iOS 18.3: Release Date, What’s New and How Your iPhone Is About to Change

Apple's latest iOS update, iOS 18.3, is set to roll out soon, likely by January 27, following the release of the Release Candidate version and earlier beta updates. While this update isn’t groundbreaking, it brings several enhancements and tweaks to your iPhone, making everyday tasks smoother. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new in iOS 18.3.

The Calculator App’s Repeat Function Returns

For years, iPhone users enjoyed the Calculator app's ability to repeat the last operation by simply pressing the equals sign (=). This handy feature was missing in iOS 18, but Apple has brought it back with iOS 18.3. Whether you’re calculating finances or just having fun with numbers, this functionality is sure to please.

Visual Intelligence Gets Instant Insights

iPhones equipped with Camera Control buttons can now make the most of Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature. With iOS 18.3, holding the Camera Control button lets you instantly identify plants, animals, or events at the top of the screen without snapping a photo. This feature also allows you to add event details to your calendar seamlessly.

Apple Intelligence Is Now Default

Introduced in iOS 18.1, Apple Intelligence was initially an opt-in feature. Starting with iOS 18.3, it will be enabled by default on compatible devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and iPads with M1 processors or later. This feature boosts the functionality of Siri and other AI-driven tools, though it can still be toggled off in Settings.

Italicised Notification Summaries for Better Clarity

One of the more controversial features of Apple Intelligence has been its notification summaries, which occasionally misinterpret content. To address this, Apple is now italicising text in AI-generated notifications, making it easier for users to distinguish summaries from actual messages.

Notification Summaries Disabled for News Apps

To improve reliability, Apple has temporarily disabled AI notification summaries for apps in the “News & Entertainment” category. This change addresses issues where inaccurate summaries caused confusion. Apple plans to reinstate this feature once the quality of AI summaries improves.

Siri’s Major Overhaul Delayed to iOS 18.4

If you were expecting iOS 18.3 to deliver the highly anticipated Siri revamp, you’ll have to wait a little longer. Apple has announced that the next-generation Siri, featuring personal context and advanced app integrations, will debut in iOS 18.4, expected in spring.

What Devices Are Compatible with Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence only works on devices with the A17 Pro or M1 processors and later. This includes:

• iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
• iPhone 16 series
• iPad Mini (2024 models onward)
• iPad Air, iPad Pro, and Mac computers with M1 chips or newer

What’s Next for iOS Updates?

While iOS 18.3 is a smaller update focusing on refinements and fixes, it sets the stage for future developments, including the anticipated Siri upgrade in iOS 18.4.