Following the usual script that Apple uses every year, the company has just presented the first version of iOS 18 at its developer event, an update that brings us a even more Android look to our iPhone. Renewal of the widgets, more customization, satellite messages and other important changes.
After the rumors spread during the year between the communication of the key versions, iOS 18 represents a leap forward in customization and in some system apps. Although what has attracted the most attention, and what has been reserved the most space, was Apple Intelligence’s AI: the generative tools of iOS 18 promise to completely change the rules of the game. And there is plenty of time to add new features for the launch of stable iOS 18 for autumn 2024, along with the expected iPhone 16.
iOS 18 is more Android than ever
Customizing desktops in iOS 18
It is noted that the evolution of both systems has walked in parallel, both one and the other They were drinking from the opposite to evolve their systems. And now that we have seen the first features of iOS 18, it seems like the most Android OS version in history. Always maintaining the Apple style; with the usual color gradients, extreme anti-aliasing in the corners of menus and other recognizable graphic elements.
Customizations everywhere
Color changes in shortcuts
iOS 18 finally allows you to customize shortcuts on the desktop. Not only that: we can leave free spaces, since this new version of the system allows empty spaces between icons and widgets. In addition, Apple introduces application access blocking to hide the desired apps. Yes, as in most Android layers.
Not only can we customize the desktops, but also the lock screen and the Control Center. Add more contrast to the icons, darken them and even change their color. No tricks, as was the case until now.
Something highly anticipated was the possibility of change lock screen shortcuts, the usual link to the flashlight and the camera. With iOS 18 we can select which function to anchor in that privileged area; from system apps to others that we have installed.
The control center levels up
The iOS 18 control center is redesigned so we can access even more functions. To do this, Apple allows us to resize controls, customize their color and move between all the settings by moving the control center vertically. In addition, we can group controls to make them more accessible and there will even be freedom for developers to add settings for their apps to the Control Center.
Satellite messaging in Messages
iOS 18 applications acquire major new features. This is the case of Messages, which now has integrated satellite messaging and without the need to be in an emergency situation. Of course, it will be necessary to stay under satellite coverage, a process that can be slow depending on the coverage area.
That the iPhone does not have mobile coverage or WiFi? The user can decide whether to connect to satellite networks to send messages. The status of the satellite connection will appear on the Dynamic Island. And everything will depend on the chosen operator, extras will be applied for these messages (most likely you will have to contract a satellite SMS plan).
Apple Photos is completely redesigned
The Photos app receives a thorough revamp to not only rejuvenate the interface, Apple provides the application with a notable number of proactive options. Images and videos continue in the form of a resizable grid, although now more memories will be created automatically, image collections appear to organize content beyond albums and the new unique view It favors the discovery of all the content without having to move around the interface.
Other minor changes coming with iOS 18
- Mail improvements. Apple introduces more ways to manage emails, including an automatic priority system.
- Updates in Safari. Reading has been improved and the inclusion of AI favors the discovery of new information.
- New password app. This app will give access to usernames and passwords stored in iCloud, as well as WiFi passwords and passkeys.
- Restricting contacts in apps. iOS 18 allows you to choose which contacts will be accessible to applications. The same happens with photos.
- Game mode. Apple has decided to bring this common Android function to iPhones: it will be possible to boost performance during gaming sessions to obtain a better experience.
- Payment by contact «Tap to Cash». Transfer money between iPhone users by simply touching both iPhones. A la Bizum, for now only in the United States.
- Formulas and problems entered in the Notes app are automatically solved with the help of AI.
- Reminders integrated into the Calendar app. An old demand that is finally fulfilled with iOS 18: we will be able to create and edit reminders directly from Calendar.
- The Home app can now share control of connected objects with guests.
- Accessibility options integrate eye tracking to move around the iOS 18 interface with your eyes.
Apple Intelligence, the AI integrated into iOS 18
It was expected and it has had its presence: Generative AI integrated into the system is here. Apple partners with different leading companies to integrate different tools for all users.
For example, iOS 18 will be able to automatically discern which notifications are priority in order to highlight them among the rest. This way we will have fewer distractions since the AI will know if an alert is worth prioritizing or not.
Smart notifications in iOS 18
Safari can make page summaries in order to highlight the most important thing about a website in only the key points. This function will be available in iOS 18 with a direct button in the browser menu: one press and the most important thing will be underlined.
Apple Intelligence AI is integrated into applications to analyze information as a whole, suggesting key information to remind the user of that data proactively. Assign calendar events based on conversations or email, for example. And all with maximum privacy in mind, since the core of Apple Intelligence runs on the iPhone.
Apple Intelligence can create images by running AI models at the device level. The function is called Image Playground. And without limit of images
Be careful, not all AI is executed at the device level, Apple has created the private cloud execution. This way you can load huge language models on your servers so that shared information and data are encrypted and away from anyone, including Apple. Both conversations with the AI and the generation and execution of the model will be protected on Apple servers.
With a description and selection of photos, AI can create a personalized movie of memories
The capabilities of the new AI in iOS 18 are impressive, it shows that Apple has been forced to give a huge push to one of its main shortcomings compared to its competitors. It makes Mail summaries, suggests responses, can rewrite texts, can be asked for new Emojis (Genmojis), we can ask it how to do something specific on the iPhone… It sounds really good.
Image Playground, the AI image generation tool, will be integrated into Apple apps, such as Pages or Freeform. Not only that, since will have a dedicated app to create images directly and without using a different application. And Apple offers an API to integrate Image Playground into developers’ apps.
Magic eraser in action
Have we talked about Apple turning its attention to Android? Well, iOS 18’s generative AI integrates the magic eraser that we already saw in the Google Pixel: just highlight an area of the image and the eraser will eliminate it, leaving as little trace as possible.
Siri gets the generative AI treatment
Thanks to the integration of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18, both at the device level and with models run in the cloud, Siri takes a huge leap forward to solve many of the shortcomings that it has been accumulating for years.
Siri can understand in a much broader way what is asked of it, both with voice and in writing. It integrates to a greater extent with the installed applications so that it can show us the images from Apple Photos or turn off the different elements of the iPhone. This is facilitated by App Intents, an API that enables communication between apps and the new Siri.
New Siri interface and interactions
From the demonstrations shown, the new Siri is very powerful, super versatile and, what is most impressive, allows greater interaction with any part of the iPhone without compromising privacy, at least according to Apple. Even in contacts, one of the most private aspects of the system: thanks to the implications of Apple Intelligence’s generative AI, asking Siri for something aims to be less frustrating.
From the demonstrations shown, the new Siri is very powerful, super versatile and, what is most impressive, allows greater interaction with any part of the iPhone without compromising privacy, at least according to Apple. Even in contacts, one of the most private aspects of the system: thanks to the implications of Apple Intelligence’s generative AI, asking Siri for something aims to be less frustrating.
ChatGPT integrated into Siri
As is: Apple has integrated the key Open AI tool into iOS 18 thanks to Apple Intelligence. We can create content just by asking Siri: This will be the one that suggests using ChatGPT for the task. Free of charge and unlimited. Although you can also integrate the account if we have a subscription.
Request text, generate images, search through the iPhone’s content in search of a specific aspect… All with ChatGPT and the latest Open AI multimodal model, GPT-4o. And without compromising user data, this is what Apple ensures.
Cover image | Ivan Linares
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