Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced the latest update to the Apple system – 9 months after the last update went live.
The launch of iOS 18 promises a number of significant changes for Apple consumers – some of which have earned both praise and heavy criticism from other tech leaders and Apple customers. However, some iPhone users will not be able to enjoy the new perks.
An Updated Home Screen and Enhanced Privacy
One of the first changes iPhone users will notice when iOS 18 goes live will come via their home screen. Users will have more flexibility with app icon placement and app icons will be darker in dark mode.
iPhone owners will also be happy to see that the new update will increase their privacy options. As part of the update, users will be able to require authentication for specific apps and will be able to specifically control which contacts third-party apps can access.
Messaging and Voice Memos Get A Switch-Up
Users will now be able to use any emoji they want in a Tapback response and there will be the option to make text bold, underlined, and italicized.
A change to the voice memos software will also make the application more efficient and useful for iPhone users. Voice memos will now include transcriptions – and there will also be the option to record and transcribe phone calls.
Apple Embraces AI
While unveiling the new iOS 18 system update, Apple revealed that it was finally embracing AI. Announcing a deal with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Apple joined the ranks of high-profile tech companies embracing the controversial technology.
Under iOS 18, Siri will be connected with ChatGPT; allowing Apple devices to surface answers from the AI software. There will also be AI-augmented improvements in photo editing and image searching capabilities.
Apple Announcement Earns Ire of Elon Musk
Following the announcement of Apple’s iOS 18 update, SpaceX and Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, threatened to ban Apple devices from his companies.
On X – the platform formerly known as Twitter – Musk posted concerns about the partnership between Apple and OpenAI. “It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy!”, he argued.
Which iPhones are Compatible With iOS 18?
Many iPhone users who were excited to learn about the new iPhone developments may be forced to buy a newer model of phone if they want to enjoy the benefits of iOS 18.
Most recent iPhone models – from the newest iPhone 15’s to the 2nd generation iPhone SE and iPhone XR – will be compatible with iOS 18. However, anyone using an iPhone X or earlier will not be able to enjoy the update.
When Will iOS 18 Be Available?
For those with newer iPhone models that are compatible with iOS 18, they will have to wait a little bit longer before they can access the new phone features.
Following Apple’s announcement this month, the iOS 18 software will be released across devices in September. This is in keeping with the timeline for previous Apple updates.
Social Media Reacts To Apple Update
Following the announcement of iOS 18, most people on social media reacted positively to the planned changes. “This is literally revolutionary”, said one X user about the new changes in the messaging format.
However, not all responses were positive and many people made jokes about Apple rolling out features that Android has long enjoyed. In response to the new ability to schedule iPhone messages, one X user posted, “we really have been letting Apple get away with introducing things Android has had for over a decade”.
The Rise and Rise of Apple
Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne and they released the Apple II PC a year later.
In 2007, Apple unveiled the iPhone, before unveiling the first iPad three years later. As of June 2023, Apple is valued at over $3 trillion.
Apple’s Big Promise
Apple have billed iOS 18 as making the iPhone “more personal, capable, and intelligent than ever”.
“This release also marks the beginning of a tremendously exciting new era of personal intelligence with Apple Intelligence delivering intuitive, powerful, and instantly useful experiences that will transform the iPhone experience”, said Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, Craig Federighi.
