What to expect from major iOS 18 overhaul at WWDC24

When it’s unveiled at WWDC24’s Keynote on Monday, the new iOS 18 update — codenamed “Crystal” — is expected to be one of Apple’s biggest updates of iPhone software since the handset came out in 2007. Artificial intelligence (AI) should play a big role, along with other new features, redesigned elements and plenty of app updates. See our summary below, with links to Cult of Mac coverage.

What to expect from revamped iOS 18 at WWDC24

Apple’s AI strategy revolves around integrating the technology into its existing apps and services in user-friendly ways, rather than emphasizing advanced capabilities like image generation, reports like Bloomberg‘s on Friday have emphasized. It said the iPhone giant will dub the new AI system “Apple Intelligence” and it might take up half of WWDC24’s roughly two-hour airtime.

Generally, many new AI capabilities will probably require newer hardware like iPhone 15 Pro or M1 Macs/iPads. Processing will be opt-in and positioned as a beta at the outset, so you don’t have to accept them. Apple aims to make AI a seamless part of the user experience. In part, that means you’ll find AI functionality across the software ecosystem, including the new iOS 18 for iPhone (and underlying much of iPadOS 18).

In addition to AI features, iOS will see many other updates, including among Apple apps.

Key AI functionality for iPhone and other devices:

Summarization:

• Summarize Safari web pages, articles, meetings notes, texts, emails.
• Provide catch-up recaps for missed notifications.

Smart reply suggestions:

• Suggest full responses for emails and messages.

Enhanced Siri:

• Use large language models for more precise app control, such as deleting an email or editing a photo.
• Coming later: Expand functionality to third-party apps and string together multiple commands in one request.

Mail improvements:

• Automatically categorize incoming emails like Gmail does.

Custom emoji:

• Generate custom emoji characters on the fly based on words/phrases as they’re typed.

Other big upgrades, including app updates:

• Photos: AI photo editing tools to remove people or object from photos.
• Home Screen: Customizable app icons you can place where you wish in the Home Screen layout (plus: retro iPhone wallpapers that recall classics from iPhone’s history).
• Notes and Voice Memos: The long-awaited voice memo transcription, plus recording and more in Notes.
• Maps will get custom routes and topographic maps.
• Safari will see improved web searching and faster searches in Spotlight.
• Apple Music: auto-generated playlists and smarter transitions between tunes.
• Freeform: a new “Scenes” function
• Control Center will get a redesign.
• Settings app gets improved navigation, organization and search.
• Messages: New effects for individual words in a text, plus text scheduling, message recaps and upcoming RCS support.
• Native Password manager app based on iCloud Keychain feature
• Fitness app will be overhauled; no details yet. Health app will get AI features.
• Calculator: new sidebar lists recent calculations, improved interface, integration with Notes.
• CarPlay: New features include Sound Recognition.

Read more of Cult of Mac‘s coverage of what to expect in iOS 18:

• Apple Passwords app will make managing secure logins simple
• Expect Settings revamp, Control Center tweaks in iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 [Updated]
• iMessage could let you animate words in texts in iOS 18
• Siri could let you control individual apps in iOS 18
• iOS 18 could feature generative AI-powered custom emoji tool
• iOS 18 could bring new Home Screen personalization options
• Siri could get a more conversational voice in iOS 18
• Apple nears deal with OpenAI to power iOS 18’s AI magic
• iOS 18 might revamp many built-in iPhone apps
• iOS 18 AI features could run entirely on-device
• Apple Maps might gain customizable routes, topographic maps in iOS 18
• iOS 18 could introduce more customizable iPhone Home Screen
• iOS 18’s generative AI features might use Google Gemini
• iOS 18 could bring hearing aid functionality to AirPods Pro
• Cool concept video shows possible iOS 18 generative AI features