While there are still several weeks until WWDC 2024, Apple will likely give us a first glimpse of some upcoming iOS 18 features next month, if history is proven to repeat itself.
In 2021, Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) was founded to get “everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion.” GAAD takes place on the third Thursday of May every year. For the last three years, Apple has used this day to share a preview of accessibility features coming in yet-unannounced software updates.
In 2021, Apple used the importance of GAAD to announce AssistiveTouch for the Apple Watch, improvements to VoiceOver, background noise built into the iPhone, and more. All these features would make their way to users with iOS 15 and watchOS 8 later in the fall.
In 2022, Apple previewed Door Detection, Apple Watch Mirroring, Live Caption, and more on Thursday, May 17. In its press release, Apple said the new features would be available “later this year,” without mentioning the yet-announced iOS 16 update that would be unveiled less than a month later.
Last year, Apple shared a preview of several major accessibility features of iOS 17, including Personal Voice. Other features previewed included Live Speech, Point and Speak in the Magnifier app, Assistive Access, and more. In all three years, Apple also commemorates the day with special Today at Apple sessions, App Store, Apple Podcasts, and Apple Book features.
iOS 18 Features for Accessibility Rumors
For this year, GAAD will fall on Thursday, May 16,. Given the precedent, it seems fairly certain that Apple will follow the tradition and share a preview of accessibility features for iOS 18 on that day.
A report from MacRumors last month indicated what accessibility features could be coming with iOS 18 and macOS 15, including “Adaptive Voice Shortcuts” that will allow users to define a custom spoken phrase to trigger certain accessibility actions. Apple is also reportedly planning to expand support for custom font sizes with first-party apps in macOS 15 and add improvements to Live Speech in iOS 18, including being able to make custom phrases and add them to personalized categories.
Beyond accessibility features, Apple has a whole host of features reportedly planned for iOS 18, with a big focus on AI baked in across the system. Here’s a roundup of what the rumors tell us to expect from iOS 18:
- Generative AI features in Siri, Messages, Apple Music, Spotlight Search, and more
- Noticeable changes in the UI and iOS design language
- Support for all the same iPhone models supported by iOS 17
- Biggest redesign ever to the iPhone Home Screen with new customization features
With an official announcement during a keynote on Monday, June 10, Apple will kick off beta testing for iOS 18 and all the other new software updates that same day. The new updates will remain in beta testing throughout the summer and will be available to the general public in the fall, alongside new iPhone and Apple Watch models.
