Apple Inc., is all set to introduce their latest operating system update, iOS 18. This highly anticipated update is expected to be packed with cutting-edge features, predominantly powered by artificial intelligence (AI). However, these advanced functionalities have raised concerns about device compatibility.
Apple’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of technology continues with iOS 18. Nonetheless, this advancement comes with a caveat. The new features, especially the AI-powered ones, demand more processing power and memory, which some older iPhone models might lack.
Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, first introduced in late 2018 with the iPhone XR and XS models, is a prerequisite for iOS 18. This chip is a powerhouse, rendering older models like the iPhone 8 Plus and earlier versions incompatible with the update.
Similarly, the first generation of the iPhone SE series, launched in 2016, will also be unable to support the update due to outdated hardware chips.
The compatibility list for iOS 18 includes:
- iPhone XR, XS
- Second and third generations of iPhone SE
- iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series
These devices are equipped with the powerful A12 Bionic chip and therefore can fully support the new features introduced in iOS 18.
iOS 18 aims to revolutionize user experience with an array of AI-powered features. These advancements are centered around enhancing productivity, convenience, and customization.
LLMs are one of the four new AI-powered features expected in the iOS 18 update. These models aim to significantly improve language processing capabilities, offering more accurate and personalized user interaction.
iOS 18 is rumored to introduce a generative AI app named iWork. This app is designed to assist users with creating documents, presentations, and spreadsheets, leveraging AI to automate and simplify the process.
The update might introduce new design functions for the Home Screen, allowing users to customize the arrangement of apps by adding blank spaces, rows, and columns, offering a more personalized user interface, according to Apple-related news site MacRumors.
Apple Maps is also expected to get a significant upgrade. Users can anticipate custom route options, enabling them to select preferred travel routes rather than being limited to pre-selected options by Apple.
Siri, Apple’s digital assistant, is expected to become more intelligent with AI integration. The aim is to provide more accurate responses to user queries, enhancing user experience.
Apple’s Messaging App is also expected to receive an AI boost. It will be capable of fielding questions and auto-completing sentences, thus facilitating smooth communication, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote in his “Power On” newsletter.
Rumors are also floating around a possible collaboration with Google’s AI bot, Gemini. If true, this partnership will allow users to create images and write essays based on simple prompts, further enhancing the user experience.
The details of the features and the partnership with Google’s Gemini will be confirmed when Apple officially unveils iOS 18 during its World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC), scheduled from June 10 through June 14, 2024.
The WWDC is expected to kick off with a keynote speech, which traditionally reveals the new operating system for iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and TV.
Speculation also suggests that owners of the newly released Apple Vision Pro headset might receive an operating system update. However, Apple has yet to confirm these rumors.