Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 software update for iPhones is expected to be announced at WWDC 2024 in June, with new AI capabilities and a release date around mid-September 2024.

According to reports, iOS 18 will be Apple’s “biggest update” ever for the iPhone. It has been described internally as “ambitious and compelling” with major new features and redesigns.

The key focus of iOS 18 is expected to be on generative AI tools and enhancements across the system and apps like Siri, Photos, and more. Apple is said to be playing catch up to AI innovations from companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI.

Other new additions in iOS 18 could include RCS messaging support, app sideloading in Europe, and UI changes. But AI is expected to be the spotlight.

iOS 18 Release Date

If Apple follows its software update pattern, iOS 18 will be announced at WWDC 2024 in early June.

The company usually provides the first beta version of new iOS releases to developers after announcing them at WWDC.

Then, iOS 18 will likely be released to the general public around mid-September 2024, coinciding with the rumored launch of the iPhone 16 lineup.

New AI Features

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 18 “should improve how users interact with Siri, Spotlight, Safari, and other apps.”

Specifically, Gurman says iOS 18 will feature new generative AI capabilities powered by large language models that can generate content on-device.

This means iPhone users will get AI-powered features that work privately without sending data to Apple servers.

Potential iOS 18 AI abilities include:

  • Enhanced Siri responses powered by large language models
  • AI-generated content suggestions in apps like Photos, Music, Pages, etc.
  • New AI photo and video editing features
  • Improved AI search in apps like Mail, Messages, Notes
  • More contextual information and recommendations throughout the system

Integrating generative AI technology into iOS 18 would allow Apple to catch up with AI innovations announced by Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and others over the past year.

Other New Features

In addition to major AI additions, some other new features confirmed to be coming in iOS 18 include:

  • RCS support in Messages: Will improve texting between iPhones and Android phones with better group chats, high-quality media sharing, read receipts, and more.
  • Sideloading support in Europe: Will allow iPhone users to install apps outside of the App Store, while still paying Apple commissions.

There could also be more new features and UI design changes that have not yet been leaked.

iOS 18 Supported Devices

If Apple maintains the same iOS device support window as the last couple years, iOS 18 will likely support:

  • iPhone 11 series
  • iPhone 12 series
  • iPhone 13 series
  • iPhone 14 series
  • iPhone 15 series
  • iPhone 16 series

So, the iOS 18 compatible devices include:

  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max
  • iPhone 12 mini/Pro Max
  • iPhone 13 mini/Pro Max
  • iPhone 14 & 14 Plus/Pro Max
  • iPhone 15 & 15 Plus/Pro Max
  • iPhone 16 & 16 Plus/Pro Max (Releasing in September, 2024)

Final Thoughts

With substantial AI improvements, RCS messaging, and more, iOS 18 is shaping up to be a monumental update for iPhones. The new software should be announced at WWDC 2024 in June, launching around mid-September 2024.