Apple has officially confirmed the arrival of the next developer beta for iOS 18 on Monday, June 24. This announcement, unusual in its specificity, came alongside news about Apple Intelligence, a major feature of iOS 18 that will not be available in the EU this year. The focus keyword, “Apple iPhone upgrade,” highlights the importance of these updates.

Apple Intelligence limited to latest iPhones

Apple Intelligence, the standout feature of iOS 18, will be accessible only on the latest iPhones, specifically the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as devices equipped with Apple M1 or newer chips. Updated details from June 14 reveal that older iPhones lack the necessary hardware to run Apple Intelligence effectively. According to John Giannandrea, Apple’s head of AI, running these models on older devices would be so slow that it would render them impractical.

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg explains that Apple’s strategy has shifted, beginning with the iPhone 14 lineup, where only the Pro models received the latest processors. This trend continued with the iPhone 15 Pro models featuring the A17 Pro chip and more memory. Apple determined that a minimum of 8 gigabytes of memory is required to support Apple Intelligence, making it clear why older models fall short.

New features coming with the Apple iPhone upgrade

1. iPhone Mirroring: This innovative feature allows users to interact with their iPhones through their Mac computers. Notifications from the iPhone will appear on the Mac, and users can click on them to display the iPhone interface on the Mac screen. This integration enables control via keyboard or trackpad, including swiping between home screens and interacting with apps. The ability to drag and drop files between devices will be added later.
2. SharePlay Screen Sharing: Already present in iPadOS 17, this feature is being enhanced for iPadOS 18. Users will be able to draw on their iPad screen and have the drawing appear on a friend’s device. This functionality extends to iPhones, allowing remote control of another person’s device with their permission. This feature is particularly useful for providing remote assistance.

Why Apple Intelligence isn’t coming to the EU yet

Apple Intelligence, though set for beta testing in the U.S. this summer, will be delayed in the EU due to new regulations under the Digital Markets Act. This legislation aims to regulate Big Tech and has led Apple to withhold several features, including iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing, from European users. Apple cited interoperability requirements as a reason for the delay, prompting questions about how European consumers will react and whether they will pressure lawmakers to accommodate these features.

Anticipation for the Apple iPhone upgrade

The public beta for the new iOS 18 and its features, including Apple Intelligence, is expected to be available in July. This upcoming upgrade reflects Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience through cutting-edge technology, although it is tailored to the capabilities of their latest hardware.

Looking ahead: the future of Apple iPhone upgrades

The forthcoming Apple iPhone upgrade marks a significant step in the evolution of iOS. By focusing on the most recent hardware, Apple ensures that its newest features, particularly Apple Intelligence, deliver optimal performance. This strategy not only enhances user experience but also sets a precedent for future developments. As Apple continues to innovate, users can expect more advanced and integrated features that push the boundaries of what their devices can do.

In summary, the Apple iPhone upgrade with iOS 18 introduces transformative features like iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing. While the rollout of Apple Intelligence is delayed in the EU due to regulatory challenges, its impending arrival in the U.S. highlights Apple’s forward-thinking approach. This upgrade underscores the importance of having the latest hardware to fully leverage the capabilities of new software, setting the stage for even more exciting advancements in the future.