Matthew Cooper 
Dec 07, 2023
Apple enthusiasts, mark your calendars and brace yourselves. The much-anticipated iOS 18, Apple's forthcoming operating system poised to power the rumoured iPhone 16, is poised to make a splash. Set to potentially steal the limelight during the WWDC 2024 keynote, all eyes are on Apple as we anticipate a slew of groundbreaking updates and innovations, particularly in the realm of AI applications.
When will Apple release iOS 18?
The much-anticipated unveiling of iOS 18 is widely anticipated to happen during the WWDC 2024 keynote, following Apple's trend of showcasing its latest software updates during this annual developers' congregation. While the exact dates for the Worldwide Developers Conference remain unannounced as of now, Apple typically rolls out this event in the first week of June, with recent editions adopting hybrid formats in response to the global pandemic.
iOS 18 rumoured features
While the specifics of iOS 18's top features remain shrouded in mystery, industry insights and murmurs suggest an exciting overhaul. Apple's internal management has teased this upcoming OS as "ambitious and compelling," fueling expectations of a feature-packed release. According to esteemed analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, iOS 18 could usher in a wave of generative AI capabilities, marking a significant stride in Apple's tech landscape.
Generative AI Integration
Speculations run rife that iOS 18 will harness generative AI prowess, a monumental leap forward expected to arrive late in 2024. Reports hint at Apple's ambitious venture into cloud-based AI complemented by on-device processing, aiming to deploy generative AI functionality across iPhones and iPads. This monumental step could be a game-changer, shaping the very foundation of iOS 18.
The Apple vs. OpenAI showdown
In an intriguing twist, Apple's advancement in the conversational AI domain, especially with its Ajax GPT model, positions it as a formidable rival to OpenAI's GPT-3.5.
Emojis, bug fixes, and beyond
While the spotlight typically falls on groundbreaking advancements, let's not forget the staple additions: new emojis. Apple has a track record of introducing fresh emojis during the course of its OS lifecycle. Furthermore, reports of a brief pause in iOS 18's development in November signal Apple's meticulousness in refining the system to ensure a smoother, polished user experience upon release.
Supported devices
As iOS versions evolve, so does Apple's device compatibility landscape. The lineup of iPhones that currently support iOS 17 may see further alterations with the advent of iOS 18, especially with the rumoured focus on AI applications.
