Apple’s new iOS update is just weeks away — and more details are starting to emerge about what’s shaping up to be the biggest update yet.
The software, which was originally announced at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, is expected to hit devices in mid-September.
Apple is offering its AI integration with iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia – called “Apple Intelligence” – as a flagship update.
The feature will bring many changes to the operating system, including new and improved Siri capabilities, the ability to create custom emojis, and more.
But the change that made the most headlines was the new app hiding feature, dubbed a “cheater’s paradise” because it allows people to hide certain apps (such as dating apps) in locked folders.
iOS 18 will also support a lot of new features, such as smart typing tools, custom image generation, and improved privacy protection.
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If you’re overwhelmed by the wave of changes coming to your device this fall, here’s a list of the top five features on DailyMail.com to keep an eye out for.
1. AI-enhanced Siri
Apple’s new AI system will affect almost every aspect of the operating system, including Siri, Apple’s arguably lackluster digital assistant.
Critics of Siri have complained about its limited capabilities and frequent errors in understanding voice commands. But that should change with Apple Intelligence.
“With the power of Apple Intelligence, Siri takes a big step forward, becoming even more natural, contextually relevant and personal,” explained Apple.
Users will be able to speak to Siri more naturally thanks to her new AI-enhanced language understanding capabilities.
They will also be able to type into Siri instead of relying on voice commands.
Siri will also be equipped with a new understanding of the unique way you use your phone. In addition, Siri will now have “screen information” that will allow her to access information on your phone and perform tasks within and between apps.
Plus, Siri will have a deeper understanding of your phone’s features and settings, meaning she’ll be able to explain different features by checking the context of what’s on your screen.
2. ‘Genmojis’
Have you ever wished you could create your own emoticons? With Apple’s new “Genmoji” feature, now you can!
“We’re taking emoji to a whole new level, users can create original Genmoji to express themselves,” Apple said.
Genmoji allows users to create their own emoji using AI. All you have to do is write a description of the emoji you want to create, and Genmoji will quickly generate it for you.
Users will even be able to create Genmoji of friends and family using their picture, Apple said.
Just like regular emoticons, Genmoji can be added to text or shared as a sticker or reaction in Tapback.
WWDC Apple revealed a sneak peak at some of the Genmoji users will be able to create.
The wildest ones included a surfing T-Rex in a tutu and an angry piece of cake. What crazy Genmoji will you create?
3. ‘Tapping Cash’
The update will also include a convenient new way to send cash to other iPhone users.
A new feature called “Tap to Cash” allows users to send and receive Apple Cash by simply holding two iPhones close together.
This would make digital payments more efficient as there would be no need to share phone numbers or email addresses to complete a transaction.
This could be especially useful if you’re giving someone a refund for dinner or buying something at a garage sale, Apple said.
In theory, Tap to Cash will provide a simpler peer-to-peer payment system compared to leading P2P apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App.
Additionally, Apple doesn’t keep a percentage of your Tap to Cash or Tap to Pay transactions, unlike some other services that change fees.
However, it remains to be seen whether Apple’s new feature will affect these payment services.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, said at WWDC that Apple is “continuing on our journey to replace your physical wallet.”
This feature will be available for iPhone users on iOS 18 and Apple Watch users with WatchOS 11.
4. Hidden applications
Do you have an app on your phone that you’d rather keep private? In iOS 18, users will be able to hide or lock certain apps on their phone.
Locked apps will still appear on your home screen, but can only be opened using Face ID. If someone gets into your phone, they won’t have access to all of your private information.
And if you’re looking for even more security, you can “hide” the app by moving it to a locked folder. Anyone accessing your phone won’t even see the apps in the folder.
Locked app content, such as messages, emails or notifications, won’t even be displayed using the search function. You can only access it using Face ID.
Apple says the purpose of the feature is to ‘offer users peace of mind’ that the information ‘won’t be inadvertently seen by others’, but not everyone sees it that way.
On social media, some users have aired concerns about the feature’s potential to encourage infidelity in relationships, going so far as to call it a “cheater’s paradise.”
5. Chat integration GPT
If Apple Intelligence integration leaves you wanting even more generative AI features, iOS 18 has you covered.
This update will also include integration with Chat GPT, OpenAI chatbot and virtual assistant.
Siri will be able to join the GPT chat and help answer questions. However, users will be asked for permission before any questions, documents or photos are sent to the chatbot.
GPT Chat will also be available as part of Apple’s system-wide Writing Tools to help users create written content on any topic. Apple will also launch Compose, its Chat GPT image generator.
Users who may be concerned about privacy with Chat GPT’s integrated features can rest assured that their IP addresses will be hidden and OpenAI will not store requests, Apple said.