Previously, it was rumored that «Notes» in iOS 18 would support displaying more math equations and a built-in option for recording voice reminders, but the update for Mail, Photos, and Fitness was first reported — with by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg.
Gurman also confirmed that Apple is planning to launch the «Calculator» program for iPadOS 18.
Here’s everything you need to know about the app updates in iOS 18:
- Smarter Siri: iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri, Spotlight Search, Teams, Apple Music, Messages, as well as Health, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, and more. These features are expected to be powered by of Apple’s extensive language model (LLM) on the device, but the company is reportedly also discussed partnerships with companies such as Google, OpenAI, and Baidu.
- Customize the home screen: One of the design changes for iOS 18 is likely to be more customization for the Home screen, including the ability to place app icons anywhere on the Home screen grid.
- Improved text messaging for Android users: Apple has announced that it will support cross-platform messaging standard RCS in the Messages app on the iPhone «later than» in 2024, so it’s likely to be an iOS 18 feature. Compared to SMS, RCS support will improve the messaging experience between iOS and Android devices by allowing you to send higher resolution photos and videos, support audio notifications, text input indicators, read notifications, Wi-Fi messaging, and more.
- Updating the Calculator: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 are expected to receive an updated «Calculator» app with several new features, including a sidebar with a list of recent calculations, an improved interface for converting units, integration with the Notes app, and more. Yes, this means that Apple will finally make its Calculator app available for iPad.
- The Math in Notes: It’s expected that with iOS 18, Notes will get support for displaying mathematical equations, allowing users to include more types of algebraic equations and formulas.
- Custom routes in Apple Maps: iOS 18 is expected to bring at least two new Apple Maps features, including custom routes and topographic maps. Custom Routes will allow users to choose specific roads to travel while navigating, while Topo Maps include details such as trails, contour lines, elevation, and points of interest for hiking and other recreational activities. Apple has already introduced topographic maps on the Apple Watch with watchOS 10.
- Assistant in the Safari browser: Another new generative AI feature potentially coming to iOS 18 is the Safari Assistant, but no specific details are known yet. There are already several iPhone web browsers with AI tools, such as Microsoft Edge and its GPT-4-based Copilot, as well as Arc Search, which can summarize web pages.
- AirPods Pro as a hearing aid: it is reported that iOS 18 will include the so-called «hearing aid mode» for AirPods Pro but it is unclear how it will differ from the existing Apple Conversation Boost feature that was launched in 2021.
- Next-generation CarPlay: According to Apple’s website, the first cars with next-generation CarPlay will be available in 2024, so the platform may debut with iOS 18 later this year. However, it is possible that the next generation CarPlay will also be compatible with some versions of iOS 17.
- Freeform Scenes: iOS 18 is rumored to add a new «Scenes» option to Apple’s Freeform drawing app. This feature will allow users to select specific sections or «Scenes» in the canvas for easier navigation.
Apple will announce iOS 18 during its WWDC keynote on June 10 and is likely to launch the update widely in September.