Apple event approaching: Anticipated innovations in new iPhones

Next week, Apple will hold its annual developer conference in San Jose, California, where the anticipated innovations in the next operating system and iPhones will be showcased. The conference will run from June 10, 2024, to June 14, 2024, and is expected to focus on artificial intelligence technology, which is set to be integrated into iOS 18 along with numerous other new features.

Apple's annual developer conference, WWDC, always generates great excitement among "iPhone enthusiasts," but not only among them. Apple, which sometimes tends to lag behind competitors in adopting new technologies, is expected to make a big splash this year with its focus on AI, a technology that is increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives. Apple understands well that those who don't embrace AI will be left behind.

The Apple developer event typically focuses on software, and the tech giant usually does not introduce new devices there. For that, we will have to wait for Apple's fall event, where the next iPhone will be unveiled. Last year's developer conference was an exception in this regard, with the groundbreaking Vision Pro augmented reality glasses being revealed. However, rumors suggest that this year Apple will focus on showcasing its software capabilities and AI updates only.

Amidst a wave of AI developments from companies like Google, OpenAI, and others, Apple undoubtedly has a lot to catch up on. This is why analysts believe AI will play a central role in the conference, with capabilities embedded in the operating system. According to reports, Apple will integrate AI features such as transcribing voice memos, faster searches, and a more "human-like" Siri that may also operate apps independently and provide "smart summaries" of missed information. Those familiar with Siri know that for many questions, it currently redirects users to web pages on the iPhone screen, and its capabilities are quite limited. Siri is also expected to activate AI functionalities in Mac computers and the Apple Watch, which will get an upgraded Siri. There are also reports that Apple is working with OpenAI to integrate its technology into iOS 18. Previous reports indicated that Apple was in similar talks with Google about integrating its Gemini AI system, but it seems those discussions did not result in a partnership.

Apple might provide more details on how the iPhone will support RCS text messaging, which should improve text messages between iPhones and Android devices. According to this expectation, it will be possible to send enhanced text messages with personalized emojis from iPhones to Android devices and vice versa. Currently, messages are only sent as regular SMS, not as iMessages, which are sent between iPhones and offer advanced graphical layers.

And of course, it wouldn't be WWDC without talk of chips. We are likely to hear about the next iPhone's processor, probably called the A18. This processor is expected to enable better, stronger, and more efficient AI performance, including task execution based on AI learning.

Reports also describe innovations in the iPhone's appearance: Apple is expected to introduce a new control center with an updated music widget, an upgrade to the messaging app that will allow, among other things, the animation of single words in text, a new interface for the photos app, and improvements to the mail app. According to estimates, another new feature in the operating system will allow users to change the colors of app icons.