1. IOS 18 Expected Release:
IOS 18 is anticipated to launch in the latter half of the year, with Apple likely unveiling it at the annual WWDC 2024.
2. Early Version for Quality Control Testing:
Apple is reportedly distributing an initial version of iOS 18, called “VendorUI,” to factories and partners for quality control testing.
This version is a limited release, sans irrelevant applications and features, to streamline testing processes.
3. Various Versions of iOS:
Apple develops five different versions of iOS annually, including LLDiags and NonUI for diagnostics and hardware engineers respectively.
VendorUI and InternalUI contain pre-production iOS versions, used in factories and by Apple’s engineers.
The “Release” version is the final one rolled out to users with all visual elements, apps, and features.
4. Focus on UI Overhaul:
– Reports suggest Apple is revamping the iOS 18 interface, possibly incorporating elements from visionOS, its operating system for mixed reality.
– Limited features in the VendorUI image hint at potential UI changes ahead of WWDC 2024.
5. AI Features and iPhone 16 Series:
iOS 18 is expected to introduce new AI features to eligible iPhone models, aiming to entice users to upgrade to the iPhone 16 series.
The release of the iPhone lineup and iOS 18 software update is projected for the third quarter of 2024, aligning with Apple’s recent launch patterns.