In 2024, Apple is expected to roll out iOS 18, a milestone that many observers believe will redefine how iPhone users interact with their devices. This expectation is highlighted in the Power On newsletter, with insights attributed to Bloomberg’s noted analyst and insider, Mark Gurman. The chatter around iOS 18 centers on bold new capabilities that could influence everyday iPhone usage for millions across Canada and the United States.
One of the most talked-about changes concerns Siri. The assistant is anticipated to gain a fresh core based on generative artificial intelligence. This upgrade promises to enhance Siri’s ability to understand context, carry out more natural conversations, anticipate user needs, and deliver more precise answers. The shift toward a more capable AI backbone could make voice interactions feel more like talking to a knowledgeable assistant rather than issuing rigid commands.
Generative AI is not expected to be limited to Siri alone. Apple reportedly plans to weave AI features into other parts of the operating system, expanding the intelligence baked into everyday tasks. At this stage, Apple Music is confirmed to receive AI-assisted enhancements, although the exact functions remain under wraps. These improvements could range from smarter music recommendations and personalized playlists to quicker, more intuitive search within the app, all aimed at enriching the listening experience for a broad audience in North America.
Another significant feature rumored for iOS 18 is native support for Rich Communications Services (RCS). RCS represents a modern upgrade to traditional SMS, removing the character limits and enabling rich media exchanges, read receipts, and richer metadata about contacts. This shift could improve cross-platform messaging quality and bring iMessage-like capabilities to users who rely on non-Apple devices, creating a more seamless messaging experience across ecosystems.
Industry expectations also place a summer 2024 beta release for iOS 18, typically timed to follow Apple’s annual WWDC developer conference. The public release is anticipated to coincide with or occur shortly after the debut of the next generation iPhone, commonly referred to as the iPhone 16. This schedule aligns with Apple’s historical cadence, providing developers and early adopters with an opportunity to test new features before a broader rollout.
Beyond software, Apple’s broader product ecosystem continues to expand. The company has recently introduced new commercial ventures around Vision Pro, signaling a broader strategy to blend hardware, software, and immersive experiences. The iOS 18 update sits within this larger context, offering users a more integrated and capable device experience that spans content, communication, and personal productivity across devices and services. In North America, the anticipated improvements are likely to shape how people manage daily tasks, stay connected, and enjoy media, all driven by a more capable and responsive software core.
As the iOS 18 narrative develops, users can expect a deeper reliance on AI to streamline routines, suggest proactive actions, and tailor interactions to individual preferences. For Canadian and American users, the update could bring faster, more accurate voice responses, smarter media curation, and improved messaging experiences that bridge the gap between disparate platforms. The ecosystem’s evolution signals a future where software intelligence feels more present and useful in everyday life, rather than a distant upgrade on the horizon [Bloomberg via Power On].