The tech world is buzzing with anticipation as Apple prepares to roll out iOS 18, promising a transformative shift in the iPhone user experience. According to a recent Bloomberg report, this upcoming software update is set to be Apple’s most significant yet, with a grand reveal scheduled for WWDC 2024 in June. As enthusiasts eagerly await its release, expectations are high for the unveiling of iOS 18 alongside the much-anticipated iPhone 16.
01. RCS Integration: Bridging the Android-iOS Messaging Divide
One of the standout features of iOS 18 is the inclusion of RCS (Rich Communication Services) support for iMessage. Apple has officially confirmed this upgrade, heralding a new era of seamless messaging between Android and iOS devices. With this update, users can look forward to exchanging multimedia files and audio messages effortlessly. However, the age-old blue and green bubble debate persists, as text messages from Android devices will still appear in the familiar shade of green.
02. Siri 2.0: The AI Revolution
iOS 18 is set to supercharge Siri with advanced AI capabilities akin to ChatGPT. While initial reports suggested Apple’s development of an in-house generative AI model, a recent 9to5Mac report hints at the possible integration of OpenAI’s GPT technology, similar to Copilot. This AI enhancement extends beyond Siri, with expectations for generative AI features in the notes app, music app, and even revolutionary AI-backed photo and video editing capabilities, aligning with recent trends seen in Google and Samsung flagship devices.
03. App Sideloading: A Global Paradigm Shift
With iOS 17.4 laying the groundwork, iOS 18 is anticipated to introduce app sideloading not just in Europe but worldwide. Users may soon be able to download third-party app stores from Apple’s App Store, unlocking the ability to install both signed and unsigned apps. This departure from Apple’s traditional stance on app installations, requiring jailbreaking for anything outside the App Store, marks a significant shift in user autonomy.
04. Third-Party Payment Gateway: Empowering App Subscriptions
iOS 18 might usher in a new era by allowing third-party payment gateways for app subscriptions, potentially reducing purchase or subscription charges by up to 30 percent. Giants like Spotify and Epic are already preparing their own payment gateways, initially catering to the European market. The iOS 18 update could extend this freedom to users worldwide, providing a more diverse and competitive landscape for app subscriptions.
05. Embracing Powerful Web Browsers: Breaking Free from WebKit
The imminent iOS 17.4 update grants developers the freedom to create web browsers without relying on Apple’s WebKit framework. Opera and other notable brands have seized this opportunity, announcing the development of AI-powered web browsers that promise a desktop-like web browsing experience. iOS 18 is expected to embrace this protocol, allowing third-party developers to design fully customized web browsers outside the confines of the stringent WebKit framework, offering users a more versatile browsing experience.
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