According to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple software engineers are anticipating that the highly anticipated iOS 18 will be the most significant update in the history of the iPhone. The upcoming software overhaul is expected to be a key announcement at Apple's annual developers conference, WWDC 2024.

Rumored features and changes for iOS 18 have started to surface, revealing exciting enhancements for iPhone users. One of the most anticipated updates is the introduction of new generative AI features for Siri and various apps. Sources such as Gurman and The Information's Wayne Ma suggest that users can expect improvements to Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and more.

Apple's interest in generative AI has been hinted at by CEO Tim Cook and marketing chief Greg Joswiak, indicating that the company plans to share more details about this technology later this year. Generative AI has gained popularity in recent times, especially after the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT, a chatbot capable of responding to questions and text prompts. Although iOS 18 is not expected to include Apple's own ChatGPT-like chatbot, discussions with companies such as OpenAI, Google, and China's Baidu have taken place, hinting at potential generative AI partnerships.

Another major highlight of iOS 18 is expected to be a more customizable Home Screen. Apple users have long awaited the ability to place app icons anywhere on the grid, similar to Android smartphones. Reports suggest that the iPhone's Home Screen will finally allow users to create blank spaces, columns, and rows between app icons. This improvement, alongside additional customization options, will bring about the most significant Home Screen revamp in years.

iOS 18 is also set to bring new features to Apple Maps. Rumors indicate that users will have the ability to choose custom routes for navigation, allowing for a more personalized travel experience. Additionally, topographic maps, which were previously exclusive to the Apple Watch, are expected to make their way to the iPhone, Mac, and Vision Pro devices. These maps will provide hikers and outdoor enthusiasts with details such as trails, contour lines, elevation, and points of interest.

Furthermore, Apple has announced plans to support the cross-platform messaging standard RCS (Rich Communication Services) in the Messages app on the iPhone starting later in 2024. This update will enhance the default messaging experience between iPhones and Android devices, enabling users to share higher-resolution photos and videos seamlessly.

With all these rumored features and improvements, Apple enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the launch of iOS 18. The upcoming software update promises to revolutionize the iPhone experience and reshape the way users interact with their devices.