Apple Reportedly Readying iOS 18 With Home Screen Redesign And AI Upgrades

Apple Inc. AAPL is readying two major changes with its iOS 18 update, right from the home screen to AI features.

What Happened: The iOS 18 update, scheduled for announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, will bring about a revamped home screen, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The new home screen will offer users more flexibility, including the ability to freely place app icons on the grid, creating gaps on the screen for the first time.

Apple is positioning iOS 18 as its most significant iPhone update yet with a strong emphasis on AI. The company is expected to integrate AI-powered features across the operating system, including potential chatbot functionality through Alphabet Inc.'s Google Gemini.

Apple’s AI strategy aims to bring the company up to speed with other tech giants and will include a range of AI features designed to help users manage their daily lives.

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This could include Siri improvements, AI-generated playlists for Apple Music, and smarter reply suggestions in Messages.

Apple is also set to unveil other operating systems at WWDC, including iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, and a new version of macOS.

The first developer betas for these updates are expected in June, with a public release likely to coincide with the iPhone 16 launch in September.

See Also: Tim Cook's Latest Visit A Sign ‘Apple Could Double Down On China,' Says Analyst As iPhone-Maker Faces DOJ Lawsuit And Increasing Regulatory Pressure

Why It Matters: The iOS 18 update has been a topic of significant speculation in recent months. In January, Gurman suggested that iOS 18 could be the most pivotal update in the history of the iPhone, with anticipated enhancements including RCS support in the Message app and improved Siri functionality.

Apple’s AI capabilities have been a key focus, with the company making strategic moves to bolster its AI features for iOS 18, including the acquisition of Canadian AI startup DarwinAI.

Apple’s iOS 18 update is also expected to include new features such as a hearing aid mode for AirPods Pro, further expanding the accessibility and functionality of Apple’s devices.

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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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