WWDC 24: Apple Unveils Revolutionary Updates to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and watchOS 11

in its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple announced the release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and watchOS 11, marking significant advancements in their operating systems. These updates introduce enhanced AI capabilities, improved device integration, and new features aimed at providing a more seamless user experience. By incorporating personalized intelligence and refined functionalities, Apple aims to deliver a smarter, more efficient interaction with its devices.

iOS 18

Apple previewed iOS 18, the latest iteration of its operating system, promising a more personalized, capable, and intelligent iPhone experience. This major update introduces all-new customization options, a comprehensive redesign of the Photos app, enhanced connectivity features, and the debut of Apple Intelligence, a cutting-edge personal intelligence system.

iOS 18 will now let users arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the Home Screen, customize buttons on the Lock Screen, and access more controls in the redesigned Control Center. The Home Screen now accommodates app icons and widgets with dark or tinted effects, and even larger displays for better visibility. Control Center’s new layout provides quicker access to media playback, Home controls, connectivity, and third-party app controls. The Photos app receives its most significant overhaul yet, with a single-view grid and new collections that organize content by themes. A carousel view highlights favorite moments, updating daily, while autoplaying content throughout the app brings memories to life. Users can customize collections and pin their favorites for easy access.

iMessage gets a boost with new text effects, enhanced formatting options, expanded Tapbacks, and scheduled messages. In a groundbreaking move, iOS 18 introduces Messages via satellite, enabling communication when cellular or Wi-Fi connections are unavailable. This feature, integrated with Dynamic Island, ensures users stay connected with end-to-end encryption for privacy. Mail now categorizes emails on-device into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions, with a digest view for quick scanning. Safari, the world’s fastest browser, features Highlights and a redesigned Reader, leveraging machine learning to surface key information and provide distraction-free article views.

At the heart of iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system that combines generative models with personal context to deliver relevant, useful experiences. Built with privacy in mind, Apple Intelligence integrates deeply into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It offers advanced writing tools, image capabilities like Image Playground and Memories, and a more natural, contextually aware Siri. iOS 18 introduces locked and hidden apps, giving users peace of mind by keeping sensitive information private. Users can also share specific contacts with apps and seamlessly connect third-party accessories without revealing other devices on their network.

Other notable additions include Game Mode for consistent frame rates, new Apple Pay features, enhanced AirPods experience, instant math solutions in Notes, comprehensive journaling in Journal, updated Calendar integration with Reminders, and a redesigned Medical ID in Health. The Home app now supports guest access and hands-free unlock, while new accessibility updates like Eye Tracking and Music Haptics ensure inclusivity.

iOS 18 is compatible with these devices.

iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE
(2nd generation or later)

iPadOS 18

Apple gave a sneak peek into iPadOS 18, promising to elevate the iPad experience with new intelligence features and apps tailored for the Apple Pencil. The latest iteration of the operating system introduces a host of updates, including a Calculator with Math Notes, enhanced handwriting tools in Notes, and expanded customization options for the Home Screen and Control Center.

After years of puns and memes about its absence, iPad users can finally celebrate: the Calculator app has arrived, and it’s not your average number-cruncher. The new Calculator app features Math Notes, which allows users to write out equations and see them solved in real-time. This tool is perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who enjoys the tactile experience of writing with the Apple Pencil. Graphing capabilities further enhance the app, making it a powerful tool for visualizing mathematical concepts.

The Notes app also sees significant improvements with Smart Script, making handwritten notes look better and more legible without losing their personal touch. Editing handwritten notes is now as easy as editing typed text, with features to add space, erase, and paste typed text seamlessly. Notes can also be more organized with collapsible sections and new text highlight colors, making it easier to manage information. iPadOS 18 brings new ways to personalize the Home Screen and Control Center. Users can arrange app icons and widgets freely, customize their appearance, and even make them larger for a streamlined look. The redesigned Control Center offers quicker access to essential controls and the ability to add third-party app controls, making it a breeze to manage everyday tasks.

The Photos app gets its most significant redesign yet, offering a more organized and visually engaging way to browse and relive memories. New collections, a carousel view, and autoplaying content make navigating photo libraries more enjoyable and less time-consuming. Messages on iPadOS 18 now lets users express themselves with bold, italicized, and underlined text, as well as animated text effects. Tapbacks are expanded with emoji and sticker reactions, and the ability to schedule messages ensures you stay in control of your communication. Safari now offers a Highlights feature and a redesigned Reader view for distraction-free browsing. Privacy gets a boost with new controls over app visibility, contact sharing, and Bluetooth accessory management.

A standout feature in iPadOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, a personal assistant that leverages generative models and personal context to streamline tasks across devices. Apple Intelligence enhances writing, communication, and image creation while maintaining a strong focus on privacy. Notably, it integrates seamlessly with Siri, providing a more natural and contextually aware virtual assistant experience. Other notable updates include a new Passwords app for secure credential management, enhanced SharePlay for screen sharing, and Freeform improvements for brainstorming and presenting ideas. Gamers will appreciate the immersive Game Mode and Personalized Spatial Audio, and developers get new tools to bring advanced games to Apple devices. Calendar and Reminders apps also receive practical updates, while Apple Maps introduces thousands of national park hikes and custom walking routes.

iPadOS 18 is compatible with these devices.

iPad Pro (M4)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
iPad Air (M2)
iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
iPad (7th generation and later)
iPad mini (5th generation and later)

watchOS 11

Also announced, watchOS 11. This latest update for the Apple Watch promises to deliver groundbreaking insights into users’ health and fitness, alongside enhanced personalization and connectivity features.

Leading the pack is the new Vitals app, a one-stop shop for monitoring key health metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, sleep duration, and blood oxygen levels. This app doesn’t just display numbers—it contextualizes them, helping users understand how their lifestyle choices, such as altitude changes or a bit too much fun at happy hour, might be affecting their health. The Vitals app also alerts users when multiple metrics fall outside their typical range, potentially preempting health issues before they become problematic. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the new training load feature, which measures the cumulative impact of workouts over time. This tool compares recent workout intensity with longer-term activity to help users optimize their training routines, whether they’re prepping for a marathon or just trying to beat their personal best. By incorporating effort ratings and advanced algorithms, Apple Watch ensures users can train more effectively and safely.

Apple’s iconic Activity rings now offer unprecedented customization. Users can pause their rings without breaking their streaks and tailor daily goals to better match their schedules and physical needs. Additionally, the Fitness app on iPhone lets users personalize their workout summaries and introduces new metrics for activities like running and mindfulness. The Smart Stack gets a brain boost in watchOS 11, becoming even more intuitive by suggesting widgets based on time, location, and routine. Interactive widgets and Live Activities bring real-time updates to the wrist, while the Photos face uses machine learning to highlight users’ best snaps, creating a dynamic and visually appealing display. New connectivity features include the Translate app, which now brings real-time translation for 20 languages directly to the Apple Watch. The Check In feature ensures friends and family know you’re safe during activities, and enhanced double-tap gestures make navigating apps a breeze.

watchOS 11 requires iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 and one of the following Apple Watch models:

Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
Apple Watch Series 6
Apple Watch Series 7
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra 2

Availability

The developer beta of iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11 is available now, with a public beta next month and a full release later this year around September. Apple Intelligence will debut in beta with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It’s free for users, with broader language support and additional features rolling out over the next year. The service will be available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and M1-powered iPads and Macs.