Apple’s highly anticipated iOS 18 is set to be officially announced on June 10 at the Worldwide Developers Conference. With rumors swirling about what to expect from the new iPhone update, anticipation is building for what could be Apple’s ‘biggest ever update.’
One of the most significant aspects of iOS 18 is the introduction of AI to the iPhone for the first time. This move represents a major shift in the capabilities of the iOS operating system, with Apple set to incorporate AI into its built-in apps and potentially introduce major AI features exclusive to the new iPhone 16s.
Apple’s focus on AI is evident through its recent acquisition of Canadian startup DarwinAI, which specializes in developing technology to make AI systems smaller and faster. This acquisition aligns with Apple’s strategy of running AI on devices rather than solely in the cloud, emphasizing the company’s commitment to integrating AI into its hardware and software.
Rumors also suggest that Apple may collaborate with Google to utilize Google Gemini to power a chatbot in iOS 18 and beyond. This partnership, if realized, could raise ethical and privacy concerns, as it would involve third-party technology playing a significant role in the AI capabilities of Apple’s operating system.
CEO Tim Cook has been vocal about Apple’s AI ambitions, indicating that the company is investing approximately $1 billion annually in research and hardware to support large language models. This investment underscores Apple’s dedication to advancing AI capabilities across its product ecosystem.
Furthermore, iOS 18 is expected to enhance Siri’s AI functionalities, potentially improving interactions between Siri and the Messages app, enabling more effective auto-completion and the ability to answer complex questions. However, the extent to which generative AI features will be confined to on-device processing or extended to cloud-based deployment remains uncertain.
Aside from AI advancements, iOS 18 is rumored to introduce design changes and a more customizable Home Screen. Additionally, Apple Maps is anticipated to incorporate support for custom routes, while messaging standard RCS will be integrated to facilitate easier communication between iPhone and Android users.
As Apple places AI at the forefront of iOS 18, the company is expected to prioritize security and privacy considerations. With the potential integration of generative AI features, Apple will likely introduce new privacy controls to empower users to manage AI-related data and interactions.
