Apple might be a little behind on the AI boom, but you can say that it works quickly with its OS. Despite iOS 18 being recently presented at the WWDC 2024 event, the tech giant is already rumored to be working on the next OS for its devices.
iOS 19 in the Works
Apple users are already excited about the latest iOS 18 which is set to arrive this fall, and even though it's not even released yet, Apple is already developing its successor along with other operating systems for its device.
iOS 19 is said to be codenamed "Luck." Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple will "formally begin work on 2025's major operating systems." Given the timeline of Apple's iOS releases, it is right on time for next year's release, as mentioned by 9To5Mac.
Without leaving other devices behind, the tech giant is also developing macOS 16 codenamed "Cheer," watchOS 12 codenamed "Nepali," and "visionOS 3, codenamed "Discovery." For now, the new features that will come with the updates are still unknown.
Gurman states that it is the usual schedule for Apple, and that it's the perfect timing as the company is already developing next year's hardware products as well, and will need the accompanying software to start testing the devices.
Based on Apple's trajectory right now, it will likely have a lot of AI features in store that will be released along with the upcoming operating systems, especially since Apple is rumored to be bringing such functions to the Apple Vision Pro.
AI Features in visionOS
You might have to wait for the visionOS 3's release until you see AI features for Apple's AR/VR headset. It was also Gurman who said that Vision Pro users should not expect the AI features to arrive within the year, as reported in Tech Crunch.
With that speculated timeline, it won't align with the expected release date of visionOS 2 in the third or fourth quarter of 2024. It will likely come with the visionOS 3 or "Discovery," which could be released in 2025, although there is still no exact timeline for when that would arrive.
If anything, it was inevitable for Apple to finally add AI-powered functions in the headset, especially since it's already making deals and putting a lot of resources into the development of its AI, or what the company calls "Apple Intelligence."
With the upgrade to its virtual assistant Siri, it would pair well with a device that heavily relies on hand gestures and eye movement. It would certainly justify the price more, but $3,500 might still be an absurd price for most of Apple's consumers given that it's thrice the price of an average device.
AI features won't be the only change coming to the headsets. There are also reports stating that the headband is getting an upgrade from Solo Loop to Dual Loop, which will help with comfort as some users have been complaining that prolonged use hasn't been ideal because of the discomfort.
