iOS 18 is coming soon and so is the all-new Siri. Are you ready?

• iOS 18 is coming soon
• Siri will be getting a makeover in the new OS
• iOS 18 will launch after the iPhone 16 lineup makes its debut

Over a decade ago, when the iPhone 4S launched, the world got introduced to Siri. The voice assistant became a part of every Apple user's life and just by "Hey Siri", a lot could be done. Be it a bedtime story or a light-hearted joke, Siri took care of it all. And now, the popular voice assistant is all set to get AI superpowers with the arrival of Apple Intelligence with iOS 18.

As the unveiling of the iPhone 16 lineup is just three days away, all eyes are on the new operating system from Apple. For the unversed, iOS 18 is expected to be out a week after the launch of the new iPhones. With its developer and public beta versions already out, a lot of excitement is in the air. So what exactly will iOS 18 bring to the table, how will Siri get an AI boost and what is the difference between public and developer beta? Read on as we answer all these questions.

iOS 18 upcoming features

Apple’s iOS 18 is packed with exciting features that will make your iPhone even smarter and easier to use. From a completely revamped Siri to new ways to customise your home and lock screens, this update aims to enhance your day-to-day experience. Let’s break down the most notable features of iOS 18.

1. The all-new Siri

With iOS 18, Siri won't just be a voice assistant anymore—it will be more like a digital companion that understands you better. Apple has rebuilt Siri, giving it a smarter, more personalised approach. You will still be able to use voice commands, but now there will be an option to type your requests by double-tapping the bottom of the screen. This might come in handy when you can’t talk out loud.

Siri will also have a lot more context about your day and will be able to handle more complex tasks. It can edit photos, manage files, and even create folders for you, all with a simple command. One of the coolest improvements is that Siri will now be able to interact with other apps on your phone. Whether you’re looking for something specific or need help completing a task, Siri can do it all. For example, if you’re editing a photo, Siri can suggest tools to enhance it, making multitasking smoother than ever.

Another noticeable change is Siri’s appearance. Instead of taking over your screen, a glowing ring will appear around the display when Siri is activated, making it less intrusive while still visually appealing.

And if Siri doesn’t have the answer, Apple’s got you covered. You will also be able to access ChatGPT directly through Siri, giving you an extra layer of help when you need it.

2. More personalisation options

iOS 18 will also offer greater customisation options. Apple will be letting users rearrange app icons and widgets freely across the home screen, even above the dock. You will also be able to change the look of your device with dark or tinted themes, making it truly your own.

The Photos app will also get a significant overhaul. Now, instead of having separate libraries or scattered images, everything will be presented in a single, unified view. The redesigned interface is user-friendly, featuring collections and daily highlights to make navigating your photos easier and more enjoyable.

3. Improved control center and messages

The Control Center in iOS 18 will also get a boost, providing quicker access to settings and the option to add third-party apps. This will make managing your device more seamless, as you will be able to customise Control Center to suit your needs.

In the Messages app, satellite messaging is expected to be a game-changer. Whether you’re off the grid or don’t have a reliable signal, you will still be able to send messages using satellite technology, making sure you stay connected even in remote areas. Additionally, iMessage will support fun new text effects, different formatting options, and message scheduling, allowing you to plan your conversations ahead of time.

4. Apple Intelligence

A big highlight of iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, a feature designed to make your device more intuitive. Using advanced AI, Apple Intelligence will help Siri understand you better, predict your needs, and even assist with things like image creation or language translation. It’s all about making your iPhone smarter and more capable of handling everyday tasks.

iOS 18 public beta vs developer beta: What’s the difference?

If you’re interested in getting iOS 18 before its official release, you’ve likely heard about Apple’s public and developer beta programs. But what’s the difference between the two? Read on

Developer Beta: This version is intended for app developers who need to test their apps with the latest iOS software. It’s released first and is usually packed with bugs and glitches, as it’s meant for testing rather than everyday use. You need a developer account to access this version, and because it’s so early in development, it’s often unstable.

Public Beta: The public beta comes out after the developer beta and is aimed at regular users who want to test out the new features ahead of time. While it’s more stable than the developer beta, it can still contain bugs and isn’t meant for your main device. This version is free to try, and all you have to do is sign up for Apple’s Beta Software Program.

If you haven’t tried any beta versions before, it’s a good idea to wait for the official release unless you have a spare phone. Betas, especially developer, tend to have glitches that might make your phone harder to use. iOS 18 is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 16 lineup soon, so if you don’t want to be on the cutting edge, waiting might be the best option.

Yet, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try out the new features before everyone else, you can sign up for the public beta. Or if you happen to have a secondary device then you can give this a shot.

Just keep in mind that it might not be perfect, so if stability is important to you, waiting for the full release is probably your best bet.

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