Apple has released iOS 18.3, introducing significant updates to AI-powered features and other enhancements for iPhone users. Here's an overview of what's new:
AI Notification Summaries:
Temporary Suspension for News and Entertainment Apps: Due to reported inaccuracies, Apple has temporarily disabled AI-generated notification summaries for news and entertainment applications. Users who have opted into this feature will be notified when it becomes available again.
Enhanced Appearance: Notification summaries now appear in italicized text, making them easily distinguishable from standard notifications.
Lock Screen Management: New settings allow users to manage notification summaries directly from the lock screen, providing more control over how notifications are displayed.
Apple Intelligence Enabled by Default:
With iOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence is now enabled by default on supported devices, including iPhone 15 Pro and later models, as well as iPads and Macs with the Apple Silicon M1 chip or newer. This integration brings AI-powered features such as Visual Intelligence and Genmoji to a broader range of devices.
Visual Intelligence Enhancements:
Event Creation from Images: Users can now utilize Visual Intelligence to add events to the Calendar app by capturing details from posters or flyers using the device's camera.
Plant and Animal Identification: The update introduces the ability to identify various plants and animals through the camera, enhancing the device's educational and informational capabilities.
Genmoji Integration:
ioS 18.3 introduces Genmoji, allowing users to create personalized emojis using AI. This feature can be accessed within the Messages app, providing a fun and customizable messaging experience.
Additional Improvements:
Bug Fixes: The update addresses persistent keyboard errors and improves audio playback stability in Apple Music, contributing to a smoother user experience.
Calculator Functionality: The calculator app now includes the ability to repeat the last operation, enhancing its usability for quick calculations.
Camera Settings Simplification: For iPhone 16 users, camera settings have been streamlined for easier access and use.
To update to iOS 18.3, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone. As with all major updates, it's advisable to back up your device before proceeding to ensure data safety.