iOS 18 to be one of the biggest updates to iPhones, will be a game changer for Apple, claims report

Although iOS 17 is bringing some of the biggest updates to the iPhone, the next iteration of Apple’s iOS is going to be a game changer for Apple. Apple has already announced some major departure from the way it operates on the software side of things, especially when it comes to iPhones. Apple now plans to allow third-party apps, browsers, and payment gateways on iPhones, signalling a substantial shift in its long-term strategy. This move is attributed to Apple’s commitment to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), reflecting a more open ecosystem for users. While the update in iOS 17 is limited to some countries in the EU, all that may change with iOS 18. According to a Bloomberg report, this shift may extend globally, with the iOS 18 update potentially serving as the catalyst for this transformation. The company is set to roll out these features in the iOS 17.4 update, with a focus on the European region initially. Apple has clarified that these features will gradually expand worldwide, with targeted completion by the end of 2024 through the iOS 18 update. Anticipated to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 in June, iOS 18 promises to introduce several groundbreaking features. Some of these advancements could be powered by artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to overcome existing limitations. Speculations suggest that iOS 18 may integrate ChatGPT-like capabilities, potentially leveraging an in-house large language model. Reports from 9to5Mac hint at the possibility of Apple building these AI experiences on top of OpenAI’s GPT. Upcoming AI features on the iPhone are expected to include content summarization through Siri, auto-generated playlists on Apple Music, an AI-powered notes app for swift content creation, and an enhanced photo editor driven by generative AI, akin to recent offerings from Google and Samsung. Furthermore, iOS 18 is set to incorporate Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, providing a rich texting experience similar to iMessage even when communicating with Android users. Notably, the message bubble for such texts will retain its distinctive green colour. Beyond iOS 18, Apple’s WWDC 2024 will also showcase updates for iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS 15. Each of these updates is expected to bring forth a range of new features and capabilities, further illustrating Apple’s commitment to innovation across its product ecosystem.