Apple’s forthcoming iOS updates are always highly anticipated, and the buzz around iOS 18 in 2024 is particularly intense. According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is poised to integrate more AI functionalities into iOS 18, marking a significant evolution. More details about iOS 18 are expected to be revealed during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, set to commence on June 10.
Apple is known for not rushing into adopting emerging technologies, such as foldable phones or mixed-reality headsets, with its first mixed-reality headset launching in 2024, nearly a decade after the Oculus Rift’s debut. Nonetheless, iOS 18 could provide a glimpse into Apple’s approach to generative AI, reflecting the technology’s profound and immediate impact on our daily lives.
The rise of generative AI has caused ripples across the tech landscape, prompting industry giants like Google and Microsoft to catch up to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Counterpoint Research forecasts that over 100 million smartphones equipped with generative AI capabilities will be shipped in 2024. Moreover, a McKinsey & Company survey indicates that a third of respondents regularly employ generative AI in their organizations for business purposes.
Apple has been somewhat absent from the generative AI competition, but recent collaborations between Samsung and Google, such as introducing Circle to Search on Android phones, have piqued curiosity about Apple’s future offerings.
Although Apple is tight-lipped about its products until ready for launch, CEO Tim Cook hinted at substantial plans concerning generative AI during an earnings call, emphasizing the vast opportunities ahead for Apple in this domain.
AI Features in iOS 18
Bloomberg reports that iOS 18 promises to be a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, largely due to AI integration. Apple’s software engineering team is reportedly focused on incorporating numerous AI features into the new software.
Specific details about these features remain unclear, but Bloomberg’s reports suggest AI integration into existing applications and across iOS for tasks like summarizing notifications, articles in Safari, and text generation.
Previous reports from Bloomberg outlined potential AI integrations Apple might explore, including an enhanced Spotlight search tool and auto-generated playlists in Apple Music. Apple is also reportedly in discussions with Google and OpenAI to leverage their AI models for new iPhone features.
Samsung and Google have already integrated generative AI into their phones, with features like object removal in photos and real-time language translation. Apple might follow suit, although details will only be confirmed upon the software’s public announcement.
iOS 18 vs. iPhone 16
Rumors suggest that iPhone 16 might feature incremental hardware updates compared to its predecessor. This aligns with Bloomberg’s earlier prediction that 2024 iPhones won’t showcase major hardware changes.
Consequently, iOS 18’s expected AI enhancements could overshadow the iPhone 16’s updates, highlighting the critical role of software in transforming user experiences. Apple typically ensures its new iPhone software is compatible with older models, potentially allowing a wider adoption of iOS 18’s features.
However, some of Apple’s advanced AI functionalities may require new chips, possibly limiting their availability to iPhone 16 and newer models.
In summary, while iPhone hardware iterations might be modest in 2024, iOS 18’s AI improvements could profoundly reshape how users interact with their devices, showcasing Apple’s commitment to software innovation.
