Apple expects iOS 18 to be the biggest iOS update in the company's history, says top insider

Ios 14 Hero App Library
(Image credit: Future)

iOS iterations and version updates launch every year, but it's been a long time since there has been a truly big one -- and iOS 18 may be it. Apple apparently sees the upcoming iOS 18 update as one of the biggest in the history of the company.

The information comes from Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter. Gurman says that Apple is seeing iOS 18 as one of the biggest updates to its mobile operating system. While we don't know exactly what kind of overhaul Apple is planning, we have a faint idea of what may make this update as grand as Apple thinks.

AI, RCS, and more for iOS 18?

Gurman didn't have details about the changes we can expect in iOS 18 just yet. He only revealed that Apple seems to have a lofty vision, internally.

"I'm told that the new operating system is seen within the company as one of the biggest iOS updates — if not the biggest — in the company's history."

There are a few things we can expect from the update, however. We've heard that Apple is working on adding AI to the iPhone, likely with Siri. The rumor hinted at Apple adding AI to Siri, with iOS 18. It's possible that Apple has that in store, especially given that the AI wave has hit smartphones hard recently.

We've also seen Apple announce that RCS support is coming to the iPhone. The launch window was revealed to be sometime in 2024, which could very well mean that Apple will launch it as a key feature of iOS 18. 

It's likely that more changes will be bundled into iOS 18 in anticipation of larger regulatory actions. Alternative app stores are on the way, so iOS 18 could include major changes to accommodate those. We expect to hear more in the coming weeks, leading to the likely iOS 18 announcement at WWDC 2024 in June.

Palash Volvoikar
Contributor

Palash has been a technology and entertainment journalist since 2013. Starting with Android news and features, he has also worked as the news head for Wiki of Thrones, and a freelance writer for Windows Central, Observer, MakeUseOf, MySmartPrice, ThinkComputers, and others. He also worked as a writer and journalist for Android Authority, covering computing, before returning to freelancing all over town.

  • Wotchered
    So nothing we need then !
    Reply
  • FFR
    Don’t think anyone should be listening to gurman anymore, he is known to make things up.

    I’m expecting him to release another note in March or April, that Apple canceled this iOS 18 major overhaul.
    Reply
  • iebock
    Those two things are obvious. Gurman needs to get ahead of the curve instead of behind it.

    RCS is old news plain and simple. The was a concession to the Eu to not make iMessage a Technology Gateway.

    As for AI, Apple has got to do something with Siri They bought Siri almost 14 years ago, then did nothing with it. It's on the path to being irrelevant and needs a huge boost. AI is the best route for that.
    Reply
  • Wotchered
    iebock said:
    Those two things are obvious. Gurman needs to get ahead of the curve instead of behind it.

    RCS is old news plain and simple. The was a concession to the Eu to not make iMessage a Technology Gateway.

    As for AI, Apple has got to do something with Siri They bought Siri almost 14 years ago, then did nothing with it. It's on the path to being irrelevant and needs a huge boost. AI is the best route for that.

    I have never used Siri, I don't want to have to learn to TALK to a computer, and what if it fails to understand what I want ? it might put my phone or furnishings at risk !!
    Reply
  • Annie_M
    I've got to say that after listening to friends' cringe-worthy attempts in attempting to talk to Siri, there is something to be said for learning how to talk to it!
    Reply
  • Wotchered
    I remember a system years ago that drove a friend of mine crazy. It was voice controlled and nobody in the office could make it work... it eventually transpired that if you spoke to it in a cod American accent, it worked ! hard work in London !
    But much funnier, a friend bought a very expensive Mercedes AMG with voice controls in it, a midlife buy.
    The thing did not understand a word he said. Must have been the Geordie accent. However, his wife's cut glass RP was heard and obeyed immediately, causing much amusement and barracking.
    Reply