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iOS 18: A major update without AI, RCS brings better Android messaging
Top 3 Key Points:
- iOS 18 rolls out without Apple Intelligence AI features, expected later.
- RCS support improves Android messaging with typing indicators and media sharing.
- Control Center is more customizable, with third-party app integration.
Apple has released iOS 18, bringing several changes and features, even though its headline AI component, Apple Intelligence, isn’t included yet. This update offers better personalization, with an overhauled Control Center and support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), enhancing messaging between iPhones and Android devices.
New Features of iOS 18
One of the key updates is the redesigned Control Center. It offers a customizable experience where users can rearrange controls across multiple pages, adjusting icons for connectivity, focus modes, and more. Third-party apps are also expected to integrate their controls into this system, giving users even greater control.
Another significant feature is the introduction of RCS (Rich Communication Services) for iPhone. This improves messaging between iPhone and Android users by adding features like typing indicators, read receipts, and better media sharing. Although end-to-end encryption is not yet available, Apple is working toward this feature in future updates.
Customization and App Enhancements
iOS 18 also introduces the ability to fully customize your home screen. Users can now move app icons freely, which is a first for iPhone, and customize app icon colors. There’s also a new Passwords app to simplify saving and sharing login information, making it ideal for households or shared devices, though it works best if everyone is within the Apple ecosystem.
For journalists or anyone who frequently uses Voice Memos, iOS 18 adds transcription support, which can transcribe voice recordings in real-time or after recording, making it more competitive with Google’s Pixel recorder.
What’s Missing?
The much-anticipated Apple Intelligence, which promises to bring advanced AI features like contextual Siri, email summaries, and automated writing tools, has been delayed. It is expected to arrive in future updates, potentially in 2025.
While iPhone screen mirroring and SharePlay screen sharing are also absent from this initial release, Apple has confirmed that these will be coming in later versions, and not all features may launch across all regions.
Final Thoughts
iOS 18 offers a smart and feature-rich update, even without its most talked-about AI features. The combination of improved customization, RCS messaging, and practical apps like Voice Memos transcription make this release worthwhile. Apple Intelligence may still be on the horizon, but for now, iOS 18 already provides a solid foundation for users to enjoy.