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Comprehensive Analysis of iOS 18: Features, Compatibility, and User Impact

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 1, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Introduction of iOS 18 at WWDC 2024
  3. Key Upgrades and Features
  4. Integration of RCS Messaging
  5. Apple Music Enhancements
  6. Limitations and Delayed Features
  7. Differentiation Between Standard and Pro Models
  8. Technical Challenges and User Feedback
  9. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'Comprehensive Analysis of iOS 18: Features, Compatibility, and User Impact' provides a thorough examination of iOS 18, introduced at WWDC 2024. It covers new features, compatibility details, AI advancements through Apple Intelligence, and the integration of ChatGPT-4o. Additionally, the report explores the significance of RCS messaging support and its implications for various iPhone models, notably the feature differentiation between standard and Pro versions. Key findings include the enhancement of core apps like Mail, Messages, and Photos; exclusive AI functionalities for iPhone 15 Pro models; and the adoption of RCS messaging which improves cross-platform communication. The release timeline, hardware requirements, and initial user reception are also discussed, offering readers a comprehensive overview of iOS 18's major updates and their impact on users.

2. Introduction of iOS 18 at WWDC 2024

  • 2-1. Announcement and Major Upgrades

  • Apple officially announced iOS 18 during WWDC 2024. The new iOS update features significant enhancements to core iPhone applications such as Mail, Messages, Photos, Maps, and Wallet. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will exclusively receive new AI tools through Apple's innovative Apple Intelligence feature suite.

  • 2-2. Supported Models and Compatibility

  • iOS 18 will be compatible with iPhone models newer than the iPhone XS, which includes devices with the A12 Bionic chipset or newer. However, the advanced features of Apple Intelligence will be restricted to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, both equipped with the A17 Pro chipset. Other compatible iPhone models include: iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 11 series, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation).

  • 2-3. Release Timeline

  • At WWDC 2024, Apple announced that iOS 18 would be released 'later this year,' which is historically interpreted as mid-September. This timeline aligns with the expected launch of the iPhone 16 series and Apple Watch 10. The beta version of iOS 18 is already available to members of Apple’s Developer Program.

3. Key Upgrades and Features

  • 3-1. Core app enhancements: Mail, Messages, Photos, Maps, Wallet

  • Major upgrades have been introduced to core iPhone apps in iOS 18. The Photos app, for instance, has undergone the biggest redesign yet, featuring a unified view that combines a photo grid and a dates grid, enabling better photo categorization and easier navigation. In the Messages app, users can now react to messages with any emoji, schedule message sending, and utilize new text formatting options like underlining and striking through text. The Mail app has been upgraded to categorize emails into folders such as Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions, along with easy-to-read digests. The Wallet app introduces the 'tap to cash' feature for easier payments among friends and more dynamic event ticket designs, while Maps and other core apps have received similar beneficial upgrades.

  • 3-2. AI tools with Apple Intelligence

  • Apple has incorporated new AI tools in iOS 18 via the Apple Intelligence feature suite, which is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. These tools leverage the superior performance capabilities of the A17 Pro chipset, which includes a 16-core Neural Engine capable of performing nearly 35 trillion operations per second. However, standard models like the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus do not support these AI features due to hardware limitations. The exclusive AI functionalities aim to enhance user experience but have been a point of contention due to their limited availability.

  • 3-3. Exclusive features for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

  • iOS 18 has introduced several exclusive features limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max devices. These features include advanced Home Screen customization options, Control Center upgrades with new functionality splits and widget resizing, and the complete suite of Apple Intelligence tools. The differentiation between Pro and standard models has become more pronounced, not just in terms of hardware but also software capabilities. The Pro models benefit from the A17 Pro Bionic chip and at least 8 GB of RAM, which enable them to handle the new AI-driven functionalities and enhanced performance in gaming and other high-demand applications.

4. Integration of RCS Messaging

  • 4-1. Introduction and significance

  • The inclusion of RCS (Rich Communication Services) in Apple's iOS 18 is regarded as one of the most significant upgrades in the software's history. Historically, Apple had relied on its proprietary iMessage system, which distinguished communications within the Apple ecosystem from those with other platforms, particularly Android. This often resulted in inferior messaging experiences when iPhone users communicated with Android users via SMS. RCS, introduced by Google, is designed to replace the outdated SMS messaging standard with modern features like higher-quality photos and videos, read receipts, clearer audio messages, and more. Despite these advancements being available on Android devices for years, Apple’s adoption of RCS was prompted by regulatory pressures from European authorities.

  • 4-2. Enhanced messaging capabilities

  • RCS brings several advanced messaging features to iPhone users that were previously exclusive to Android devices. These include higher-resolution images and videos, audio messages, and improved group chats. Similar to iMessage, RCS supports typing indicators and read receipts, enhancing the real-time communication experience. Additionally, RCS allows for the sharing of larger file sizes and emoji reactions, bridging the feature gap between iMessage and Android's messaging services. Despite these enhancements, messages sent from RCS-enabled iPhones to Android devices will still display green bubbles, differentiating them from iMessage's blue bubbles.

  • 4-3. User reception and impact

  • The introduction of RCS messaging has been met with positive reception, particularly among users who frequently communicate with Android devices. RCS addresses common frustrations associated with SMS, such as unreliable message delivery and poor multimedia quality. For instance, users like the author of the first document expressed relief at being able to send urgent and media-rich messages to Android users without the disruptions previously encountered. Although RCS was not heavily highlighted during Apple's iOS 18 announcement at WWDC, its integration signifies a major improvement in cross-platform communication and has been eagerly anticipated by users for its potential to streamline and enhance daily messaging experiences.

5. Apple Music Enhancements

  • 5-1. New features: Smart Crossfade, Music Haptics

  • iOS 18 introduces several notable features for Apple Music, including the Smart Crossfade and Music Haptics. According to a report from BGR (published Jun 29th, 2024), Smart Crossfade is a hidden feature that enhances the previously available crossfade capability in Apple Music. This feature ensures seamless transitions between songs, creating interesting musical interplay while preserving the original listener experience, especially for albums like The Beatles' 'Abbey Road'. Additionally, Apple Music allows users to control the crossfade length, which can be set between one and 12 seconds. Music Haptics, another major feature, is particularly beneficial for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. By utilizing the Taptic Engine in iPhone, it delivers tactile feedback such as taps, textures, and refined vibrations synchronized with the music audio, offering an innovative way to experience music.

  • 5-2. InSight on Apple TV+

  • Another enhancement in iOS 18 is the integration of InSight on Apple TV+. This feature provides timely and detailed information about actors, characters, and music in real-time during the playback of Apple TV+ content. Viewers can access background details and filmographies of actors, or identify and add songs playing in scenes directly to their Apple Music playlist. This inclusion adds a layer of interactivity and information richness to the viewing experience on Apple TV+.

6. Limitations and Delayed Features

  • 6-1. Features not available at launch

  • Several highly anticipated features announced for iOS 18 will not be available at the initial public release. Users will have to wait until updates like iOS 18.1 or later to access them. 1. **Apple Intelligence**: This suite of AI-driven features, including Writing Tools, Image Playground, Genmoji, and functionalities such as Clean Up tool for Photos and Smart Reply for emails, will not be included in the initial release. Its beta will be available in U.S. English, but users will need to download the beta version of iOS 18 to access it, which may include bugs and performance issues. 2. **Siri 2.0 Integration**: Although iOS 18 introduces many updates to Siri, several key functionalities such as onscreen awareness and deeper integrations will be delayed. Full functionality will gradually roll out over the coming year, primarily benefiting devices set to U.S. English. 3. **Apple Mail’s Intelligent Categories**: The intelligent categorization feature that organizes emails into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions tabs will be delayed and likely included in iOS 18.1 as per Apple's announcement. 4. **New Emoji**: Unicode Consortium’s new emojis, such as 'face with bags under eyes,' 'fingerprint', and 'shovel,' will also be delayed and are expected to appear in a future update like iOS 18.4. 5. **Seamless Drag-and-Drop between iPhone and Mac**: The ability to seamlessly drag and drop files between iPhone and Mac will not be available at the initial release and is expected later during the year. 6. **Extra Home App Controls**: Features like robot vacuum cleaner support and in-app electricity usage viewing won't be included at launch but are expected in updates like iOS 18.1.

  • 6-2. Future updates and expectations

  • Apple has used terms like 'later this year' and 'over the course of the next year' throughout their announcements to indicate that not all features of iOS 18 will be available at launch. Users can expect the following updates over time: 1. **Apple Intelligence**: Features such as Writing Tools and Smart Reply via Apple Intelligence will roll out gradually, beginning with a public beta and expanding to more functionalities throughout the year. 2. **Siri 2.0 Enhancements**: Users will experience enhancements in functionality such as context-based searches and on-screen actions in subsequent updates. However, these will roll out first to U.S. English-devices. 3. **Mail App Updates**: The Mail intelligent categories and Smart Reply will both see delayed implementation, likely appearing in iOS 18.1. 4. **Additional Emojis**: Apple's design teams will gradually introduce new Unicode Consortium emojis in subsequent updates, aiming to release them by early 2025. 5. **Home App Enhancements**: New features for the Home app like robot vacuum integration and electricity usage tracking will follow later updates, potentially as part of iOS 18.1.

7. Differentiation Between Standard and Pro Models

  • 7-1. Lack of Apple Intelligence on standard iPhone 15

  • The standard iPhone 15 does not support Apple Intelligence features introduced in iOS 18. This includes tools like smarter Siri, new writing tools, image generation tools, and enhanced search in Photos. The absence of these features is due to hardware limitations. The standard iPhone 15 uses the A16 Bionic chip coupled with 6 GB of RAM, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro models are equipped with the more advanced A17 Pro chip and 8 GB of RAM. The Pro models also feature a 16-core Neural Engine, which is twice as fast as the one in the standard model and can handle approximately 35 trillion operations per second. Apple has justified the lack of Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 by pointing to these hardware differences, particularly the neural engine and RAM.

  • 7-2. Hardware differences and user experience

  • The hardware differences between the standard and Pro models extend beyond the support for Apple Intelligence. For instance, the iPhone 15 Pro models possess a 3nm A17 Pro Bionic chip, compared to the 4nm A16 Bionic chip in the standard model. This translates to improved performance, including support for console-level games with hardware-accelerated ray-tracing, making the Pro models superior for mobile gaming. Additionally, while both models feature camera improvements and the new Auto Portrait mode, the Pro versions often offer enhanced features and better performance overall. Despite these advancements, the lack of Apple Intelligence on the standard iPhone 15 affects its user experience greatly, making it feel outdated quickly.

  • 7-3. Future considerations for potential buyers

  • The current disparities between the standard and Pro models of the iPhone 15 highlight significant considerations for potential buyers. Although the iPhone 15 offers features such as a 48MP main camera, USB-C, and the Dynamic Island, its inability to support Apple Intelligence significantly reduces its value proposition. Given the rapid pace of software updates and feature introductions, consumers are advised to weigh these factors when deciding on a purchase. The need for 8 GB of RAM and an advanced neural engine for new AI features suggests that only the Pro models can fully leverage the capabilities of future iOS versions, making them a more future-proof choice.

8. Technical Challenges and User Feedback

  • 8-1. Technical issues reported post iOS updates

  • Users have reported persistent technical issues with the custom transparency mode on AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 after updating to iOS 17 and subsequent versions. This mode randomly turns off, requiring users to manually re-enable it through the settings. Despite several resets of the AirPods and iPhone settings, and updates to the latest iOS versions (e.g., iOS 17.4), the problem persisted or even became more frequent. Notably, switching to a Mac does not see this issue, indicating it may be specifically tied to iOS functionality.

  • 8-2. User feedback and interim fixes

  • Users have expressed frustration over the unresolved technical issues, with many finding the custom transparency mode's malfunction particularly disruptive. Some users likened the AirPods' custom transparency feature to hearing aids and found the malfunction detrimental to their daily activities. Several interim fixes have been suggested by users, including toggling the mode on and off through the control center, disconnecting and reconnecting the AirPods, and reporting the issue to Apple Support. Despite these efforts, the problem largely remains unaddressed, with the issue recurring even after temporary fixes.

9. Conclusion

  • In conclusion, the analysis of iOS 18 highlights substantial advancements, particularly in core app enhancements and the integration of Apple Intelligence, though the latter is confined to premium models like the iPhone 15 Pro. The introduction of RCS messaging significantly improves communication between iOS and Android devices, addressing a long-standing issue. However, the disparity in feature availability between standard and Pro models, driven by hardware limitations, may affect user satisfaction for those with non-Pro devices. While several advanced features are delayed and the software has faced some technical issues, overall user feedback has been positive, indicating a strong reception for iOS 18. Going forward, continuous updates and adept user feedback handling will be crucial in maintaining and enhancing the iOS experience. Future prospects for iOS 18 and subsequent versions appear promising, contingent on the successful rollout of delayed features and sustained improvement efforts. The practical applications of these upgrades, from enhanced AI tools to improved messaging capabilities, will likely shape user interaction with iPhones in a more streamlined and effective manner.

10. Glossary

  • 10-1. iOS 18 [Operating System]

  • The latest version of Apple's iPhone operating system, offering significant updates to core apps, AI tools via Apple Intelligence, and enhanced messaging capabilities through RCS support. iOS 18 is compatible with iPhone models from iPhone XS onwards, with some features exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro models.

  • 10-2. Apple Intelligence [Technology]

  • A suite of AI tools integrated into iOS 18, providing advanced functionalities like intelligent categorization in Mail and customized experiences in Photos. Initially available only on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.

  • 10-3. RCS Messaging [Technology Standard]

  • Rich Communication Services (RCS) enhance traditional text messaging with features like read receipts, high-quality media sharing, and improved group chats. Integrated into iOS 18 to facilitate better communication between iPhone and Android users.

  • 10-4. Craig Federighi [Person]

  • Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, responsible for overseeing macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Federighi has been instrumental in introducing significant software updates and innovations at Apple, including iOS 18.

11. Source Documents