These new features are coming to the iPhone with iOS 18 – but not to every model.
With iOS 18, Apple has introduced the next operating system for the iPhone, packed with smart new features. But is it enough to catch up with the competition? |
| These new features are coming to the iPhone with iOS 18 – but not to every model. |
Now, Apple is making a comeback with some very exciting ideas. Unfortunately, many of the AI features are only available to a very small group of iPhone and iPad users. However, the rest can also look forward to some new developments.
iOS 18: Apple's major AI offensive
Rather than just trailing behind, Apple has redefined AI for itself: With its own Apple Intelligence – a smart nod to the English acronym A.I. – Apple has introduced its unique approach. The new AI is not only set to completely change how the iPhone is used but also to protect user privacy, unlike its competitors.Apple places great emphasis on ensuring that AI computations generally take place on the device itself. Only for more complex tasks are data sent to the cloud, where they are processed with special protection – and, unlike Google, Amazon, or Microsoft, not stored. This new approach has not only privacy advantages: AI functions calculated directly on the iPhone also work when there is no internet connection.
However, this unfortunately applies to only a very small part of Apple's vast user base: Only owners of an iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max or a Mac computer with Apple's M chip will enjoy the new AI super features. Apple justifies this with the required computing power. The exclusion of the particularly secure cloud approach, however, is not explained by this. For many Apple fans, this is likely to be a major disappointment.
Siri remains a work in progress:
This is especially true since the update is finally supposed to improve Siri. The first voice assistant has significantly lost momentum since its introduction in 2011. With iOS 18, Siri is expected to not only understand much more complex commands but also gain significantly more control within the system. According to Apple, it will soon be possible to control almost the entire device by voice – without needing to open apps.However, even those with an iPhone 15 Pro will have to wait longer for this in Germany: The new Siri will initially only support English, with other languages to follow "over the next year."
A smarter system:
Nevertheless, the system is becoming smarter for other users as well. Whether it's the revamped photo app that now sorts images, the mail app that automatically identifies the most important emails, or the ability to create custom emojis with a few taps: the new system is brimming with features enabled by artificial intelligence. Some of these are extremely useful. For instance, if you receive multiple notifications from the same chat group, they are no longer displayed individually – instead, a summary of what has happened since you last checked the chat is shown.When the system doesn't know what to do, it brings in a partner: iOS now supports ChatGPT, for example, to compose an email or answer questions. The chatbot is deeply integrated into the system and works across apps. To protect privacy, users have a choice: whenever iOS wants to outsource a function to ChatGPT, it asks for permission each time, and only the necessary data is transferred.
Finally, a calculator – and what a calculator
For some of the most anticipated new features, Apple probably didn't need to wait for the AI revolution. The iPad finally gets a calculator – almost 15 years after it was introduced. But the wait has been worth it: the completely redesigned calculator transforms the tablet into a sort of smart notebook.The feature, called Math Notes, turns handwritten notes into mathematical magic. When you write a math problem or formula with the Apple Pencil, the iPad can not only read and process it but also solve it if desired. It can even draw the corresponding curve or evaluate it. Drawn graphs can also automatically adjust their course. To prevent students from cheating, the automatic solutions can be turned off.
More customization:
Another feature that has been requested since the iPhone's inception is the ability to freely place apps on the home screen – regardless of where the other app icons are. With iOS 18, this is finally possible, allowing users to leave space between apps. The icons themselves are also customizable and can be color-coded. You can now, for instance, color all social media apps in bright red or highlight work apps in black. Unfortunately, this freedom has its limits: you can only color-code entire home screens, not individual apps.Apple Intelligence:
The major AI offensive: With "Apple Intelligence," Apple has completely revamped the voice assistant Siri and added numerous AI features throughout the system where appropriate. Much of it is familiar to competitors, while some aspects are new. Siri also gains access to ChatGPT, allowing it to answer more complex questions.visionOS:
There are already about 2,000 apps for the Vision Pro smart glasses. Now, Apple is giving developers even more opportunities to contribute. For users of the glasses, there are many improvements and new features in how programs are displayed. Important: You will now be able to use the Vision Pro on a train – something that was not possible before.Audio & Home:
In the "Audio & Home" section, there are updates for Apple TV, some useful features for AirPods, and new ways to integrate the smart home into the "Home" app. Particularly useful: if someone calls and Siri announces the call through the AirPods, a simple head shake is enough to decline it. This avoids the awkwardness of speaking up in certain situations, such as in an elevator.iOS 18:
The new version of iOS offers many innovations. There will be a new Photos app, more customization options, new reactions and text effects for messages, and the ability to schedule messages. Additionally, there will be new security features for apps. It will be possible to hide and lock apps so that only the device owner receives notifications from them. Another very practical feature: if there is no reception, urgent messages can be sent via satellite.iPadOS:
Despite some rumors, the iPad system will not support macOS in the future and will remain independent. New features include an impressive calculator, handwriting recognition, a new look for the tab bar, and similar customization options as in iOS 18.macOS Sequoia:
The new macOS is called Sequoia. Se-qu-oi-a. For those who did not grow up near a giant sequoia tree, it might be a bit tricky to pronounce. Nevertheless, the new Mac system finally offers the ability to align windows to the screen edge, a password manager, iPhone playback with control over its apps, more functions for Maps, and a revamped Safari browser.watchOS:
With watchOS, Apple continues to focus on health: "Vitals" is a new app where statistics about your well-being are collected, "Training Load" indicates how intensely you should exercise, and there are new ways to customize the watch face. The Translate app also makes its way to the watch.Customization has been significantly increased: the redesigned Control Center can now be fully optimized to your needs, and specific functions of individual apps can be made available with a swipe. Even the flashlight and camera buttons on the home screen can now be replaced with your commands.
Many small changes in details
There are many small changes in details. The satellite connection, previously available for emergency calls on newer iPhones, can now also be used to send messages. Apps that might be embarrassing can be hidden from prying eyes and will only appear when the user is identified via FaceID.Several usability improvements had already been announced by Apple: to allow people with disabilities more customization to their own needs, the iPhone can now be controlled directly with eye tracking. Improved speech recognition will also better understand people with "unusual" pronunciation. Voice shortcuts generally make voice usage easier.
iOS 18 and iPadOS will be released in the fall, with a test version available in July.