Apple has just released the iOS 18.2 update, which includes plenty of new Apple Intelligence capabilities. However, we may have to wait until iOS 18.4 to get the other features that Apple has promised for this release cycle.
The first developer beta for iOS 18.3 emerged this week, and there are no signs of significant Gen AI advancements for a release that is expected to become public in late January, if previous years’ precedents are followed.
According to 9to5Mac, HomeKit now supports robot vacuums for Siri control, but there is not much else to report in iOS 18.3. According to Apple’s beta release notes, the Home app now supports the key features of robot vacuum cleaners, including power control, cleaning mode, vacuum, mop, and charge status.
They can also take part in automations and scenes and respond to Siri commands. So you can include them into your cleaning routines—or ask Siri to perform some spot cleaning in the living room.”
Aside from that, Apple is currently concentrating on bug fixes for iOS 18.3, including modifications to the Writing Tools API and Genmoji.
That is all well and good, but it is not the all-singing, all-dancing new Siri with conversational context that Apple is developing behind the scenes. It is possible that further features will be added as the development cycle continues through January.
Various sources, like those from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, imply that the next Siri update will not be available to the public until iOS 18.4 in March 2025. In a September preview video, Apple joked about Siri’s upcoming capacity to help you recall the name of someone whose name you do not know, as long as you can narrow down the approximate data and venue.
Apple says: “With richer language understanding and awareness of your personal context, Siri is more capable and helpful than ever.”
