It’s likely to be at least 7 months before the next iOS update hits your iPhone but that hasn’t stopped the rumours from flying thick and fast. And not without reason. Recent reports by industry observers Mark Gurman from Bloomberg and Jeff Pu, an analyst with Haitong International Securities, have suggest that big updates are coming to Apple devices with the iOS18. This has spurred a flurry of reports also because both these analysts have uttered the magic buzzword, the flavour of the season – AI (artificial intelligence).

iPhone 16 unlikely to be a radical overhaul

The 2023 iPhone 15 and 15 Pro twins saw quite a few updates including a titanium build for the Pro devices and the Dynamic Island (Apple’s unique pill-shaped front camera cut-out) for the more affordable iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 duo also benefited from an improved camera system. Mark Gurman has stated that the iPhone 16, which will most likely debut in September 2024, may not represent a radical overhaul of the iPhone - this puts the focus back on the OS upgrades for the iPhone. Earlier in January, we saw the first renders of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro. MacRumours suggests that Apple plans to stretch the screen size to 6.3-inches for the iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9-inches for the iPhone Pro Max to possibly accommodate the tetraprism telephoto camera that is likely to be available for the iPhone 16 Pro this year.

When will iOS 18 debut?

In all likelihood and based on past trends, Apple is all set to unveil the developer version of iOS 18 at the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2024. While Apple hasn’t officially shared a date for WWDC 2024, the conference usually takes place in the first half of June every year. A developer beta will be showcased at this event before it rolls out a public beta a few weeks later (for those enrolled on Apple’s beta program). These updates will also coincide with the previews of software updates for the Apple Watch, iPad and Mac. The full and final version for iOS 18 will be available for all users by September when the new iPhone 16 series devices hit retail shelves.

Will iOS 18 be powered by AI?

The big balancing act for Apple is likely to be how Apple processes personal data in a way that aligns with its commitment to customer privacy. This is why Jeff Pu, an analyst who keeps tabs on Apple’s supply chain for Haitong International Securities (a Hong Kong-based investment firm), feels that users need to be patient as Apple rolls out generative AI on its iPhones. According to Pu, Apple is likely to build hundreds of AI servers that will offer a combination of cloud-based AI and edge AI that will involve more on-device data processing. AI is likely to be the dominant theme in iOS 18.

Mark Gurman suggests that Siri will get an AI overhaul. He predicts that Apple with bring generative AI capabilities to iOS with its own large language model (LLM) that is also likely to transform native apps like messages. Gurman believes that the new AI features will allow for improved field questions and auto-complete sentences.

An all-new iPhone experience?

One of the big new updates that iOS 18 is likely to bring is support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) in the native Messages app. Apple has already confirmed that it will bring RCS support to iPhones in 2024. This is all set to open up cross-platform features between Android and iOS smartphones like read receipts, higher-res media sharing and location sharing. The messaging features may not make a big impact in markets in India where most text messaging has moved to messaging apps like WhatsApp. We’re also likely to see native iPhone Apps like Apple Music and Keynote with generative AI features. iOS 18 might also usher in an iPhone experience that’s more customisable and more open to outside software. Apple is likely to allow third-party app marketplaces and alternative in-app payments.

Will your iPhone be eligible for the iOS 18 update?

In 2023 Apple announced that the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (all launched in 2017) would not be eligible for iOS 17. Apple typically provides five years of software and security support for its iPhone models. By that logic, the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max might drop off the list for an iOS 18 upgrade. You might have to wait till WWDC 2024 for official confirmation, though. Apple usually announces the list of compatible devices only during its developer conference in June. But it’s most likely that all devices from the iPhone 11 series (launched in 2019) and beyond will be eligible for an iOS 18 upgrade.

Stay tuned for more updates on iOS 18 and how it can alter your iPhone user experience.