The latest iteration of Apple's smartphone mobile operating system, iOS 18, to be released on Monday, features a host of new features, with Apple Intelligence the highlight.
The software was first introduced at June's Worldwide Developers Conference and was formalised at last week's iPhone 16 launch in Cupertino, California.
We take a look at the key features of iOS 18, which will be rolled out globally.
Hello, Apple Intelligence
Apple chief executive Tim Cook hyped Apple Intelligence at a special event the company called It's Glowtime by saying that the iPhone 16 was developed “from the ground up” just for it.
Apple Intelligence will help users with productivity, activity and creativity, using machine learning built into the devices.
The features include Writing Tools that let you rewrite and proofread content, and summarise messages and emails. It will also help prioritise notifications to bring the most relevant ones to the top.
Using record on Notes or while on a call will also generate a summary of what has been recorded. Smart Reply in emails helps quickly create a draft with all the important details based on what you are responding to.
Image generation is also available. For example, Image Wand can transform rough sketches into artwork that complements what you're writing or sketching, or notes you've jotted down.
Siri, meanwhile, is more accurate; even if you change your mind while you speak to it, Apple's digital assistant will still be able to provide the results you seek.
OpenAI's ChatGPT has been integrated into Siri and Writing Tools. “Siri can tap into ChatGPT for certain requests, including questions about photos or documents,” Apple said. Original content can also be created in Writing Tools.
Photos and Messages
Apple Intelligence is the underlying engine for all of the new tricks on iOS 18.
Over on Photos, one of the most used apps on the iPhone, iOS 18 will now allow you to browse by helpful topics as it now automatically organises the media library by theme. Collections can also be reordered depending on your preferences, so you can easily find images of things such as pets or receipts, even if they have been edited.
On Messages, words, phrases and emojis can now be animated in iMessage, many of which are automatically suggested as you type. You can also “tapback” with any emoji or sticker and schedule a message with Send Later.
Safari and Maps
Apple's web browser, Safari, has been given another redesign. The key upgrade is Highlights, which automatically detects relevant information on a page and highlights it while browsing. Among the information it will display are directions and quick links relevant to the topic.
Maps now has topographic maps, complete with detailed trail networks and hikes, which you can create on your own. For now, this feature is US-only.
Games and AirPods
Game Mode on iOS 18 minimises background activity to better support high frame rates, which in turn will reduce the stress on the iPhone, particularly helpful for graphics-intensive games that keep you occupied for hours.
It also reduces audio latency with AirPods and increases the responsiveness of wirelessly-connected game controllers.
Speaking of AirPods, Apple's audio device has now been configured to be more immersive while gaming, similar to how it works with music and movies. Also introduced is Voice Isolation, which allows clarity in noisy or windy conditions.
More privacy control
More privacy and security measures have been introduced on iOS 18, including allowing you to decide which contacts you want to share with an app.
Apple has also said that the security on pairing Bluetooth devices has been improved.
Some new looks
The new iOS 18 will also allow you to customise how your iPhone's interface looks. You'll be able to use a new “dark look” for app icons and widgets, and even tint them with any colour you prefer, and make them bigger.
The Control Centre, which you can draw down by swiping from the top-right corner (on an iPhone with the Dynamic Island), has also been redesigned, with new grouped controls, the ability to add more and resize them.
When will Apple Intelligence be available and on which devices?
Here's the big caveat: Apple Intelligence will only be available in its beta version later this year, and initially in US English, with a number of features and additional languages coming next year.
Aside from the iPhone 16 line-up, it will also be available on the iPhone 15 Pro models, and iPads and Macs that run on Apple's M chip.
This means that if you're using an iPhone 14 or below and want to use Apple Intelligence, you need to upgrade.
As for iOS 18, it will be compatible with seven generations of iPhones – those released from 2018, or from the XS and XR devices, including the second-generation SE.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier
Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November
UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
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- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
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- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
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Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory
Videographer: Jear Valasquez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova
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A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.
New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.
Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.
Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.
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Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
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“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
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