Amid the AI hype cycle, Google debuted its flagship Pixel 8 lineup and its souped-up AI suggestions and tips. Quickly after, Samsung introduced its Galaxy S24 sequence, bringing what the corporate calls Galaxy AI into the combo, which is full of some nifty AI options of its personal.

In mild of this, it would not be a serious shock if Apple went in the identical path with the rumored iPhone 16 (unofficial identify). Though Apple already has AI options baked into its iPhones — it is used within the photograph duplication detection characteristic and when the system improves images — the iPhone maker is probably going taking part in catch-up to its rivals on generative AI, so far as the general public is worried. 

However Apple may make vital progress with its subsequent main software program replace. iOS 18, which is anticipated to be unveiled within the coming months, may convey the “greatest” software program replace in iPhone’s historical past, in accordance with the January version of Mark Gurman’s Energy On e-newsletter. Within the November version, Gurman wrote that iOS 18 may convey “comparatively groundbreaking” updates to the iPhone full with “main new options and designs.” 

Learn extra: Finest iPhone of 2023

Whereas particulars are at present restricted on iOS 18 (as anticipated), Apple usually previews its main software program releases for the iPhone and different merchandise at WWDC, its annual software program improvement convention, in June.

With iOS 17 this yr, Apple introduced a slew of AI-powered options together with the flexibility to clone your personal voice on the iPhone and an up to date keyboard with higher autocorrect. However the firm stopped wanting unveiling generative AI merchandise alongside the traces of Google’s Bard or Open AI’s Chat GPT. Nevertheless, the rumor mill factors to significant modifications in iOS 18 subsequent yr. This is what to anticipate.

Smarter Siri

Siri has been round since iOS 5 in 2011, however with iOS 18 Apple’s voice-activated assistant may get loads smarter.Generative AI know-how “ought to enhance how each Siri and the Messages app can subject questions and auto-complete sentences,” in accordance with Gurman.

Earlier than his e-newsletter, a September report from the Data, stated Apple plans to make use of massive language fashions, an important a part of generative AI, to make Siri smarter. An instance detailed in that article defined how Siri can reply to easy voice instructions for extra advanced duties, corresponding to turning a set of images right into a GIF after which sending them to one in all your contacts. If that instance is correct, this represents a big step ahead within the capabilities of Siri.

Learn Extra: Apple Simply Teased Its AI Plans. You Actually Ought to Take Discover.

Improved texting with Android Apple has stated it’s going to convey RCS assist, the cross-platform messaging customary, to the iPhone. In accordance with a November report by 9to5Mac, an Apple spokesperson stated it will be coming to the iPhone “later subsequent yr” and can work alongside iMessage.

RCS assist ought to enhance the present messaging expertise between iPhone and Android customers by bringing iMessage-like options. These upgrades embrace sending high-quality images and movies to contacts, learn receipt, typing indicators and, most significantly, end-to-end encryption, one thing SMS messaging lacks. In different phrases, if in case you have an Android telephone and are texting somebody with an iPhone, you can textual content one another over RCS as an alternative of SMS. Nevertheless, it is vital to do not forget that iMessage will stay unique to the iPhone and different Apple units. RCS is not going to convey iMessage to Android telephones.

Learn Extra: Apple’s iMessage Will In all probability By no means Come to Android. And That is OK.

As talked about earlier, particulars are at present sparse on Apple’s plans and we do not but know which iPhones will probably be suitable with iOS 18. We’ll be updating this text as and once we get extra particulars, so be sure that to examine again. Till then, you possibly can stand up to hurry with Apple’s newest publicly out there cell software program, iOS 17, with the assistance of our cheat sheet.