Apple is presently conducting beta tests for iOS 18.4, which includes a plethora of new features, both significant and minor. However, according to Mark Gurman, iOS 18.5 aims to resolve some of Apple’s major AI challenges by introducing two key features: enhanced Siri capabilities and AI support specifically for China.
What to anticipate from iOS 18.5, as reported by Gurman
In his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman discussed the fresh features expected in iOS 18.4 before transitioning to what users can look forward to in the subsequent update:
The follow-up release, iOS 18.5, is where the interesting features are anticipated to appear. It will include the AI-enhanced Siri showcased last June, along with support for Apple Intelligence in China.
Typically, a minor update this late in an iOS cycle isn’t expected to introduce many substantial new features.
However, for iOS 18.5, there are two major additions:
- The long-awaited Siri enhancements
- And the introduction of Apple Intelligence support in China
#1: Siri enhancements
The upcoming changes to Siri will allow Apple’s assistant to finally fulfill the capabilities demonstrated at last year’s WWDC that many users expected to be available by now—since they were heavily promoted in advertisements.
For instance, Siri will introduce a multitude of new in-app and cross-app commands, significantly increasing its functionality and enabling voice commands for tasks that previously required opening specific apps.
Another major enhancement is on-screen awareness, enabling Siri to comprehend what content you are viewing on your device and take actions based on that content.
Moreover, Siri will gain the ability to interpret your personal context, making its responses feel much more human-like. Users will be able to ask about past meetings, texts, emails, and recently visited locations, and Siri will respond with accurate information from your life.
Although Apple has been progressively updating Siri in its recent releases, iOS 18.5 is expected to mark the beginning of a “new era for Siri.”
#2: Apple Intelligence in China
While this change may not directly affect most of our readers, the introduction of Apple Intelligence in China addresses one of the critical challenges facing Apple.
Due to intense competition from local smartphone manufacturers who provide their own AI solutions, the inclusion of Apple Intelligence in China has become crucial for Apple.
Recent iPhone sales in China have underperformed, but Tim Cook has reassured investors.
As part of his optimistic outlook, he noted that Apple Intelligence’s absence in the region has been a factor, and iPhone sales tend to be stronger where AI functionalities are available.
Therefore, the introduction of Apple Intelligence support in iOS 18.5 is expected to positively impact sales in one of Apple’s most vital markets, provided current trends continue.
Release timing for iOS 18.5 and conclusion
As of now, Mark Gurman anticipates that Apple will release iOS 18.5 featuring these new updates sometime in May.
However, with iOS 18.4 launching shortly before in early April, there is a possibility that the release could be postponed until early June. What matters most is that Apple rolls it out before the commencement of WWDC 2025.
Do you believe iOS 18.5 will significantly influence user experience? Share your thoughts in the comments.
