Apple is poised to launch its latest software, iOS 18, which will introduce new AI-powered features, according to a recent leak reported by Kate O’Flaherty, a Senior Contributor at Forbes. The upcoming update is expected to feature a Safari Browsing Assistant and an Encrypted Visual Search, enhancing user experience and security.
The Safari Browsing Assistant aims to integrate AI capabilities into Apple’s browser, a move already seen in competitors like Microsoft Edge. Meanwhile, the Encrypted Visual Search could offer a more secure alternative to existing visual search functions in Apple’s Photos and Spotlight app.
These new features are speculated to utilize Apple’s Private Relay infrastructure to enhance privacy by concealing users’ IP addresses, although further clarification on this has been provided by coder Nicolás Álvarez, who shared the initial details on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Security concerns have been a significant topic around AI, with experts emphasizing the need for companies to manage the extensive data AI technologies require responsibly. Apple, known for its commitment to user privacy, is expected to maintain stringent privacy and security measures with these new tools.
The iOS 18 update, described by Bloomberg’s Apple commentator Mark Gurman as Apple’s “biggest update yet,” is expected to debut at the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, with a public release in the fall. The update will also include design modifications, enhanced home screen customization, and additional support for Apple Maps and new messaging standards.
