Apple will unveil iOS 18 during its WWDC keynote on June 10, so we’re just over six weeks away from the software update being announced. Below, we summarize the rumored features and planned changes for the iPhone with iOS 18.
iOS 18 will reportedly be the “biggest” update in iPhone history, with new generative AI features inspired by ChatGPT, a more customizable home screen, and much more. The first developer beta of iOS 18 should be available immediately after the WWDC keynote, with the update likely rolling out widely in September.
iOS 18 Rumors: 10 New Features
- Smarter Siri: iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, and more. These features are expected to be powered by the Large Language Model (LLM) on Apple’s devices, but Apple has also reportedly discussed partnerships with companies like Google, OpenAI, and Baidu.
- More customizable home screen: One of the rumored design changes for iOS 18 is a more customizable home screen, including the ability to place app icons anywhere on the home screen grid. This change will allow white space, rows, and columns between app icons.
- Improved texting with Android users: Apple announced that it will support the RCS cross-platform messaging standard in the iPhone’s Messages app starting “later” in 2024, so it will likely be a feature of iOS 18. Compared to SMS, RCS support will improve the experience of text messages between iOS and Android devices by enabling higher-resolution photos and videos, audio messages, typing indicators, read receipts, Wi-Fi messages, and more.
- Calculator renewal: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 are expected to feature a revamped Calculator app with several new features, including a sidebar that lists recent calculations, an improved interface for converting units, integration with the Notes app, and more. Yes, this means that Apple will finally make its Calculator app available on the iPad.
- Math in Notes App: With iOS 18, the Notes app is expected to gain support for displaying mathematical notation, allowing users to include more types of algebraic equations and formulas in notes.
- Custom routes in Apple Maps: At least two new Apple Maps features are expected in iOS 18, including custom routes and topographic maps. Custom routes would allow users to choose specific paths to travel while browsing, while topographic maps include details such as trails, contours, elevation, and points of interest for hiking and other outdoor uses. Apple already introduced topographic maps to the Apple Watch with watchOS 10.
- Safari Navigation Assistant: Another new generative AI feature that could come with iOS 18 is a navigation assistant in Safari, but specific details are not known yet. There are already several iPhone web browsers with AI tools, such as Microsoft Edge and its GPT-4-powered Copilot, and Arc Search, which can summarize web pages to provide concise information.
- AirPods Pro as headphones: iOS 18 will reportedly include a so-called “headphone mode” for AirPods Pro, but it’s unclear how it would differ from Apple’s existing Conversation Boost feature that launched in 2021.
- Next Generation CarPlay: Apple’s website says the first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay will arrive in 2024, so the platform could debut alongside iOS 18 later this year. However, next-gen CarPlay may also be supported in some versions of iOS 17.
- Freeform scenes: iOS 18 is rumored to add a new “Scenes” option to Apple’s Freeform drawing app. This feature would allow users to select specific sections or “scenes” on the canvas for easier navigation.
For additional rumors and expectations, read our full iOS 18 Overview which we update periodically with the latest information.
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