Top 3 Key Points:
- macOS Sequoia and iOS 18 are expected to launch together in mid-September.
- New features in iOS 18 include call recording, transcription, and a search function for call history.
- Apple Intelligence features like call recording will arrive in iOS 18.1 and require an iPhone 15 Pro or later.
macOS Sequoia, the latest update for Mac computers, is anticipated to be released in mid-September alongside iOS 18. While iOS updates usually arrive in September, macOS updates have varied in the past. This year, Apple plans to launch both updates together, ensuring that new features like iPhone Mirroring—which lets you control your iPhone from your Mac—work seamlessly across devices.
In addition to iPhone Mirroring, macOS Sequoia will introduce enhanced window management, a new Passwords app, and updates to Safari, Messages, Maps, and Notes. However, some advanced features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella, like call recording, won’t be available until iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1, which are expected to be released in October.
Apple is currently finalizing these updates ahead of its annual September event, likely on September 10. If this timeline holds, new iPhones could be available by September 20, with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia launching around September 18. However, these dates could shift slightly if Apple decides to schedule its event later in the month.
One of the most exciting updates in iOS 18 is the overhaul of the Phone app. Apple Intelligence introduces several new features:
- Call Recording: You can record phone calls by tapping a button during the call. Everyone on the call is notified that the recording is in progress, and the audio is saved in the Notes app.
- Transcription and Summarization: Recorded calls are automatically transcribed, and a summary can be generated, making it easier to review important conversations. The transcription can also be searched for specific words or phrases.
- Enhanced Search: The Recents tab in the Phone app now includes a search function, allowing you to find calls by number, name, date, or call type.
Other new features in iOS 18 include a quicker way to switch between SIM cards using the Control Center and contact suggestions when dialing numbers. Additionally, the Phone app now supports T9 dialing, a feature that lets you type out names using the number pad, bringing back a bit of nostalgia for users who remember the pre-smartphone era.
While these Apple Intelligence features will not be part of the initial iOS 18 release, they are set to arrive in iOS 18.1. Users will need an iPhone 15 Pro or later to access these advanced functionalities.
