as the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE in some form.
Apple Intelligence
Key focus of iOS 18 is on Apple Intelligence, which will play a central role across various features of Apple’s software. From aiding in composing emails to ensuring privacy, Apple Intelligence will enhance the overall user experience on iPhones. Siri, powered by AI, will become more responsive and intuitive, understanding user commands more accurately and seamlessly interacting with other apps on the device. Integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT expands Siri’s capabilities, although concerns regarding data privacy have been raised.
iOS 18 customization features
iOS 18 introduces new customization options for the home screen and Control Center, a departure from Apple’s usual approach. Users can group controls in the Control Center, create custom groups, resize controls, and even add controls from third-party apps. App icons can now be customized with different color themes, reminiscent of Material You on Google Pixel. Additionally, users can move and resize apps and widgets on the home screen, with options to lock or hide apps for enhanced privacy.
iOS 18 photo features
AI-powered photo organization is a key feature of iOS 18, allowing users to easily find and access specific pictures. Photos can be grouped into categories like trips, pets, etc., with the option to pin important collections for quick access. A new Carousel view curates the best photos into a poster view, offering a different collection each day for a nostalgic experience.
Messages
iOS 18 introduces improvements to messaging, including text animations, emoji movements, Tapback with stickers, and support for RCS messaging. Users can send messages via satellite on compatible phones, ensuring end-to-end encryption for messages sent outside of conventional connectivity. Additional features include scheduling messages and improved quality of pictures and videos within iMessage.
Apple Mail in iOS 18 offers enhanced email organization with filters for categories like promotions, newsletters, and transactions. A priority view highlights important messages based on context, and Apple Intelligence assists in email composition, proofreading, tone adjustments, and suggestions. Users can expect a more personalized and efficient email experience.