Apple revealed iOS 18, the latest version of its operating system, at WWDC 2025. The company promises that iOS 18 introduces impressive features such as enhanced customization and functionality. iOS 18 includes additional customization features, a major redesign of the Photos app, and novel methods for users to handle their Mail and Messages over satellite. Currently, iOS 18 is exclusively accessible to developers, with the public beta set to launch in July this year. Apple has unveiled the roster of iPhones that are compatible with the latest update alongside the release of iOS 18.
Top 5 new features Apple may introduce with iOS 18:
1. Siri 2.0:
Apple is planning to enhance its popular Siri voice assistant by integrating generative AI to improve the accuracy and depth of its responses. A leak from Apple Insider indicates that Apple is teaching Siri to comprehend more natural language commands, in addition to the direct commands it already understands. The goal is to familiarize Siri’s AI with the natural language, speech patterns, sentence structures, and instructions it will encounter from users. These new AI features of Siri are expected to work with around 18 first-party apps, including Camera, Books, Contacts, Mail, Safari, News, and Voice Memos.
2. AI Emojis:
IOS 18 may introduce a new AI-powered feature that enables users to create custom emojis in real-time, based on the context of their conversations. This will allow users to have personalized emojis without having to wait for annual updates, significantly increasing the range of emojis available on Apple devices.
3. Eye tracking capabilities:
Apple’s eye-tracking technology, first seen in the Vision Pro, might now be accessible on iPhones and iPads, enabling users to control their devices solely through eye movements, thereby removing the necessity for touch interaction.
4. Music Haptics:
Apple is considering launching a new Music Haptics feature, aimed at individuals with hearing difficulties or impairments. This feature will convert songs on Apple Music into tactile feedback such as taps, textures, and vibrations, offering users a fresh and immersive music experience.
5. Home screen customization:
Apple is expected to introduce the option for users to personalize their home screens with the upcoming iOS 18 update, potentially allowing customization of app icons and widgets, departing from the existing grid layout.
iOS 18 Specifications
1. Apple Intelligence
Apple is launching a set of new AI functionalities branded as “Apple Intelligence,” aimed at improving user experience with advanced AI capabilities. Collaborating with OpenAI, Apple will incorporate some of these features, similar to a personalized ChatGPT. Users will have the choice to utilize these tools, as Apple confirms that they are not obligatory.
2. Smarter Siri
Siri is expected to experience notable enhancements with the release of iOS 18. The voice assistant will be capable of managing intricate tasks that involve multiple steps, such as condensing recorded meetings and sharing summaries through text. Additionally, Siri will enhance its ability to produce responses and automatically complete sentences by utilizing advanced AI technology.
3. Rich Communication Services (RCS)
IPhones will soon support RCS, improving communication between iPhone and Android users. This update will introduce features such as read receipts, typing indicators, and the option to send high-resolution media over Wi-Fi or mobile data, providing iMessage-like capabilities in cross-platform messaging.
4. Redesigned Control Center
The Control Center is set to undergo a significant redesign that will enable users to personalize it using a drag-and-drop interface. This update will streamline the process of managing and accessing different controls, with improved integration with HomeKit.
5. Customisable Home Screen
IOS 18 is set to introduce additional customization features for the Home Screen. Users will have the freedom to arrange app icons as they please, adjusting the spacing between them and modifying the color of app icons across the system. This enhanced flexibility will enable users to create a more personalized and structured Home Screen design.
6. New Passwords App
A specialized Passwords application is set to launch, streamlining the organization of login details on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Windows devices. The app is designed to offer a more user-friendly and safe method of managing passwords, surpassing the existing system within the Settings app.
7. Upgraded Messages App
The Messages application will introduce new functionalities like the option to respond with any emoji and set up message scheduling for future sending, aiming to improve user engagement and communication versatility.
8. Apple Maps Custom Routes
Apple Maps has introduced a new feature that enables users to design custom routes, giving them greater control over planning their trips. This functionality allows for detailed customization of routes, enhancing navigation for users with particular travel preferences.
9. Notes App New Features
The Notes application will be able to capture and transcribe audio, in addition to creating AI-driven summaries. This enhancement aims to simplify the process of taking notes and managing information on Apple devices.
10. Settings App
The Settings app is set to undergo a redesign focused on enhancing navigation and search functions. This change aims to simplify the process for users to locate and control different settings on their devices.
iOS 18: Release Date and Device Compatibility
IOS 18 is set to be revealed on June 10, 2025, with the initial beta version coming after the keynote. A public beta is projected to be available in July, with the official release expected in September 2025. It is anticipated that iOS 18 will be compatible with all devices that currently support iOS 17, such as the iPhone 15 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 11 series, and others, including the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), as per 9to5Mac’s recommendation.
Apple iOS 18 Images
