HomeTechnology NewsWWDC 2024: Apple unveils iOS 18 with enhanced customisation, intelligent features
WWDC 2024: Apple unveils iOS 18 with enhanced customisation, intelligent features
At WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled iOS 18, featuring enhanced customisation and privacy options. Users can now lock or hide apps and freely arrange app icons and widgets. Additional updates include improvements to the Control Center, iMessage, and Mail.
By Vijay Anand June 11, 2024, 1:32:21 AM IST (Updated)
Apple has announced the upcoming release of iOS 18, a significant update that introduces extensive customisation options, an overhauled Photos app, innovative ways to manage emails, and new satellite messaging capabilities. The update also debuts Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system designed to enhance productivity and privacy.
Customisation and Capability
iOS 18 offers iPhone users unprecedented levels of customisation. Users can now arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the Home Screen, including positioning them above the dock. The Control Center has been redesigned for easier access to frequently used controls, and users can now customise the buttons at the bottom of the Lock Screen.
Photos App Redesign
The Photos app receives its most significant update yet. It features a unified view and new collections that automatically organise photo libraries. Users can pin favourite collections for quick access and enjoy a new carousel view highlighting daily updates of favourite people, pets, places, and more.
Enhanced Messaging
iMessage introduces dynamic text effects, expanded Tapbacks with any emoji or sticker, and the ability to schedule messages. The Messages app now supports RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging with non-Apple devices. Additionally, Messages via satellite allow users to communicate when cellular or Wi-Fi connections are unavailable, using the same technology as existing iPhone satellite capabilities.
Mail Improvements
Later this year, Mail will feature on-device categorisation to sort emails into categories like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. A new digest view will compile relevant emails from businesses for easier scanning.
Safari Updates
Safari introduces Highlights for easier information discovery and a redesigned Reader experience. Machine learning enables Safari to surface essential information about web pages, such as article summaries and location details.
Passwords App
Building on Keychain, the new Passwords app consolidates passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes in one place, with alerts for common weaknesses and data leaks.
Apple Intelligence
Deeply integrated into iOS 18, Apple Intelligence leverages generative models and personal context to enhance productivity and communication. New systemwide Writing Tools allow users to rewrite, proofread, and summarise text across various apps. Image Playground lets users create playful images, while the Memories feature in Photos crafts storylines from user descriptions. Siri becomes more natural and contextually relevant, with the ability to switch between text and voice inputs.
Privacy Features
iOS 18 introduces new privacy controls, allowing users to lock and hide apps and manage contact sharing more precisely. Private Cloud Compute ensures that data used for Apple Intelligence remains secure and private.
Additional Features
Other notable updates in iOS 18 include:
Apple Maps: Enhanced hiking and custom walking routes are accessible offline.
Game Mode: Improved gaming performance and responsiveness.
Apple Pay: New payment options, including rewards redemption and instalment access.
SharePlay: Enhanced music sharing and control.
AirPods: Improved call quality and new Siri interactions.
Notes: Instant equation solving and collapsible sections.
Journal: Insights view, audio transcription, and new widget.
Calendar: Integrated events and tasks from Reminders.
Health App: Redesigned Medical ID and pregnancy-related adjustments.
Emergency SOS: Live video sharing with emergency dispatchers.
Home App: Guest access and hands-free unlock with Ultra Wideband technology.
Accessibility: Eye Tracking, Music Haptics, and Vocal Shortcuts.
Availability
The developer beta of iOS 18 is available now, with a public beta coming next month. This September, the full release will be available as a free update for iPhone XS and later models. Apple Intelligence will be in beta for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and devices with M1 or later chips.
