iOS 18 and AI are the talk of the town as reports about Apple rolling out new AI-powered features to iPhones heat up. Most recently, in a new report, AppleInsider unveiled that Apple is working on AI-based updates for Messages, Siri, and Notes.
However, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard about Apple’s AI plans for iOS 18. As such, let’s do a roundup of all the reported AI features coming to the next big iOS update.
AI on iOS 18: 7 new features coming to iPhone
Before we dive into the iOS 18 AI features, let’s talk about what will be underpinning these new tools. First up is Ajax, Apple’s hush-hush large language model (LLM) that will reportedly power the AI features arriving to the next big update.
According to AppleInsider, Ajax will allow iOS 18 to generate basic responses entirely on-device. In other words, certain perks will not rely on the cloud. Instead, simple requests will utilize the neural engine packed inside iPhones.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models, by the way, are expected to get an upgraded neural engine that can handle more AI processing than its predecessors.
However, more challenging AI processes will need to rely on the cloud. To quell concerns about data exposure, Apple will use a “black box processing” technique that allows the Cupertino-based tech giant to keep users’ data totally private, according to The Information.
Curious about the AI features that are reportedly coming to iPhone? Here are seven rumored perks that we’re most excited about.
1. Siri gets smarter
Siri can fulfill requests on a broader plane. For example, it can launch music playlists, control smart-home appliances, tell you the weather, and more. However, if you were to ask it to summarize an article, delete a message in your inbox, or other granular tasks, it will balk.
Fortunately, with the new-and-improved AI-powered Siri, the popular assistant will reportedly do the following, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman (a respected Apple analyst and prognosticator):
Mashable Light Speed
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send an email
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delete an email
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open a document
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move a note to another folder
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launch a specific newspaper in Apple News
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summarize an article in Safari
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summarize recent texts
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transcribe a voice memo
Although we’re expecting to hear about the updated Siri at WWDC 2024, Gurman says that these features are expected to hit iPhones in 2025.
2. Generate new emojis with AI
One of the most eye-catching rumors we’ve heard about the AI-powered iOS 18 is that it will get AI-generated emojis. In other words, based on the conversations you’re having with friends and loved ones, iOS 18 will be capable of generating new emojis that fit your discussion.
3. Suggested replies in Messages
Also based on AI, the Messages app is expected to offer recommended replies for users, allowing them to fire quicker responses. (The Mail app is expected to get a similar feature, too.)
4. New-and-improved Safari
Safari, based on Ajax, will reportedly have the ability to identify key phrases and topics within a web page. According to Forbes, this feature is reportedly called “Intelligent Search.” This will allegedly allow Safari to summarize online articles.
5. AI-powered Photos app
With Samsung unveiling Galaxy AI earlier this year and Google making a splash with its AI-powered editing features on Pixel phones (and Chromebook Plus laptops), some people are looking at Apple and asking, “What about you?”
Well, according to Gurman, Apple will also be rolling out some AI-based editing features to its Photos app this year.
6. Smart recaps
iOS 18 may give you a quick and brief summary of your missed notifications, according to Gurman.
7. Eye tracking
Taking a page out of the Apple Vision Pro‘s playbook, Apple recently revealed that it is poised to launch eye tracking for the iPhone (and iPad).
Powered by AI, it will allow users, particularly people with disabilities, to use their eyes as a cursor by utilizing the front-facing camera.
It’s also worth noting that Apple is reportedly in talks with OpenAI to add ChatGPT to iOS 18. Although Gurman has a great track record with rumors, we won’t know if any of these will truly come into fruition until we hear it from the horse’s mouth at WWDC 2024 on June 10.
Topics
Artificial Intelligence
iOS
