Apple is reportedly bringing AI-generated emojis and more app customization to iOS 18 as part of its showcase at the upcoming World Wide Developers Conference next month.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported on Sunday that the iPhone maker is poised to unveil a new customization feature for its emoji library that would allow users to create custom emojis on the fly, based on what users are texting."
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Similar to Meta's AI-generated stickers, the new emojis will let users customize and add new reaction images to their messages.
It is uncertain if the feature will only be introduced on iMessage alone or remain accessible across all apps.
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Apple to Bring More AI-Powered Features to iOS 18
According to Gurman, messaging and text functions are not the only tools set to experience some upgrades through AI.
The phone's voice assistant Siri will also receive an AI-powered rebranding to have "more natural-sounding interactions."
This will be in addition to a set of notification system upgrades in Safari, Photos, and Notes, a rollout that is part of Apple's "Project Greymatter" strategy.
Introducing AI into these apps will supposedly lessen the strain on the phone's processing power as notifications become automated through AI cloud systems.
Apple to Highlight AI Tech to Future Releases
Reports of Apple leaning more AI into its upcoming products coincide with the company securing more deals with AI firms, including OpenAI.
According to Gurman, the two industry giants have already reached an agreement for OpenAI to provide its chatbot services in iOS 18.
The deal will be in addition to Apple proposing to bring Google's Gemini into its devices as an added "option" to its already AI-filled operating system.
Gurman said the decision on the Gemini deal is unlikely to be finalized before the WWDC.
Apple's transition towards AI has been long expected as the company introduces high-end components to its newer iPhone models, including improvements to its processors to accommodate more AI-powered functions.
The iOS 18 will be released as the base operating system for iPhone 16, which is also expected to be unveiled during the conference.
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