Apple has set high expectations for iOS 18, but many of the promised features haven’t shown up yet in the current iOS 18.0 and 18.1 betas.
The release date is expected to be sometime in December of 2024.
Historically, Apple’s x.2 iOS updates drop in December, so any features missing from iOS 18 and 18.1 will probably make their way into this final 2024 update.
 Also try: Apple iOS 18 Guide
During Apple’s latest earnings call, CEO Tim Cook mentioned that Apple Intelligence features are rolling out in stages. Specifically, he teased that ChatGPT integration with Siri will be available “by the end of the calendar year.”
Adding to the excitement, Apple is reportedly backing OpenAI’s next funding round, signaling strong confidence in their AI technology.
At the iPhone 16 keynote, Apple announced that Apple Intelligence will support more English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK.
Previously, this feature was limited to US English, so this expansion is great news for users in these regions.
iPhone 16’s Visual Intelligence feature offers info on what’s around you—like restaurant hours and reviews when you point the camera at a spot. It can also read text aloud, save contacts, copy text, and summarize content. You can search Google for items you see or get more info from ChatGPT by pointing the camera.
Image Playground is Apple’s app for generating images from prompts. You can type in a description of what you want or choose from Apple’s ready-made suggestions and concepts.
Apple offers ideas like costumes, locations, items, and more to customize your image, with smart suggestions that even pull inspiration from your Messages or Notes content.
Apple’s Writing Tools are getting a boost with open-ended editing options. In iOS 18.1, you can adjust tone to friendly, professional, or simplified. But in iOS 18.2, you can specify changes, like adding action words or even transforming an email into a poem.
Apple also teased new hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 during the iPhone 16 keynote. These include a hearing protection mode that adds passive noise cancellation in loud settings and a “clinical grade” hearing aid with a personalized hearing profile. Currently undergoing FDA certification, these features are expected to launch alongside iOS 18.2 later this year.
A redesigned Mail app with a fresh look and better organization is on the horizon, according to Apple’s website. Keep an eye out for this update later this year.
Image Wand, available in the iPad Notes app, lets you sketch or circle a word with the Apple Pencil to generate a fitting image.
Local English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and the UK in addition to U.S. English.
|
