iOS 18 will be one of the most important updates in the history of Apple’s mobile operating system. iOS updates usually bring Siri new skills so that digital assistants can answer more questions without relying on the terrifying “I found it online.” Siri has become trustworthy year after year, and the way to speak and proceed with conversations has become evident in recent years. However, iOS 18 may take Apple’s digital assistant to the next level. Expectations for iOS 18 are large, and many people expect AI generation function, Siri improvement, app redesign, etc. This article will focus on the importance of app updates in the iOS ecosystem, the enhanced privacy features provided by iOS 18, and five major updates rumored about some of the most popular iOS apps.
Importance of App Updates in the iOS Ecosystem
App updates are essential for maintaining the quality, security, and performance of iOS apps. It also provides new features, bug fixes, and improved compatibility for the latest devices and software versions. App updates are particularly important in the iOS ecosystem, where Apple has a strict review process and guidelines for app developers. This ensures that iOS apps meet high quality, functionality, and user experience standards. Also, app updates help keep your iOS apps relevant and competitive in the ever-changing mobile app market. Based on past achievements, iOS 18 will almost certainly be launched in mid-September 2024. All major iOS releases since iOS 6 are rolling between September 13 and September 20. This launch will probably coincide (almost) with the launch of the iPhone 16 line and Apple Watch 10.
Enhanced Privacy Features
One of the main themes of iOS 18 is privacy. Apple has always been a leader in protecting user privacy and data, and iOS 18 will take it to the next level. Here are some of the enhanced privacy features iOS 18 offers:
Advanced Privacy Settings
iOS 18 introduces a new section called Privacy Dashboard in the Settings app. This enables users to check and manage how apps access their data, such as location information, contacts, photos, microphones, and cameras. You can also check how often your app accesses your data and revoke or allow permissions. The Privacy Dashboard also shows which apps use third-party trackers or share data with other companies and offers the option to opt out of such practices.
Increased control over app permissions
iOS 18 gives users more control over how apps use their data and device features. For example, you can choose whether to allow the app to access accurate or approximate location information or access photos only once or for a limited time. You can also prevent access to clipboards that may contain sensitive information copied from other apps from the app. Additionally, users can turn off app tracking on other apps and websites, which may affect the advertisements displayed.
Integrate new privacy-focused tools
iOS 18 also integrates several new tools to enhance user privacy and security. One of the tools is iCloud Private Relay, a feature of iCloud + that encrypts and anonymizes user web traffic and makes it difficult to track online behavior. “Hide My Email,” a feature of iCloud +, is a tool that allows users to create unique and random email addresses to be forwarded to personal emails, allowing users to register on websites and newsletters without revealing their true email addresses. The third tool is the App Privacy Report, a feature of the Privacy Dashboard that shows users how apps use their data and device features over time and alerts them of potential privacy risks.
Improved Siri
Apple’s investment in AI functionality will surely improve Siri, the voice assistant everyone loves. According to reports last year, Apple may be planning to introduce a large language model (LLM) to improve Siri dramatically. LLM is used behind chatbots such as ChatGPT to create algorithms that capture large amounts of data and generate content based on information found in those models. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, one of the features that Apple is working on is improving the interaction between Siri and messages, so Siri automatically complements sentences and answers complex questions. According to another report in The Information, Siri integrates with the Shortcuts app to improve the automation of complex tasks.
5 Big Rumored Updates
In addition to enhanced privacy features, iOS 18 will bring major updates to some of the most popular iOS apps. Here are five big updates we are looking forward to out of the rumored updates:
Note
Notes is one of the most widely used apps in iOS, making it even more powerful and multifunctional in iOS 18. According to Apple Insider, at least two important features are added to the memo. The ability to include audio recording in notes and the integration of calculators. In the audio recording function, audio recording can be embedded in the memo, and it is convenient to record lectures, conferences, interviews, etc. And supplement with typed notes and photos. The desktop integration function allows users to display mathematical notation in notes and is useful for scientists, engineers, scholars. Read more about EVO 5.0: Unveiling the Next Generation Of Power and Innovation and others who need to perform calculations or display formulas.
Map
The map is another indispensable app for iOS, making it more accurate, informative, and interactive for iOS 18. According to Tom’s Guide, at least three major improvements are made to the map. Geographical map, live speech, and augmented reality. The topographic map function displays the elevation and terrain of the location and is useful for hiking, cycling, and exploring new places. With the Live Speech feature, users can ask Siri questions and give commands without tapping the screen or pressing the button. While using the map. With augmented reality, you can use your device’s camera and sensors to overlap directions and landmarks on top of real-world scenery.
Message
Messages are the default messaging app for iOS, but iOS 18 is more fun, expressive, and social. According to MacRumors, at least two major features are added to the message. With Generative AI Sticker, artificial intelligence creates personalized animation stickers based on the user’s face, mood, and message. The RCS support feature allows users to send and receive Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages. Similar to iMessage, but functioning across different platforms and carriers. RCS messages can include high-quality media, read receipts, typing indicators, group chats, etc.
Music
Music, the default music app for iOS, is more intelligent, personalized, and immersive in iOS 18. According to Bloomberg, at least two major features are added to Music. In the automatic playlist function, artificial intelligence creates custom playlists based on the user’s preference, mood, activity, or context. The spatial audio function uses Dolby Thomas technology to create a 3D sound experience where users feel like they are in the middle of the music.
Pages and Keynotes
Pages and Keynote are two iOS productivity enhancements apps, and iOS 18 makes them more creative, collaborative, and efficient. According to MacRumors, Pages and Keynote add at least two key features: lighting with AI, slide decking, and freeform scenes. With AI lighting and slide decking, artificial intelligence proposes content, formatting, images, diagrams, etc. And supports users to write better documents and presentations. The Freeform Scenes feature enables users to create interactive and dynamic scenes. That can be embedded in documents and presentations, such as animations, simulations, and games.
iOS 18 be released?
Assuming Apple follows the same release pattern as in the last few years, formal information about iOS 18 is expected to be presented at the company’s Worldwide Developer Conference. WWDC is usually held in early June, but this year is the same. The company has a calendar date of June 10, and a special event is scheduled at Apple Park.
In this keynote, Apple will announce new features for the next major software release of the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. The first major revision of VisionOS, which runs Apple’s new headset Vision Pro, is also expected to be announced.
Of course, WWDC is where Apple will announce more details about the next iOS version. And the software’s final build will normally be available in September of the following year. Before and after the launch of the new iPhone. In the last few years, public beta has been released around July, and if that’s the case in 2024 — we expect to be the first opportunity to test some of the new features of iOS 18. Nothing has been finalized so far, but our best guess at the moment is:
- July 2024 Public Beta Release of iOS 18
- September 2024 iOS 18 final software released
Conclusion
iOS 18 is expected to be a breakthrough update that will bring many new features and improvements to iPhone and iPad. We have described the importance of app updates in the iOS ecosystem. The enhanced privacy features provided by iOS 18. And five major updates rumored about some of the most popular iOS apps.
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