As anticipation builds for Apple’s next major iOS update, speculations suggest that iOS 18, set to be revealed at WWDC in June and released in September, may go down in history as the most significant update for iPhones. According to renowned analyst Mark Gurman, the upcoming features and changes in iOS 18 are expected to make it one of the most substantial updates to date.
RCS Support: Transforming iPhone Messaging
A pivotal aspect of iOS 18 is the anticipated support for Rich Communications Services (RCS). Apple’s commitment to adopting RCS for iOS, announced in November 2023, aligns with the release timeline for iOS 18. RCS, a messaging standard akin to SMS and MMS, introduces an array of enhanced features, including read receipts, typing indicators, high-resolution media sharing, and audio messages. While Android devices using Google Messages already benefit from RCS, the inclusion of RCS support in iOS 18 is poised to elevate cross-platform messaging experiences between Android and iOS devices.
Generative AI-Powered Siri: Redefining Interactions
iOS 18 might introduce a revamped Siri powered by generative AI, offering an advanced level of interaction. Mark Gurman’s insights in October 2023 hinted at a GenAI-powered Siri that could enhance Siri and the Messages app’s capabilities, enabling more adept question handling and sentence auto-completions. Apple’s exploration of generative AI extends beyond Siri, encompassing platforms such as Apple Music, Keynote, Pages, and Xcode.
As iOS 18 unfolds, Apple enthusiasts eagerly await a transformative update that not only bridges the gap in messaging capabilities but also redefines user interactions with the introduction of cutting-edge generative AI-powered features.