HTC was once known for its premium and high-end smartphones but things took a turn for worse when the brand’s launches died down. However, HTC still launches a smartphone or two every year and this year, it is the HTC U24 Pro, a new mid-ranger with a 120Hz OLED display, Snapdragon chip and more.
HTC U24 Pro: Price, Availability
HTC U24 Pro has been launched in Taiwan only, where the 12GB + 256GB base model costs TWD 18,990 (approx Rs 47,000) and the top-end 12GB + 512GB edition is priced at TWD 20,990 (approx Rs 54,200). It comes in Space Blue and Twilight White shades.
HTC U24 Pro: Specs
The U24 Pro sports a 6.8-inch (2436 x 1080 pixels) Full HD+ OLED display, 120Hz variable refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. The handset is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor paired with up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage which is expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card.
The handset has triple cameras on the back, including a 50MP primary sensor with f/1.88 aperture, OIS, EIS, plus an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens with f/2.2 Aperture and a 50MP 2x telephoto camera with f/2.2 aperture. It gets a 50MP f/2.45 front-facing camera also. It runs on Android 14 operating system.
The device packs a 4600mAh battery with 60W wired charging, 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging support also. For connectivity, it gets Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v5.3, NFC, 5G, GPS, a USB-C port and a 3.5mm audio jack. The handset is also IP67 rated and has an in-display optical fingerprint sensor.
Realme launched the Narzo 70x 5G in India back in April in two variants, both of which had 128GB RAM but varied in terms of RAM, ranging from 4GB to 6GB. A new variant of the Realme Narzo 70x 5G has been launched in India with 8GB RAM. Here are its pricing details, along with the answer to whether you should consider it or not.
Realme Narzo 70x 5G: Price, Availability
The Realme Narzo 70x 5G 8GB RAM model with 128GB storage is priced at Rs 14,999. It is now available for purchase exclusively via Amazon and Realme’s online store. The price for the 4GB RAM model is set at Rs 11,999 while the 6GB RAM model costs Rs 13,499. The handset is available in Ice Blue and Forest Green colours.
As a part of a launch offer, the company is offering a Rs 2,000 instant discount through a coupon until June 14. Those purchasing the device through the Realme Store can also purchase Realme Buds Wireless 2 Neo at a discounted price of Rs 899 or a Realme Techlife Buds T100 at Rs 1,299.
Realme Narzo 70x 5G: Should You Buy It?
The Narzo 70x 5G 8GB RAM model at Rs 14,999 goes head-to-head with the Moto G64 5G. The Moto G64 5G offers a similar 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a punch-hole cutout, 240Hz touch sampling rate and a 120Hz Refresh Rate as Realme Narzo 70x 5G, but compared to the chipset on the Realme’s device. It is powered by a more powerful and capable MediaTek Dimensity 7025 octa-core processor paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage that is further expandable up to 1TB. The phone runs on Android 14-based MyUX 5.0 custom skin out of the box.
While we won’t do a camera comparison, we can say the cameras on the Moto G64 5G impressed us during its review, except for under low-light conditions. The device also packs a bigger 6000mAh battery than the 5000mAh on the Narzo 70x 5G. However, the charging speed is slightly lower at 33W compared to Realme’s 45W. Overall, we’d say that the Moto G64 5G is a better pick over Realme’s Narzo 70x 5G at its price point.
Not only that, but even the Galaxy F15 5G beats the Narzo 70x with its FHD+ 90Hz AMOLED display, the same Chipset, storage, and RAM at a slightly higher price tag, an ultra-wide-angle camera on the back, and a bigger battery. However, you do compromise on charging speed, which is 25W. Despite the single drawback, the Galaxy F15 5G at Rs 15,999 is a better smartphone overall because of the longer software support.
BenQ, one of the global leaders in display technology, today announced the launch of its TK710 4K UHD HDR laser projector in India. It not only offers HDR10 support but can also output image in 4KResolution running at a maximum of 60 frames per second. Here’s what all the projector has to offer.
Priced at Rs 3,49,000, the TK710 projector is currently available for purchase via leading systems integrators across India.
BenQ TK710 4K Laser Projector: Features
The TK710 elevates home viewing experience with a 4K ultra-HD resolution, HDR10 support, and 3,200 ANSI lumens of brightness for vivid visuals even in well-lit rooms. The projector comes with BenQ’s laser light source technology, which helps it achieve a 600,000:1 contrast ratio and 95% Rec.709 wide colour gamut for enhanced image depth, clarity and colour accuracy.
The 600,000:1 high contrast ratio combined with DLP technology delivers increased image depth and clarity. Featuring an approximate 10% vertical lens shift, the projector can project 150-inch image from just 3.18 meters away while enabling easy positioning. With its ultra-low input lag of up to 4.16ms, the projector supports high frame rate at up to 4K@60Hz and 1080p@240Hz.
BenQ is providing dedicated HDR game modes tailored for RPGs and FPS titles. The projector is also compatible with all the latest gaming consoles. The projector has a 1.15-1.5 throw ratio for 100″ image from just 2.5m away. Then, it supports 4 corner correction with 3D keystone for easy square alignment along with a zoom ratio of 1.3x for adjustable image sizing.
Apple finished day one of its WWDC 2024 with a load of new software announcements where one of the highlights was Apple Intelligence. While Apple Intelligence currently incorporates ChatGPT-powered features, Apple says that it does hope to add support for more AI models including Google Gemini to power more AI-based features in iOS 18.
During a followup interview on Monday with YouTuber iJustine, Apple executives Craig Federighi and John Giannandrea hinted at a possible deal with Google for integrating its Gemini AI model into iOS 18 in the future. “We think ultimately people are going to have a preference perhaps for certain models that they want to use, maybe one that’s great for creative writing or one that they prefer for coding. And so we want to enable users ultimately to bring a model of their choice. And so we may look forward to doing integrations with different models like Google Gemini in the future. I mean, nothing to announce right now, but that’s our direction,” said Federighi.
According to Federighi’s statement, Apple chose ChatGPT to power some of the initial features of Apple Intelligence because it wanted to “start with the best.” There’s no word on when Apple might announce a partnership with Google for the latter’s Gemini model, but we do know that Apple is still in talks with Google and hasn’t closed the doors on an agreement, thanks to an earlier leaked report.
This potential partnership could allow users to choose various models to use Apple Intelligence features. As of now, Apple is integrating ChatGPT access into experiences within iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, allowing users to access its expertise — as well as its image- and document-understanding capabilities — without needing to switch across tools.
Siri can tap into ChatGPT’s expertise when it’s needed. Users will be asked for consent before any questions are sent to ChatGPT, along with any documents or photos, and Siri then presents the answer directly. The model Siri will be leveraging will be the latest GPT-4o. For those who choose to access ChatGPT, Apple says their IP addresses will be hidden, and OpenAI won’t store requests.
ChatGPT will come to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia later this year. Users can access it for free without creating an account, and ChatGPT subscribers can connect their accounts and access paid features right from these experiences.
Acer India has announced the launch of the ALG Gaming laptop in the country, powered by 12th Gen Intel Core chipsets that are paired with Nvidia GeForce RTX GPUs. The new laptop has a price tag of below Rs 60,000. Here’s what all you can expect to get with the Acer ALG Gaming laptop.
Acer ALG: Price, Availability
The all-new Acer ALG gaming laptop is priced at Rs 56,990 in India and is available on Acer Estore, Amazon, Acer Exclusive Stores and other Multi brand outlets.
Acer ALG: Specs
The new gaming laptop from Acer is powered by 12th Gen Intel Core i5 Processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs. This gaming laptop offers 4GB GDDR6 video RAM for the 2050 graphics and 6GB GDDR6 video RAM for the 3050 graphics option. It sports a 39.6cm (15.6-inch) Full-HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, featuring a high-brightness screen with upto 144Hz Refresh Rate and a 16:9 aspect ratio
Integrated with dual-channel DDR4 SDRAM, the ALG comes with 8GB or 16GB DDR4 system memory as standard, expandable up to 64GB using two so DIMM modules. It is fully equipped with essential peripherals like microphones and webcams. It offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including USB ports (both 3.2 Type-A and Type-C), HDMI, microphone jack, and RJ-45.
The laptop features a touchpad with multi-gesture functionality and a backlit illuminated full-size keyboard, offering 16 colour selections for the complete keyboard. The machine further packs high-definition audio with built-in microphones and stereo speakers. Wireless connectivity is handled by Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 and Bluetooth v5.1.
It comes in a Metal-Steel Gray finish, where the design seamlessly transitions across the top cover, screen, and keyboard covers for a cohesive aesthetic. The laptop is constructed with a combination of premium metal and durable plastic materials. It packs a 512GB SSD which is further expandable up to 2TB.
HMD today announced the launch of HMD 105 & HMD 110 feature phones in India. According to the company, these “sleek, reliable phones come packed with features designed to enhance people’s user experience.” Here’s everything you should know about the two new feature phones.
HMD 110, HMD 105: Price, Availability
HMD 105 will be available in India starting today in three colour options- Black, purple and blue. HMD 110 would be available in two colour options – Black & Green. They’ll be available at all retail stores, E-com sites, and HMD’s website as well.
HMD 110, HMD 105: Features
HMD 110
One of the standout features of these phones, as per HMD, is the built-in UPI application, which combines the trusted reliability of HMD with the convenience of UPI. This allows people to perform secure and seamless UPI for transactions without needing internet access.
HMD 105
The 105 & 110 come with advanced multimedia features, voice assistance and large displays. The phones also come with an assured one-year replacement guarantee, a tribute to ‘Bharosa Wahi, Shuruat Nayi’. Both phones are touted to sport modern design aesthetics with strong corners, curves, and texturised surfaces. They are crafted to be comfortable in hand and conveniently portable.
They come with features including Phone talker, auto call recording, MP3 Player, wired and wireless FM radio, powerful dual LED flash for the HMD 105 and a premium camera design for the HMD 110. Then, the phone comes with a 1000mAh battery, ensuring extended Standby time of up to 18 days. The inner frame adds durability to the outer covers.
Finally, both models support up to 9 local languages for inputs and 23 languages for rendering.
HMD is working on a couple of smartphones as well, that may debut soon. These may include the likes or HMD Skyline, HMD Atlas, and the HMD Arrow.
CMF Phone 1 launch is right around the corner and its India price has now been leaked, suggesting it will be a part of the budget segment of smartphones in the country. It also gives us a hint as to which smartphones the device will be competing with. Here’s what we know about the cost of the upcoming CMF Phone 1.
CMF Phone 1: India Price (Expected)
CMF Phone 1 box price was leaked by tipster Yogesh Brar (via 91mobiles). As per his information, the CMF Phone 1 has a box price of Rs 19,999, which means the actual price would be less than that, at around Rs 18,000. It could be sold at Rs 17,000 with discounts, says the report. This would position the device in the territory of iQOO Z9 5G and the Lava Blaze Curve 5G, both of which sell for under Rs 20,000.
CMF Phone 1: Leaked Specifications
The CMF Phone 1 was officially teased last week. As per leaks, it is expected to be a watered down version of the Nothing Phone (2a). It will purportedly pack a 6.7-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. While the bezels are tipped to be uniform on all sides, they may be thicker than that of Phone (2a).
The device will likely be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, paired with 6GB RAM. It is said to be available in two storage variants: 128GB and 256GB, both expected to be UFS 2.2. Storage expansion via a microSD card will also be supported.
The smartphone could run on NothingOS 2.6.0. However, what it won’t get is the glyph interface, as seen on Nothing smartphones. In terms of optics, the handset is rumoured to feature a dual camera setup at the back with a 50MP primary camera and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, while it may have a 16MP selfie shooter on the front. The CMF Phone 1 may house a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.
In comparison, the iQOO Z9 5G has a Dimensity 7200 Processor while the Lava Blaze Curve 5G has a Dimensity 7050 chip. If the leaked specs are correct, then the CMF Phone 1 could undercut both these smartphones with a slightly better set of hardware under the hood.
Apple concluded the first day of WWDC 2024 event and introduced to the world what’s called Apple Intelligence, the short form for which is smartly called AI. Apple Intelligence is Apple’s suit of AI features similar to what Samsung calls Galaxy AI. Here’s everything you need to know about what Apple Intelligence is, where will it be available, and more.
Apple Intelligence: What Is It?
In Apple’s words, Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that combines “the power of generative models with personal context to deliver intelligence that’s incredibly useful and relevant.” Apple Intelligence is intricately woven into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, leveraging the prowess of Apple silicon. It comprehends and generates language and imagery, executes tasks seamlessly across applications, and utilizes personal context to streamline and expedite routine activities.
Apple also leverages Private Cloud Compute, where it hs the ability to flex and scale computational capacity between on-device processing and larger, server-based models that run on dedicated Apple silicon servers.
Apple Intelligence: Features
Apple Intelligence brings new systemwide Writing Tools built into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. With it, users can rewrite, proofread, and summarise text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps. Apple Intelligence allows users to choose from different versions of what they have written, adjusting the tone to suit the audience and task at hand, such as finessing a cover letter, to adding humour and creativity to a party invitation.
Users can also check for grammatical mistakes, change word choice, and sentence structure as well. Then, the default Apple Mail App will also be using Apple Intelligence to automatically categorise messages under the “Priority Messages” section. A new section at the top of the inbox shows the most urgent emails, like a same-day dinner invitation or boarding pass
Across a user’s inbox, instead of previewing the first few lines of each email, they can see summaries without needing to open a message. For long threads, users can view pertinent details with just a tap. Smart Reply provides suggestions for a quick response, and will identify questions in an email to ensure everything is answered.
Apple’s notification system on iPhones and iPads has always been criticised for being too cluttered. Apple tries to solve that with Priority notifications, which appear at the top of the stack in a grouped manner to surface what’s most important, and summaries help users scan long or stacked notifications to show key details right on the Lock Screen, such as when a group chat is particularly active.
Reduce Interruptions is a new Focus that surfaces only the notifications that might need immediate attention, like a text about an early pickup from daycare. Then, in the Notes and Phone apps, users can now record, transcribe, and summarise audio. When a recording is initiated while on a call, participants are automatically notified, and once the call ends, Apple Intelligence generates a summary to help recall key points.
Next up, Apple Intelligence also powers Image Generation features, such as Image Playground, where users can create fun images in seconds, choosing from three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. Image Playground is built right into apps including Messages. It’s also available in a dedicated app, so users can try out different concepts and styles. All images are created on device, says Apple.
In Notes, users can access Image Playground through the new Image Wand in the Apple Pencil tool palette. Rough sketches can be turned into full-fledged images, and users can even select empty space to create an image using context from the surrounding area. Image Playground is also available in apps like Keynote, Freeform, and Pages, as well as in third-party apps that adopt the new Image Playground API.
The new Genmoji feature can be used to create certain emojis by simply typing a description, along with additional options. Users can even create Genmoji of friends and family based on their photos. Just like emoji, Genmoji can be added inline to messages, or shared as a sticker or reaction in a Tapback.
In addition, searching for photos and videos has become even more convenient with Apple Intelligence. Natural language can be used to search for specific photos, such as “Maya skateboarding in a tie-dye shirt,” or “Katie with stickers on her face.” Search in videos also becomes more powerful with the ability to find specific moments in clips so users can go right to the relevant segment. Additionally, there’s a new Clean Up tool that can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo, which works similar to Google’s Object Eraser.
A new feature called Memories allows users to create a story they want. By using language and image understanding, Apple Intelligence will pick out the best photos and videos based on the description, craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with its own narrative arc.
Siri is getting a significant upgrade with Apple Intelligence. With richer language-understanding capabilities, Siri is more natural, more contextually relevant, and more personal, with the ability to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. It can follow along if users stumble over words and maintain context from one request to the next.
Siri can now give users device support everywhere they go, and answer thousands of questions about how to do something on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It will also be able to read what’s available on the users’ screen and will be able to understand and take action with users’ content in more apps over time. Siri will be able to take hundreds of new actions in and across Apple and third-party apps. Users can tell Siri to send a mail of a particular photo to a certain recipient just by voice and it will be able to handle that.
Apple is also boasting about the privacy and security measures it has employed for Apple Intelligence. It even claims that independent experts can inspect the code that runs on Apple silicon servers to verify privacy, and Private Cloud Compute cryptographically ensures that iPhone, iPad, and Mac do not talk to a server unless its software has been publicly logged for inspection. In other words, Apple says that the device will only talk to the cloud for more complex requests and will try to handle most of the requests locally on the device itself.
Apple is also integrating ChatGPT access into experiences within iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, allowing users to access its expertise — as well as its image- and document-understanding capabilities — without needing to switch across tools.
Siri can tap into ChatGPT’s expertise when it’s needed. Users are asked before any questions are sent to ChatGPT, along with any documents or photos, and Siri then presents the answer directly. The model Siri will be leveraging will be the latest GPT-4o. For those who choose to access ChatGPT, Apple says their IP addresses will be hidden, and OpenAI won’t store requests.
ChatGPT will come to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia later this year. Users can access it for free without creating an account, and ChatGPT subscribers can connect their accounts and access paid features right from these experiences.
Apple Intelligence: Where & When Will It Be Accessible?
Apple Intelligence is free for users, and will be available in beta as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia this fall in U.S. English. Some features, software platforms, and additional languages will come over the course of the next year. Apple Intelligence will be available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later, with Siri and device language set to U.S. English.
While iOS 18 has received a major redesign, so has iPadOS 18 and Apple has brought over a decent number of features from iPhone’s latest software version to the iPad as well. With iPadOS 18, the software on iPad becomes more secure, private, and most importantly, more customisable. These are the top 5 features that impressed us in iPadOS 18.
Apple has long refused to add a calculator app to the iPad, but now, with the latest iPadOS update, it finally includes one featuring an intuitive new addition called Math Notes. Apart from being a regular calculator, the app allows users to type or write out mathematical expressions and see them instantly solved in their own handwriting. They can also assign values to variables when learning new concepts in class, calculating a budget, and more.
Then there’s also a new graphing feature so users can write or type an equation and insert a graph instantly, and can even add multiple equations on the same graph to see how they relate. And Math Notes are automatically accessible in the Notes app in the new Math Notes folder.
The basic and scientific calculators on iPad allow users to view entire expressions before completing them. The history feature helps track previous calculations, while unit conversions enable quick conversions of length, weight, currencies, and more.
A More Customisable Control Center, Home Screen
iPadOS 18 allows users to extensively customise the home screen and control center. As we noted with iOS 18, the features look highly similar to those available in Android already. Now, App icons and widgets can be placed in any open position on the Home Screen grid so a user can actually view their wallpaper which makes sense considering iPads have huge screens.
Icons can now be customized to appear exactly how users want — light, dark, or with a tint. Even the app icons and widgets on the home screen can be resized to the user’s preferred size.
As for the control center, it shows new groups of a user’s most-utilised controls, such as media playback, Home controls, and connectivity, as well as the ability to easily swipe between each.
This allows it to have multiple pages. Users can now add controls from supported third-party apps into Control Center all from one place. Developers can take advantage of the new Controls API to let their users accomplish even more tasks, like quickly unlocking a vehicle or instantly capturing content for social media.
App Lock & Hidden Apps
App lock is now available in iPadOS 18, allowing users to add a security layer before opening any app. For additional privacy, they can hide an app, moving it to a locked, hidden apps folder. When an app is locked or hidden, content like messages or emails inside the app are hidden from search, notifications, and other places across the system. To view hidden apps or open locked apps, users will have to authenticate via Face ID, Touch ID or passcode access, whichever is available on their device.
Apple Intelligence
Apple intelligence is Apple’s suite of Artificial Intelligence-based features available on the iPad, but only on those models that have an M1 chip or later. That means the likes of iPad Mini, iPad, and some iPad Air and iPad Pro models are out of this equation. Apple intelligence introduces systemwide Writing Tools built into iPadOS 18, where users can rewrite, proofread, and summarise text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
Next up, there are new image capabilities such as Image Playground, wherein users can create playful images in seconds, choosing from three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. Image Playground is easy to use, built right into apps like Messages, and also available in a dedicated app. In Notes, users can access Image Playground through the new Image Wand in the Apple Pencil tool palette.
In the Photos app, Apple Intelligence will pick out the best photos and videos based on the description, craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with its own narrative arc. Furthermore, a new Clean Up tool can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo — without accidentally altering the subject.
Siri has received a major upgrade, thanks to Apple Intelligence. Apple’s voice assistant is now becoming even more natural, contextually relevant, and personal. Additionally, users can type to Siri, and switch between text and voice to communicate with Siri in whatever way feels right for the moment.
With Private Cloud Compute, Apple has the ability to flex and scale computational capacity between on-device processing and larger, server-based models that run on dedicated Apple silicon servers. When requests are routed to Private Cloud Compute, data is not stored or made accessible to Apple and is only used to fulfill the user’s requests, and independent experts can verify this privacy promise.
Additionally, the Cupertino-based giant has partnered with OpenAI to give users access to ChatGPT integration into Siri and systemwide Writing Tools across Apple’s platforms, allowing users to access its expertise — as well as its image- and document-understanding capabilities — without needing to jump between tools.
Game Mode
iPads are powerful devices for gaming and Apple is fully utilising that potential with the introduction of a new Game Mode. This mode minimizes background activity to sustain consistently high frame rates for hours of continuous gameplay. In addition, Game Mode dramatically reduces audio Latency when paired with AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and makes wireless game controllers even more responsive.
Other New Features
These were just the top 5 features we loved, but there’s a long list of additional features that have been introduced. There’s a new smart script feature which automatically straightens user’s handwritten text in real time.
Additionally, there’s a new Passwords app that can store and generate passwords, an updated Freeform app with improved diagramming and layout along with a new Scenes feature, hands-free Siri interactions with AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), distraction-free reading in Safari with auto-generated Summaries, and more. Updates for apps like Maps, Fitness+, Calendar, Home, Apple TV, and more, have also been introduced.
iPadOS 18: Supported Models
While the iPadOS 18 Beta is now available, the stable version will arrive this fall to models including iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (M2), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later).
Apple Intelligence will be available in beta on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later, with Siri and device language set to U.S. English, as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia this fall.
Apple has finally unveiled what’s coming with iOS 18 to iPhones and things are looking interesting for those who want to customise their devices to the look they prefer. With iOS 18, Apple is adopting features like the ability to place icons anywhere on the home screen, dark mode icons, and much more, majority of which look strikingly similar to features Android users have been taking advantage of, for a while now.
iOS 18: New Features
Apple will now allow users to put icons anywhere on the home screen grid, a functionality available to Android users since the operating system’s inception.
Next up, there’s a new Theme engine that’ll add a single tint colour to all icons and widgets. Think of it as Apple’s version of Material You theming which Google introduced in Android years ago, beginning with Android 12. Apple is also allowing users to have icons with a black background when dark mode is enabled, something that’s also available on Android.
In iOS 18, you get a redesigned control center with multiple pages and third-party App support. Again, both of these features have been available on Android for years now.
In addition, Apple has also introduced the ability to record and transcribe calls on iPhone with iOS 18. Audio transcription will only be available in English, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, and Portuguese. Moreover, whenever you begin recording the call, the person on the other end will be notified about the same for privacy reasons.
Next, the lock screen shortcuts for flashlight and camera can also be changed now, similar to how Android allows the same.
Then, on iOS 18, locked and hidden apps offer users peace of mind to users that information they want to keep private, such as app notifications and content, will not inadvertently be seen by others. Users can now lock an app; and for additional privacy, they can hide an app, moving it to a locked, hidden apps folder. When an app is locked or hidden, content like messages or emails inside the app are hidden from search, notifications, and other places across the system.
While Google doesn’t offer an App lock in its own version of Android, most other Android skins from other OEMs have it built into their forked version of the operating system. Same goes for the Hidden apps feature. With Android 15, Google has introduced Private Space, a further enhanced version of the functionality offered by Locked and Hidden apps.
Then there’s a new Game mode which is also similar to that of Android’s. Some OEMs like Poco, Asus and more, offer a Game mode that allows users to take control of the hardware characteristics of the device.
Further, iOS 18 introduces Apple Intelligence, that unlocks new ways for users to enhance their writing and communicate more effectively. With brand-new, systemwide Writing Tools built into iOS 18, users can rewrite, proofread, and summarise text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
This particular feature has already been made available to Android devices like Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, Pixel 8 series, and more devices earlier this year. In addition, a new Clean Up tool can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo — without accidentally altering the subject. This is a feature comparable to Google’s Magic Eraser and Samsung’s Object Eraser.
Siri is now more contextually aware so it can perform actions in apps on user’s voice command, which is something unique and useful. Additionally, users can type to Siri, and switch between text and voice to communicate with Siri in whatever way feels right for the moment.
Siri, later this year, will also support ChatGPT integration along with the chatbot being integrated into systemwide Writing Tools across Apple’s platforms, allowing users to access its expertise — as well as its image- and document-understanding capabilities — without needing to jump between tools.
Another unique feature would be Genmoji, where users can generate an Emoji using a text prompt.
Apple has also added RCS support in iOS 18 which brings read and delivery receipts along with richer media for those who do not use iMessage, such as those on Android.
As leaked earlier, a Passwords app is now also available to iOS users, similar to Google’s Password Manager and other third-party password manager apps. Apps like Reminders, Calendar, Photos, Notes, Journal, Safari and Apple Maps have also received new features in iOS 18.
iOS 18: Supported Models
iOS 18 will be available this fall for iPhone Xs and later. Apple Intelligence will be available in beta on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later, with Siri and device language set to U.S. English, as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia this fall.
