Apple’s iOS 18 is set to deliver a plethora of exciting updates this fall. However, not all announced features will be available immediately. Here’s a detailed look at the features scheduled to arrive in iOS 18.1 or later.
Siri’s On-Screen Awareness and In-App Actions
The upcoming fall release will introduce a new Siri interface and select capabilities, but some of Siri’s most powerful upgrades will roll out over the next year. These include on-screen awareness, allowing Siri to understand and act based on your current activity. For example, saying “Use this as their contact photo” will make Siri understand the context and perform the action accordingly. Additionally, Siri’s deeper integration with in-app functions, such as playing a podcast sent by a friend, will also come later.
Apple Mail Upgrades
While apps like Notes and Messages are getting significant updates this fall, the Mail app’s improvements will arrive later. These upgrades include the auto-categorization of messages in your inbox, enhancing your email management experience.
Vision Pro Enhancements Including Mac Virtual Display
Although the Vision Pro launched recently, some of the best features of visionOS 2 are scheduled for a later release. These include:
- Upgraded Mac Virtual Display: This feature will support an Ultrawide view, equivalent to having two 4K displays side by side.
- Multiview: Sports fans will be able to watch up to five different games simultaneously using the Apple TV app.
- Spatial Video Editing: The ability to import spatial videos to Mac, edit in Final Cut Pro, and export back to Vision Pro is expected late in 2024.
New Emoji
This fall, iOS 18 will introduce custom emoji creation (Genmoji). However, new built-in emoji sets, including a highly anticipated exhausted face, won’t be available until late 2024 or early 2025.
Non-Beta Versions of Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is the standout feature of this year’s software updates. The core functionalities will launch this fall, but Apple is releasing them as beta features. Expect ongoing refinements and updates post-release.
Drag and Drop Between iPhone and Mac
A major feature of macOS Sequoia is the ability to mirror your iPhone on your Mac and interact with it. However, seamless drag and drop of files and photos between devices will be introduced later. This cross-device drag and drop feature promises to be a quicker file transfer method than AirDrop.
Home App Improvements
The Home app in iOS 18 will see several upgrades, though most will arrive later. Notable features include support for robot vacuum cleaners as compatible devices and the ability to view your home electricity usage within the app.
These features represent just a glimpse of what’s coming to iOS 18. While the initial release will be feature-packed, these delayed updates promise to further enhance the user experience in the months following the launch.