AirPods Pro will gain a new “hearing aid mode” with the release of iOS 18 later this year, according to the latest report by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
Writing in the subscriber edition of his regular Power On newsletter, Gurman claims that the “big news” for AirPods Pro in the near term will be support for a hearing aid-style function when iOS 18 drops in the fall.
To be clear, this isn’t the first time we have heard a potential hearing aid feature for AirPods Pro. The first rumor appeared in a 2021 Wall Street Journal report, but it was previously framed as a feature that would be exclusive to a next-generation model of AirPods Pro. However, Apple in September 2022 released the second-generation AirPods Pro, while the company more recently released a refreshed model with a USB-C port.
AirPods Pro already offer a Conversation Boost feature, which boosts the volume and clarity of people directly in front of the wearer, but Apple has not advertised the earbuds as a hearing aid device, because this would require FDA regulatory approval.
As per the FDA, a hearing aid is defined as “any wearable device designed for, offered for the purpose of, or represented as aiding persons with or compensating for, impaired hearing.” This definition encompasses both air-conduction and bone-conduction devices in a variety of styles (for example, behind-the-ear, in-the-canal, or body worn).
Notably, in August 2022 the FDA approved a new category of over-the-counter hearing aids that do not have to adhere to the same strict legal requirements. The new category is called Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). PSAPs are defined as any “electronic product that is intended for non-hearing impaired consumers to amplify sounds in certain environments, such as for hunting or other recreational activities, and is not intended to aid persons with or compensate for impaired hearing.”
Unlike hearing aid devices, PSAPs are “not intended to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent disease, and are not intended to affect the structure or function of the body.” As such, there is no regulatory classification or product code for these products, and there are no requirements for legal registration by manufacturers or listing of these products with the FDA.
It is not yet clear whether Apple will need FDA clearance in order to make explicit or implicit claims about the rumored “hearing aid mode,” which may not even adopt this exact name. If, for example, Apple subsequently suggests that AirPods Pro are for users with certain types or severity of hearing loss/impaired hearing, or for use as an alternative to a hearing aid, then they will require FDA regulatory approval to be marketed as such.
Apple is set to preview iOS 18 in June at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, and will inevitably release the major software update when the iPhone 16 series is launched, which is likely to be sometime in September.
With iOS 18 and macOS 15, Apple intends to introduce a plethora of new features and enhancements affecting system applications and settings. Through industry sources, MacRumors has received details about the updated version of the Freeform app, which is set to include an interesting addition.
Known as “Freeform Scenes,” the new feature will give users the option to select specific sections or “Scenes” within their boards for easier navigation. Once selected and named, users will have the ability to easily return to them after viewing other areas of the board. Users will have the option to edit scenes after the fact as well, and will even be able to collaborate with others in doing so. Our sources claim that Freeform Scenes will be compatible with iCloud, allowing for easier sharing and editing.
The controls for the Freeform Scenes UI will be located near the zoom controls, towards the bottom left area within the app. Users will see a new sandwich-bar type icon with three vertical lines, and tapping or clicking the icon will show the Scenes UI. The Scenes UI includes a bar with individual arrow icons for easier navigation between Scenes, along with a square icon between the two arrows. Clicking or tapping the square icon will present the user with additional options to select or navigate between scenes.
Apple has also developed the following keyboard shortcuts for Freeform Scenes:
Save – Shift + Command + S
Next Scene – Option + Command + ]
Previous Scene – Option + Command + [
Although this feature is in testing, it is worth noting that not all features make it to release, and Apple also sometimes delays new additions until a later version of iOS. While Freeform Scenes is in development for iOS 18 and macOS 18, it could be pulled or introduced at a later date.
For more details on what to expect with Apple’s upcoming operating systems, check out our rumor roundup page for iOS 18.
Earlier this week, Apple announced new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models, the first Mac updates of the year featuring M3 series chips. But there are other Macs in Apple’s lineup still to be updated to the latest M3 processors. So, where do the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro fit into Apple’s M3 roadmap for the year ahead? Here’s what the latest rumors say. Mac Mini Apple announced …
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Conversation Boost in current AirPods Pro acts like a hearing aid but Apple reportedly wants to go farther. Graphic: Apple
AirPods Pro might be able to act more like a hearing aid with the release of iOS 18, according to an Apple tipster.
The additional audio function would benefit those with slight hearing loss who aren’t ready for more serious hearing assistance.
Skip the hearing aid with AirPods Pro in iOS 18
Many people wear AirPods for hours every day so they can (1) listen to music but also (2) close off the world. But soon these truly wireless earbuds could help wearers better communicate with the people around them.
The release of iOS 18 in the autumn will add new hearing aid capabilities to AirPods Pro, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. No additional details on what exactly that means came from the tipster.
Better than Live Listen and Conversation Boost?
Specifics on the upcoming hearing aid feature for AirPods Pro are lacking, but it will obviously have to improve on Conversation Boost, a feature that’s been in AirPods Pro since 2022. It uses software to amplify the voice of the person the wearer is speaking with.
And several Apple headphones models also support Live Listen, which turns an iPhone or iPad into a microphone that sends sound to any of several AirPods models. This is useful than sitting in a noisy environment like a restaurant.
A 2022 FDA full change allows companies to sell hearing aids over the counter and online, without a doctor’s intervention. Ever since, there have been expectations that Apple would make AirPods act as a hearing aid for those who need extra help. These have been helped along by leaks indicating the audio feature is on the way.
iOS 18 is expected to be announced at WWDC24 in June. New artificial intelligence-driven features are expected to be a highlight, and being able to pick out speech from ambient noise and amplify just it might be one of those AI additions.
Apple has ordered an initial 8.5 million OLED display panels from South Korean suppliers for its upcoming redesigned iPad Pro models, which are expected to arrive as soon as this month. The refresh will mark the biggest design update to the Pro lineup since 2018. Apple is relying on different OLED display suppliers for the upcoming ~11-inch and ~13-inch iPad Pro models, with Samsung Display…
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Apple today released tvOS 17.4, the fourth major update to the tvOS 17 operating system that came out last September. tvOS 17.4 comes over a month after the release of tvOS 17.3. tvOS 17.4 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the Apple TV. Go to System > Software Update to get the new software. Apple TV owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to…
Apple just dropped iOS 17.4, bringing a plethora of new features — some of which fundamentally change how the iPhone works.
The biggest point update to iOS 17, iOS 17.4 comes almost six months after the operating system’s initial release. It enables support for third-party app stores, browsers and payment apps on the iPhone. The bummer? These major changes are only coming to the European Union. Still, there are a lot of new iOS 17.4 features that will enhance the experience of every iPhone user.
All the new iOS 17.4 features
Apple crammed iOS 17.4 with features and significant changes. Many of them result from the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which goes into effect soon, forcing Apple to make some fundamental changes to its mobile OS.
If you want to try the new iOS 17.4 features, first you need to install iOS 17.4 on your iPhone from Settings > General > Software Update.
EU-specific changes
NFC access to third-party payment apps
Apple is opening the iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party payment and banking apps in iOS 17.4. So, for the first time, iPhone users in Europe can use a non-Apple Pay payment service to make contactless payments in-store.
You can set a default payment app from the Settings menu. iOS 17.4 will also show the apps granted access to the NFC chip for contactless payment.
Third-party browser engines
Another significant EU-specific change in iOS 17.4 is support for third-party browser engines. While Chrome, Firefox and Edge are available for iOS, they use the same WebKit rendering engine as Safari due to the platform’s restrictions.
With iOS 17.4, Apple is opening its mobile platform to third-party browser changes.
Third-party app stores
Sideloading applications onto an iPhone comes with a lot of rules. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
iOS 17.4 paves the way for third-party app stores and sideloading on the iPhone, at least in the European Union. Apple was against the iPhone sideloading provision in the EU’s Digital Markets Act. But since it lost, the company has no option but to adhere to the changes.
So, with iOS 17.4, the company is opening iOS to third-party app stores and sideloading. In typical Apple style, though, there are a lot of restrictions and clauses here. Apple must approve every app before it is available for sideloading. And developers can only offer them for download through alternative app stores. (Some developers lashed out at Apple’s onerous rules as “malicious compliance” with the EU’s new rules.)
EU developers are free to use non-Apple in-app payment systems in their apps. These changes might not be visible immediately after iOS 17.4’s release, but developers should quickly adopt them.
Developers in the EU have the option of adopting Apple’s new business terms. Under this, they will have to pay 0.5 euros per user per year, with no other fees applicable. The first million installations will be free. You can find more information about this in Apple’s announcement from January 2024.
iOS 17.4 enhancements for everyone
Stolen Device Protection improvements
iOS 17.4 improves the iPhone’s Stolen Device Protection feature with an “Always” security delay for changing the security settings. (On iOS 17.3, you could change the security settings on your iPhone after an hour from unfamiliar locations.)
While small, the change will help keep your Apple account and iPhone secure in case of theft.
Messaging with Siri
iOS 17.4 renames Siri’s “Automatically Send Messages” feature to “Messaging with Siri.” More importantly, you can specify multiple languages in which Siri can send messages. Apple’s voice assistant was previously limited to sending messages in English.
Transcript support in Podcasts
Apple Podcasts transcripts Photo: Apple
iOS 17.4 introduces automatic transcript support in Apple’s Podcasts app. When playing a podcast, you need to tap the first icon at the bottom from the left, which looks like a speech bubble within quotes. The show’s transcript should then appear on your iPhone’s display.
You also can search through the transcript to directly jump to that part of the podcast.
Emoji 15.1
Apple is adding 118 emoji from the Emoji 15.1 release to iOS 17.4. They include a phoenix, a lime and smileys shaking their heads up and down.
The new emoji could help you express yourself better when talking to friends or family.
Enjoy these new emoji on your iPhone after updating to iOS 17.4. Photo: Emojipedia
Fortified iMessage security
iMessage will gain post-quantum cryptography (PQC) security in iOS 17.4. This won’t affect your ongoing conversations in the Messages app. But once you and your friends’ iPhones are on iOS 17.4, a cutting-edge security protocol will protect all your texts.
Revamped Battery Health menu
With iOS 17.4, the iPhone 15 will get a revamped Battery Health menu, showing the battery’s condition as “Normal” if its capacity is not a concern. Tapping on this menu will provide more detailed information, like the cycle count and capacity percentage.
Previous models will stick to the older menu, requiring you to head inside the Battery Health submenu to know the cell’s condition.
Cloud-based game services on the App Store
Apple is changing its stance on cloud gaming services with the release of iOS 17.4. The company will allow game streaming apps like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming to launch dedicated apps on the App Store.
Apple previously limited such services from displaying their game collections through the iOS web browser.
Virtual card number in Apple Cash
iOS 17.4 brings a new feature to the Wallet app: the ability to create a virtual debit card number for Apple Cash. This is a convenient option for making secure payments online or in stores where Apple Pay isn’t accepted.
Using a virtual card number prevents you from sharing your actual card details for added security.
Disable Hand gesture reactions in third-party apps
Apple is introducing a new API in iOS 17.4 that will allow developers to turn off the hand gesture reactions in their video calling apps. Starting with iOS 17, you could make certain hand gestures to trigger reactions while on a video call, whether on FaceTime or third-party apps. Since there was no way to turn off each gesture reaction, many iPhone users inadvertently triggered them.
An API in iOS 17.4 will fix that, allowing developers to turn off each gesture individually.
iOS 17.4 release notes
You can find Apple’s official iOS 17.4 release notes highlighting all the changes below.
Emoji
New mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads emoji are now available in the emoji keyboard.
18 people and body emoji add the option to face them in either direction.
Apple Podcasts
Transcripts let you follow an episode with text that highlights in sync with the audio in English, Spanish, French and German.
Episode text can be read in full, searched for a word or phrase, tapped to play from a specific point and used with accessibility features such as Text Size, Increase Contrast and VoiceOver.
This update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
Music recognition lets you add songs you have identified to your Apple Music Playlists and Library, as well as Apple Music Classic.
Siri has a new option to announce messages you receive in any supported language.
Stolen Device Protection supports the option for increased security in all locations.
Battery Health in Settings shows battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first use on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models.
Call Identification displays Apple-verified business name, logo and department name when available.
Business updates in Messages for Business provide trusted information for order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts or other transactions you opt into.
Apple Cash virtual card numbers enable you to pay with Apple Cash at merchants that don’t yet accept Apple Pay by typing in your number from Wallet or using Safari AutoFill.
Fixes an issue where contact pictures are blank in Find My.
Fixes an issue for Dual SIM users where the phone number changes from primary to secondary and is visible to a group they have messaged.
What are your favorite new iOS 17.4 features? Let us know in the comments below.
It just became a lot easier to read along with a podcast, or pull an interesting quote out of one. The Apple Podcasts app now automatically generates transcripts for series and episodes.
Here’s how to find and read these transcripts in the iPhone Podcasts app.
Every episode on Apple Podcasts will get a transcript
Podcasts have proliferated since 2004 and become a popular medium for sharing everything from news reports on current world events to jokes and cooking tips. Those with hearing loss can’t take advantage of them, however. But a transcript solves that problem. And rather than expect every podcaster to make a written version of their program, Apple took on the job.
“Apple introduces transcripts for Apple Podcasts, an innovative new feature that makes podcasts more accessible and easier to navigate,” the company promised.
Beyond just reading the full text of all episodes, the new feature enables users to search episodes for specific words or phrases. And when they find one, they can tap the text to play from that point in the episode.
How to read transcripts for Apple Podcasts on iPhone
The feature is part of iOS 17.4, which launched Tuesday. So the first step in making use of this feature is to install the latest version of iOS.
Next, open the Apple Podcasts app (duh) and go to a podcast. Look in the lower left-hand corner for an icon that looks like a speech bubble with a quotes symbol inside. Tap on it.
This opens Apple’s automatically generated podcast transcript. And it opens exactly where you are in the podcast, with the current sentence highlighted.
The highlighting follows along in the transcript as you listen to the podcast. Or you can tap on a section of the transcript to jump to that portion of the audio, as previously noted.
Use your finger to drag the text upward and it’ll expand to fill the screen. A Search button also appears.
The audio controls stay on the screen when the text first appears, but if you scroll down they’ll disappear. Scroll up to bring the controls back. Or just wait a bit — they come back on their own.
Tap the icon in the lower left-hand corner of the screen again to close the transcript.
Computer-generated podcast transcripts
Transcripts are automatically generated after a podcast is published. Apple warns there will be “a short delay while we process your transcript.”
And these won’t be only for new episodes. Apple says podcast transcripts for back-catalog episodes are being added over time.
The text versions are created with voice-recognition software, but in my experience are quite accurate. That said, mumbled words or ones covered with background noise get left out.
Happily, the feature is available in a range of languages beyond English. Also available are French, German and Spanish. But this isn’t a translation service — you only get a Spanish-language transcript for a podcast that’s in Spanish, for example. That said, you can copy the text into your favorite translation app if you wish.
Now part of iOS 17.4 and coming to macOS 14.4
The feature is included in iOS 17.4. All iPhone users who install the OS update can read Apple’s new podcast transcripts. The same goes for iPadOS 17.4.
In addition, transcripts for Apple Podcasts will arrive in macOS 14.4 Sonoma. That’s not out yet, but is expected in mid-March.
You can now check in with a friend or family member when you arrive at a destination. If you dillydally for some reason on the way to this destination, the system will try to check in with you. If you don’t respond, it will share location data, battery level, and cell service status with your loved one. Apple says this data is end-to-end encrypted. You can press the “+” sign to find this feature in an iMessage conversation, then tap More until you see Check In.
When someone shares their location with you in iMessage, you’ll now be able to see this directly in the conversation without having to leave the app. If they send an audio message, you’ll see the transcription immediately under it, which is handy if you can’t listen to it immediately.
As for FaceTime, you can now leave a video or audio message for anyone who doesn’t answer your call (about time!). FaceTime is also making its way to Apple TV, and you can use your iPhone as a camera. During the call, you can create augmented reality reactions, like confetti, hearts, or fireworks, with certain hand gestures. You know, in case the person is bored with your normal reactions.
Batch Edit Photos
If you want all your vacation photos to have the same look, you can now batch-edit a whole bunch of photos and videos in one fell swoop. To do this, open a photo in your Photos app and press Edit. Make the changes you want, then save the photo. Press the triple-dot icon on the top right and tap Copy Edits, then go to the next photo, tap the triple-dot icon, and press Paste Edits. Once you have copied edits, you can select any number of photos and paste them, giving a collection of photos a cohesive look immediately.
Sticker Mania
Apple is placing a big emphasis on Stickers in iOS 17, so much so that they’re now built into the emoji keyboard, making them more accessible in third-party apps. Last year’s iOS 16 brought the ability to cut out a subject from any image you capture by just tapping and holding it, and now you can turn these into your own stickers for big meme potential. You can add effects to these stickers and even create Live Stickers with Live Photos. Make embarrassing stickers of friends on demand. Truly, we’re on the best timeline. With iOS 17.2, you can also react to individual message bubbles with a sticker.
iPhone on StandBy
Google Pixel phones have a feature that turns them into a smart display when placed on one of Google’s wireless chargers. Apple is going even further with StandBy. This enables any iPhone to turn into a more useful display while charging in landscape mode. You can have it show the clock (with different clock designs available), photos from your library, or interactive widgets. If you specifically place it on a MagSafe charger, your iPhone will remember your preferred view. Be sure to check out our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers guide if you want to take advantage of this feature.
Before iOS 17.1, anyone using an iPhone with an Always-On Display (iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max) would have to tap the screen whenever they want to turn the feature off. The latest update adds a bit more customization. When you head to Settings > StandBy > Display, you can choose between Automatically, which will turn the display off when the iPhone isn’t in use and the room is dark, After 20 Seconds, or Never.
Better Autocorrect
Do you late hate Apple’s autocorrect? You’re not alone. The company is finally making it better. Autocorrect now uses a “transformer language mode” for better word prediction. It corrects more types of grammatical mistakes than ever before, and you can see predictive text recommendations as you type (you can disable this feature with iOS 17.2), just like what you’ll find using Gmail’s Smart Compose. These improvements also extend to voice dictation, which uses a new speech recognition model that purportedly makes it more accurate.
New Communication Safety Features
Photograph: Apple
Apple’s Communication Safety feature, which helps prevent kids from seeing nude images in iMessage, has expanded its reach in iOS 17. Now, it brings these protections to other services and apps in iOS, from AirDrop and Contact Posters to FaceTime messages and Live Stickers. It works with video content too. Adults can also take advantage of the feature, as it can blur sensitive videos and photos and let you choose whether to view them. Apple maintains that all image and video processing for these protective features happens on your device, and nothing is sent back to Apple.
AirDrop Transfers
If someone is sharing high-res media with you and it’s going to take some time to transfer, you don’t need to stand next to them and wait for the transfer to complete. You can step away and the files will be sent over the internet.
Catch-Up Arrow
When you join a chat with dozens of new messages, you’re now able to tap on a new “catch-up arrow” to jump to the first new message. That way, you don’t have to spend time scrolling to find it.
iMessage Contact Key Verification
Apple originally announced this feature last year, and it’s finally here. With Contact Key Verification you have the option to verify who you’re messaging to avoid communicating with someone impersonating a friend or family member. Users will receive a Contact Verification Code they can then cross-reference with the person they’re texting to make sure the codes match.
A New Journal App
Photograph: Apple
There’s a new app as of iOS 17.2 called Journal, and as the name suggests, the idea is to write down your thoughts and memories. You can add photos, audio recordings, and music to your journal entries and even make goals. Apple says Journal uses on-device machine learning to suggest moments to write about during your day. You can read more about it here.
Enhanced AutoFill for PDFs
If you’re frequently working in PDFs, you’ll be excited to use this feature. The software uses machine learning to identify the fields in a PDF so you can quickly add details, and the Notes app now lets you organize, read, annotate, and collaborate in PDFs too.
Health App
Apple is letting you log your daily moods in the Health app, with access to depression and anxiety assessments typically found in clinics (and other resources). Also, if you are using Apple’s Screen Time feature for your kids, there’s now a Screen Distance tool that will use the TrueDepth camera to encourage children to move further away if they are holding the phone closer than 12 inches from their face for an extended period. Apple says this can help lower the risk of myopia and reduce digital eyestrain in adults. Additionally, the Health app is finally available on the iPad. When you update to iOS 17.2, you can use Siri to ask Health app-related questions like “What’s my blood oxygen?” or “How much have I slept this week?”
Hotel AirPlay
Apple is bringing AirPlay to hotel rooms. You can just scan a QR code from the TV to share videos, photos, and music from your device to the big screen. Apple says it’s starting with brands from IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Photograph: Apple
Apple Music
In addition to songs, you can now “favorite” albums and playlists. You’ll then have the ability to filter those favorites based on category.
With iOS 17.2, any songs you “favorite” will also be added to a Favorites playlist. There’s also a new Focus Filter that will automatically turn off Listening History. That way, you don’t have to worry about certain songs appearing in Recently Played or impacting future song recommendations. It’s a useful feature if you’re often using the Music app to play songs for your kids and don’t want to mess up your algorithm.
We heard some last-minute rumblings that an Apple product launch might be coming this week, and indeed it did with the debut of new MacBook Air models based on Apple’s M3 chip.
Alongside the new MacBook Air, we got the usual spring refresh with new Apple Watch band and iPhone case colors, while this week also saw the release of iOS 17.4 and related operating system updates, so read on below for details on these stories and more!
Apple Announces New MacBook Air Models With M3 Chip
Apple this week updated the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with several new features, including the M3 chip for faster performance, Wi-Fi 6E support, expanded external display support, an anti-fingerprint seal on the Midnight finish, and microphone improvements.
The new MacBook Air models became available to order immediately after the announcement on Monday, with a launch following on Friday, March 8. Apple has discontinued the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M1 chip and the 15-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip as part of this refresh, while the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip now starts at $999 in the U.S.
The first reviews and unboxing videos for the new MacBook Air were published just ahead of the launch, and we’ve gone hands-on with the machine ourselves for some early impressions.
14-Inch MacBook Pro With M3 Chip to Get Multi-Display Support With Software Update
The new MacBook Air models support two external displays when the laptop’s lid is closed. Previous models were officially limited to one external display, although DisplayLink adapters allow for more.
Apple has confirmed that the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 chip will also gain support for up to two external displays with a software update. As with the MacBook Air, the laptop’s lid will need to be closed to use a second display.
Apple Releases iOS 17.4 With EU App Changes, New Emoji, Podcast Transcripts, and More
Apple this week released iOS 17.4 for the iPhone following over a month of beta testing.
iOS 17.4 include major App Store, Safari, and Apple Pay changes in the EU, as a result of the Digital Markets Act. Other key new features include Apple Podcasts transcripts, an iMessage security upgrade, new emoji, and Apple Cash virtual card numbers. The update also further prepares for the launch of next-generation CarPlay this year.
Later in the week, Apple released macOS Sonoma 14.4, watchOS 10.4, tvOS 17.4, HomePod software 17.4, and visionOS 1.1.
Apple Refreshes iPhone Case and Apple Watch Band Colors
As it does on a seasonal basis, Apple this week updated some of the colors available for select iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands.
For example, Apple’s Silicone Case with MagSafe for iPhone is now available in new Soft Mint, Sunshine, Light Blue, and Pink color options.
Apple has yet to announce a new color option for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and it’s unclear if it has any plans to.
EU Fines Apple $2 Billion for Anti-Competitive Behavior Toward Spotify
The European Commission this week levied a significant fine of nearly $2 billion against Apple due to alleged anti-competitive behavior towards Spotify.
In response, Apple said EU officials failed to “uncover any credible evidence of consumer harm,” and said its decision “ignores the realities of a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast.”
Spotify said the decision “marks an important moment in the fight for a more open internet for consumers.”
Apple to Let EU iPhone Users Delete Safari and More Easily Transition to Android
Apple already introduced several changes to the App Store and more on iOS 17.4 in the EU, in response to the Digital Markets Act.
Now, Apple has shared additional plans. For example, the company will allow iPhone users in the EU to delete the Safari app and to more easily transition from an iPhone to an Android smartphone. More specific details about these plans will be released at a later time.
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New generative AI features are expected to be a highlight of iOS 18, and a skilled artist created a concept video that presents an early look at how they might work.
The video also shows other suggested upgrades, like bringing Split View — Apple’s multitasking feature that lets two apps appear side by side on iPad (and Mac) — to the iPhone.
iOS 18 concept video shows the potential of generative AI
We don’t need to depend on leaks or rumors to learn that Apple has big plans for artificial intelligence — the head of the company flat-out said so. “I think there’s a huge opportunity for Apple with GenAI and AI,” CEO Tim Cook said in February. “We’re excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year.”
On the assumption that the iPhone will be the main beneficiary of these new capabilities, Kevin Kall, aka the Hacker 34, dreamed up multiple ways to integrate AI into the operating system. Then Kall created an iOS 18 concept video to show them off.
“Engage with Siri like never before. Now integrated into every app, Siri becomes your on-demand assistant for generating text and images, making your interactions seamless and more intuitive,” says Kall’s description of his creation. “Introducing a novel way to edit your photos — using just your voice. Command your iPhone to adjust, filter, or crop your photos, offering a hands-free approach to perfecting your images.”
Watch the iOS 18 concept video:
Over the years, the artist built a collection of concepts depicting future Apple devices. These always stay grounded in what’s really possible and don’t include tech that won’t be available for a decade or more.
Other possible new iPhone features
Generative AI features aren’t the only suggestions in Kall’s iOS 18 concept video. Others include carrying Split View over from iPadOS to iPhone. This would allow two applications to appear side by side, an arrangement that seems practical on a huge display like in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 lineup reportedly will bring even larger screens, among other improvements.
(Incidentally, iOS concept creators have been toying with the idea of adding Split View to the iPhone for years. We’ve seen concepts pitching the feature in iOS 13, iOS 14, iOS 15 and iOS 17.)
Kall’s other suggestions include making the iPhone Control Center more editable and adding custom lock screen buttons.
We’ll discover whether any of the features from the concept video make it into iOS 18 when Apple unveils it — almost certainly at WWDC24 in June.
iOS 18 is still months away from being unveiled, but there are already several rumors and expectations for the software update, as outlined below.
iOS 18 is rumored to include new ChatGPT-inspired generative AI features for Siri and many built-in apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is also rumored to have some design changes, but details remain slim.
iOS 18 is expected to be announced at Apple’s annual developers conference WWDC in June, and widely released in September.
Smarter Siri and Generative AI
iOS 18 is rumored to have new generative AI features for Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and more, according to sources such as Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman and The Information‘s Wayne Ma.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly teased that the company is working on generative AI, and plans to share details “later this year.”
Generative AI surged in popularity in late 2022, when OpenAI released ChatGPT, a chatbot that can respond to questions and other text prompts. The company has also expanded into generative AI tools for images and videos.
Some generative AI features might be exclusive to iPhone 16 models, which are rumored to have a Neural Engine with “significantly” more cores.
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 should result in the following improvements to 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
These modern features are already available for iPhone-to-iPhone conversations with blue bubbles, via iMessage, and many of the features are also available in third-party messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Telegram. RCS support on the iPhone will extend the features to green bubbles in the Messages app.
Design Changes
In a February edition of his newsletter, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said Apple was working to update the design of iOS as “early as this year.”
Gurman has yet to reveal any specific design changes planned for iOS. In a November edition of his newsletter, however, he said Apple’s senior management described iOS 18 as “ambitious and compelling,” with “major new features and designs.”
Gurman does not expect iOS 18 to receive a “total overhaul that mirrors visionOS.”
Accessibility Features
iOS 18 could include new accessibility features related to VoiceOver, Live Speech, and Text Size.
More Details
For additional information, read our iOS 18 roundup.
