Key AI Features in iOS 18

Enhanced Siri and Search Capabilities

• Siri will leverage large language models (LLMs) to become a more proactive and conversational assistant, capable of summarizing notifications, transcribing voice memos, and offering improved suggestions for apps and calendar events. Siri’s integration with Messages will also improve, allowing for more effective auto-completion of sentences and answers to complex questions.
• Spotlight search will feature more intelligent results and improved sorting, integrating data from apps like Contacts and Calendar.

AI-Powered Safari

• Safari will receive a significant overhaul with AI-driven tools such as “Intelligent Search,” which summarizes key topics and phrases from webpages.
• A “Web Eraser” feature will allow users to remove unwanted content from websites, and an updated quick-access menu will combine page tools and some functions currently housed in the Share Sheet.

Photo and Video Enhancements

• The Photos app will include AI-based editing tools for retouching images, removing unwanted objects, and color correction.
• Apple is working on a more powerful visual search feature that could identify consumer products in images.

Messages and Mail Improvements

• Both the Messages and Mail apps will suggest replies for quicker responses and generate new emojis based on message content. These features aim to streamline communication and make interactions more efficient.

Developer Tools

• Xcode will include AI features that assist in code completion and application testing, enhancing the development experience for app creators.

macOS 15 Enhancements

macOS 15 will also benefit from these AI advancements, with features designed to work seamlessly across devices. Users can expect similar updates in Safari, improved Siri functionality, and advanced photo and video editing tools.

Privacy and Efficiency

Apple’s approach to AI will vary depending on the processing demands of each feature. Less intensive tasks will run entirely on-device, ensuring privacy and efficiency, while more demanding tools will use cloud processing. This hybrid method allows Apple to highlight the privacy advantages of on-device processing while still providing powerful AI capabilities.

Beta Testing and Release

To manage user expectations and ensure a smooth rollout, many of these AI tools may initially be released in beta versions of iOS 18. This strategy will allow Apple to refine the features before the official launch in September 2024.

These updates reflect Apple’s ongoing commitment to integrating cutting-edge AI technology into its products, aiming to offer a more intelligent and seamless user experience.