Expectations for Apple iOS 18 with AI at WWDC 2024

Next week, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024) promises to be a landmark event for the Cupertino-based company. Unlike the previous year, which was dominated by Vision Pro, this time the main focus will be on software, specifically iOS 18, which will be unveiled on Monday at 10 AM Pacific Time.

Being a developer-oriented event, WWDC 2024 will focus on innovations related to the integration of artificial intelligence into Apple’s devices and applications. The results of Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI and new features implemented using AI technologies will be in the spotlight.

Ajax LLM Integration

According to leaks, Apple plans to implement its advanced AI features in iOS 18 using Ajax LLM. The company also aims to process data in such a way that even its employees do not have access to it, maintaining a high standard of data privacy.

Enhanced Siri Capabilities

One of the key changes will be an AI-enhanced Siri. The assistant will be able to control functions within apps without needing the setup of App Intents or Siri Shortcuts. This will allow users to simply ask Siri to perform a task, such as deleting an email or editing a photo. More complex functions, such as executing multi-step tasks, will be added later.

Additionally, Siri will become more functional on the Apple Watch, will be able to play music on other devices, and will sound more natural. Siri will also be able to summarize notifications and support a new interface.

New Apple Photos Features

Apple Photos will receive an updated interface and AI capabilities for photo retouching, which will create competition for Google Photos. The “Clean Up” feature will allow objects to be removed from photos using generative AI, similar to Google’s Magic Eraser. The possible appearance of the Generative Playground feature, which uses GenAI for creating and editing images, is also expected.

Improvements in Safari and Notes

Safari will get an AI-powered intelligent search function for reviewing web pages and news articles. The Notes app will also receive several improvements: users will be able to request AI-generated reviews of notes, transcribe audio, and create and solve mathematical equations with AI assistance.

AI-powered iMessages

iMessages will support generative emojis, AI-generated summaries of missed texts, and deeper integration with Siri. New icons for Tapbacks and message effects will appear. Ajax LLM will offer suggestions for text replies, simplifying the process of sending messages. RCS support is also expected to improve interactions with Android users.

Calendar and Mail Updates

The Calendar app will integrate LLM for checking events when composing message replies. Mail will get suggested email replies, improved search functions, and the ability to professionally format emails with Siri’s help.

Updated Interface and Control Center

Updates to the settings interface will make it less confusing, improving organization and search capabilities. The Control Center will receive a new “Music” widget and improvements for HomeKit. Notifications will include AI-generated reports on missed notifications and “enhanced” notifications.

Spotlight and Home Screen

Spotlight will become faster and more reliable, and the iOS 18 home screen will allow apps to be placed anywhere, without the grid constraint. Users will be able to change app icon colors, responding to Google’s Material You.

Maps and Music

Maps will support custom route creation, and Apple Music will offer AI-generated playlists, competing with Spotify.

Other Improvements

Updates are expected for Freeform, Xcode, and Apple productivity apps such as Keynote and Pages, which may receive GenAI features.

WWDC 2024 promises to showcase numerous innovations and changes, making iOS 18 smarter and more user-friendly.