Apple is gearing up for its developer conference WWDC 2024 and one of the big highlights of the event will be iOS 18. The new OS update for iPhones is said to bring the biggest revamp in the history of iOS, bringing more flexibility than before to iPhone users with a range of customization options, AI, smart Siri and more.

Let's take a detailed look at everything we can expect from the upcoming iOS 18 software upgrade.

IOS 18 May 27, 2024

Option to change the colour of app icons

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the upcoming iOS 18 will introduce several customization options, including the option to change the colour of app icons, giving users the freedom to curate their home screens according to their preferences. This feature gives iPhone users more options for personalization.

Along with icon customization, iOS 18 will revolutionize home screen organization by allowing users to place apps anywhere on the grid. With the ability to position apps freely, users can create custom layouts and give their iPhones a personal touch.

Artificial intelligence will take centre stage

The upcoming iOS 18 release is also likely to introduce Apple Artificial Intelligence. The Cupertino giant will bring significant artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities with iOS 18 in various native apps. iOS 18 includes features like photo retouching, voice memo transcription, and auto-generated emojis based on message content.

Smart Siri with iOS 18

Apple is going to make its virtual assistant Siri smarter. With enhanced active intelligence and deeper integration with apps like Messages, Siri offers enhanced capabilities like auto-completing sentences and automating complex tasks through shortcuts.

Design improvements

While not adopting a complete overhaul like Vision OS, iOS 18 is said to feature subtle design changes aimed at modernizing aesthetics and enhancing usability. These design updates with customizable home screens, and AI-powered features further enhance the overall user experience.

More changes in native apps

iOS 18 will bring updates to several native apps including Safari, Maps, and Photos. It is reported that there will be significant changes, especially in Safari with an updated look and new tools to improve browsing such as an intelligent search feature, and web eraser tool.

Similarly, Apple Maps also gets support for custom routes and topographic maps, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and travellers alike.

iOS 18 introduces new AI-powered features to apps like Notes, Calendar, and Reminders, enhancing their capabilities with voice memo transcription, AI-generated summaries, seamless integration with Siri, and shortcuts. These improvements aim to streamline workflows and empower users to effortlessly achieve more with their devices.

iOS 18 availability and compatibility

Apple will unveil iOS 18 at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. After a developer testing period, a public beta is expected in July, with a full release expected in the fall. As far as compatibility is concerned, iOS 18 will work on iPhone XR and new models. On the other hand, iPadOS 18 is likely to drop support for some older iPad models.