Apple has unveiled major changes to the iPhone via iOS 18 and the company’s AI system, Apple Intelligence.
The changes were unveiled on Monday, at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC24) in California.
The major features include users now being able to schedule text messages, the creation of one-of-a-kind emojis, and the ability to customise the interface.
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iPhone users will be able to pay each other with their iPhones, by simply putting them together, in the Tap to Cash feature.
It allows Apple users to send and receive Apple cash, without sharing their details.
On Tuesday, Sunrise consumer correspondent, Shaun White, reported from the conference.
“In true Apple-style they’ve called their artificial intelligence offering ‘Apple Intelligence’. There is also an element of ChatGPT, as an add-on,” White told host Monique Wright.
“The good news is, you know those free new software updates that you get at the end of each year and my favourite is Tap to Cash, where you can put your phones together and share information, that’s still coming.”
White said futuristic Apple headsets would sell for about $6000.
The iOS 18 update is expected to be from iPhone 15 to iPhone SE (second generation or later).
The new operating system is expected to go live in July.
Changes coming to iPhone
Here are some of the highlights from the event, which also included operating system upgrades for the company’s various products, including iPhones, iPads, Macs and more.
- Siri gets smarter: With Apple Intelligence, Siri will be able to answer questions using information from multiple apps. For example, it could prep you for an upcoming meeting by telling you the time and location from your calendar or summarising the prep document your colleague sent in an email.
- AI-generated emojis: Apple Intelligence will make it possible for users to create their own emojis with text prompt in iMessage, as well as to generate non-photorealistic images to send in conversations.
- OpenAI Partnership: In situations where OpenAI’s technology is better suited to answer a users’ question, Apple will let them opt-in to search using ChatGPT instead. The integration will work directly from their Apple device, even if a user doesn’t have a ChatGPT account.
- Hidden apps: New privacy updates for iPhone will let users “lock” certain apps so only they can open them using Face ID, Touch ID or their passcode. Users can also “hide” apps so they don’t show up on their home screen and no media from those apps appear elsewhere across their system.
- Real-time call transcripts: iPhone users will now be able to record and create transcripts of calls right from the phone app. All parties to the call will be notified when it is being recorded.
- Gesture controls for AirPods: With new gesture controls, AirPods users will be able to answer or decline a call with just a nod or shake of their head.
- Apple Watch health monitoring: New vital sign tracking on Apple Watch can notify users when they may be getting sick, based on signals like body temperature and heart rate.
— With CNN