Looking ahead to iOS 18, which is expected to be announced at WWDC’24 next June, Apple enthusiasts anticipate a more subdued update compared to the feature-packed iOS 16 and iOS 17. It’s projected that iOS 18 will focus more on refining existing features and addressing user feedback, rather than introducing groundbreaking new capabilities. Apple is likely to continue its tradition of releasing developer and public betas shortly after the WWDC keynote, with the full release scheduled for September 2024, coinciding with the launch of the next iPhone (iPhone 16).
While specific details about iOS 18’s features are scarce, there is speculation that the update will prioritize artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. This is in line with Apple’s recent investments in AI servers and the development of in-house language models. Industry insiders anticipate that AI improvements, particularly to Siri, will be a significant part of the iOS 18 update.
Other rumors suggest that iOS 18 could introduce a visual refresh, possibly aligning iOS icons with those found on the Vision Pro AR headset’s visionOS. However, these speculations are deemed less credible, as a dramatic shift in icon design seems unlikely.
As for device compatibility, it’s expected that iOS 18 will be compatible with the iPhone 11 series and newer models, while older devices like the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR might be phased out.
Overall, iOS 18 is expected to be a more conservative update, focusing on refining existing features and potentially enhancing Siri’s capabilities through AI and machine learning advancements. It remains to be seen how much of these speculations will materialize when iOS 18 is officially unveiled at WWDC’24.
