Apple iOS 18: Release Date, Features, and Compatibility

Apple iOS 18 is the 18th major version of the mobile operating system. It was unveiled during WWDC '24 on June 10, 2024. The release date for iOS 18 is expected to be in Fall 2024. The beta version was released on June 10, 2024, for developers and on July 15, 2024, for the public. iOS 18 includes artificial intelligence features, customization options, security and privacy enhancements, RCS integration in Messages, and other notable features. The devices compatible with iOS 18 include iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone SE 2nd generation or later. [0774185e]

Apple has released the public beta version of iOS 18, giving eligible iPhone users the opportunity to try out the pre-released platform. The beta version is available for installation on iPhone Xs or later models. However, the AI features that were showcased at WWDC 2024 will not be included in this beta version. iOS 18 will introduce several new features, including customizations for the home screen, control center, and Messages app. It will also offer Locked or Hidden apps for enhanced security. The new version will include India-centric features, such as support for lock screen and contact posters in 12 Indian languages, live voicemail transcription in Indian English, and multilingual support for 9 Indian languages and Indian English for Siri [9731fe1f].

Apple has announced that Siri will receive significant improvements with the release of the Apple Intelligence AI system in the spring of 2025. The AI features will be made available to everyone through the iOS 18.4 update. This update will introduce new capabilities for Siri, such as the ability to search through a large photo library and extract relevant information, like an ID or driver's license number, to be used in online forms. These features are expected to be incorporated into beta versions of iOS 18 later this year, leading up to the 18.4 release [48d1f70d].

In addition to the Siri enhancements, Apple's AI plan includes the development of AirPods with embedded cameras. These AirPods Pro would feature infrared sensors and would work in conjunction with the Vision Pro for hand gesture and motion detection. However, these advanced AirPods Pro are not expected to be released for at least two more generations [48d1f70d].

The iOS 18 update, set to be released this fall, will introduce several AI capabilities, including ChatGPT integration, a new Siri interface, and improved product knowledge. These features will provide users with a more advanced and personalized AI experience on their iPhones [48d1f70d].

Apple Intelligence, a new AI capability for iPhones, will launch with iOS 18 this fall. However, the most impressive new features for Siri will not be available at the initial launch. The upgraded Siri features, including unprecedented control over actions within Apple's apps, complex task performance across apps, and the ability to anticipate and suggest actions based on on-screen content, will debut around spring next year with the iOS 18.4 update. Some minor Siri enhancements, such as a redesigned interface and ChatGPT integration, are expected to arrive later this year [f24b2b7f].

Apple also plans to integrate Apple Intelligence into the Vision Pro headset and is developing an AI-powered tabletop Apple robot. Apple's AI capabilities with Siri are considered to surpass those of Google and Samsung, but Google may unveil its own advancements with the upcoming Pixel 9 series. The competition to deliver the most sophisticated and user-friendly AI-powered virtual assistant is intensifying [f24b2b7f].

Apple's stock has risen sharply, overtaking Microsoft, following investment analysts' predictions of an iPhone upgrade super cycle driven by Apple Intelligence. Apple's market cap is now $3.6 trillion, while Microsoft's is $3.4 trillion. Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan have raised their target prices for Apple due to AI, with Wedbush expecting a 'monumental' rise in Apple's share price. Apple is set to announce its AI initiatives on August 1, 2024, with a gradual rollout to the public after the release of Apple Intelligence in the fall [04c124f6]

Apple's next major iPhone update cycle, the iPhone 16, is set to launch in mid-September 2024 and is expected to feature significant AI improvements. Investment firm Wedbush predicts that the integration of AI into the iPhone 16 will result in a surge in sales and generate an annual increase in high-margin services revenue of $10 billion. Wedbush also anticipates that Apple's stock value will increase by $30 to $40 per share as a result of the AI advancements. The firm highlights Apple's focus on AI and positions the company as a leader in the consumer AI revolution. Wedbush expresses confidence in Apple, citing achievable iPhone sales targets, the demand for the AI-enabled iPhone 16, sustained growth in high-margin services, Apple's advances in AI, and the large number of active Apple devices [96f2a061].

Morgan Stanley analysts have also doubled their predictions for Apple iPhone sales, citing the introduction of Apple Intelligence as a catalyst for iPhone upgrades. They predict that AI could push Apple iPhone sales close to 500 million units sold over the next four years. It is estimated that 270 million iPhone users have not bought a new model in the past four years. Other analysts have made similar predictions, with Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives estimating that more than 15% of existing iPhone users could buy the new iPhone expected to be released this fall. Apple currently has the highest market cap in the world at $3.584 trillion [777dda13].

According to a report by PC-Tablet, Apple has announced enhancements to Siri, powered by new AI models, with a full deployment expected by 2025. The updates include a new user interface, improved context understanding, in-depth integration with apps, and personalized and contextual assistance. Siri will gradually roll out these features over the lifecycle of iOS 18 and beyond, refining and expanding based on user feedback. The goal is to transform Siri into a more proactive and integrated virtual assistant capable of managing complex tasks [ba561b48].