Apple’s big plans for iOS 18 reportedly include AI features, RCS support and more

Software updates have lately been synonymous with subtle, under-the-hood changes. Ever since Android took its first shot with Material Design, jumping from KitKat to Lollipop, not a lot of drastic, surface level changes have been seen on either Android or iOS.

However, Apple could be changing that with its next iOS update – iOS 18. While we’re not sure about a lot of visual changes, Apple is adding another mystery ingredient to the mix – artificial intelligence.

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As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 18 has the potential to be the “biggest” iOS update in years. The update is likely to include multiple major changes to the software and the features. However, we currently know about only two of these.

Smarter, AI-powered Siri

The first, is generative AI support, which will give Siri new superpowers. iOS 18 users will likely be able to use Siri to generate text in messages, notes and other apps. The voice assistant will also likely be fortified with other AI-powered abilities that will work across Apple apps like Music, Pages, Keynote and Xcode.

The incorporation of LLMs, or Large Language Models into iOS 18 would also enable supported iPhones to automate otherwise complex tasks. Blend that with the raw power and potential of the Shortcuts app, and we may have what could possibly be the AI integration on smartphones.

RCS support

While it may not be a flashy feature like the AI-powered shenanigans, RCS support will still be a big deal for iPhone users (and their friends, colleagues and family members) in many parts of the world.

With RCS, communication between Android phones and iPhones can finally take a large step forward. No longer will users have to rely on third-party messaging tools to support emoji, stickers, reactions and high-quality media sharing.

In markets like the US, where standard text messaging is the primary form of instant messaging for many, RCS support will facilitate a more seamless texting experience between Android and iPhone users, although it may not solve the green-blue bubble debate just yet.

These are just two of the bigger changes to expect from iOS 18. Likely to be announced at WWDC, iOS 18 could pack many more features and changes, some of which could be revealed in early-access, beta versions that may pop up over the next few months.

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Until then, iOS 17 continues to evolve with iOS 17.3, the most recent update which brings in important features like Stolen Device Protection and more.