According to reports focusing on WWDC 2024, the iOS 18 update is anticipated to be the most significant overhaul of the iPhone’s software to date. Scheduled to be announced during Apple’s annual developers conference from June 10 to June 14, iOS 18 is rumored to introduce several new features and enhancements.

“The iOS 18 update is expected to be the most ambitious overhaul of the iPhone’s software in its history, according to people working on the upgrade,” wrote Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

AI and Smarter Siri

One of the notable upgrades rumored for iOS 18 includes the integration of new generative AI features across various applications such as Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, Numbers, Pages, and Keynote. These features are expected to enhance user experience and functionality within the iOS ecosystem.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly teased that the company is working on generative AI, and plans to share details “later this year,” and Apple’s marketing chief Greg Joswiak also hinted at AI this week in a social media post about WWDC 2024.

More Customizable Home Screen and new UI

In terms of customization, iOS 18 is speculated to introduce a more customizable Home Screen, allowing users to place app icons anywhere on the grid, thus enabling them to create blank spaces, columns, and rows between icons. This feature, already available on Android smartphones, is anticipated to provide users with greater flexibility in organizing their Home Screen layout. On top of that, Apple plans to update the design of the iOS user interface but no specific details have been provided.

Apple Maps Upgrade

iOS 18 is rumored to include new features in Apple Maps, such as custom routes and topographic maps. Custom routes would enable users to select specific roads while navigating, offering greater control over their travel route. On the other hand, the introduction of topographic maps, previously available on the Apple Watch, is expected to provide detailed information for hiking and outdoor activities.

RCS Support in Messages App

In November, Apple announced that it would support the cross-platform messaging standard RCS in the Messages app on the iPhone starting “later” in 2024, so it will likely be an iOS 18 feature based on that timeframe.

RCS support improves the default messaging experience between iPhones and Android devices:

• Higher-resolution photos and videos
• Audio messages
• Typing indicators
• Read receipts
• Wi-Fi messaging between iPhones and Android devices

Improved group chats, including the ability for iPhone users to leave a conversation that includes Android users

Overall, iOS 18 promises to bring significant enhancements and improvements across various aspects of the iPhone’s software, catering to user preferences for customization, enhanced functionality, and improved connectivity.