Apple’s iOS 18.3 Update: Key Changes and Features

Apple has rolled out the iOS 18.3 update for iPhone users on Monday. This update is significantly smaller than the previous two major updates. Those earlier updates introduced several notable features, particularly related to Apple Intelligence, the company’s artificial intelligence suite. However, iOS 18.3 brings important changes, especially to Notification Summaries, following recent criticism about inaccuracies in AI-generated summaries. Additionally, the update includes tweaks to the Calculator app and modifies the opt-in system for Apple Intelligence.
iOS 18.3 Update for iPhone: What’s New
The iOS 18.3 update is compatible with all existing models that support iOS 18. One of the most significant changes is to the Notification Summaries feature. This feature, which condenses notifications into a more manageable format, is now turned off by default. It is also unavailable for the News & Entertainment category. Users who wish to use this feature will need to opt-in once it becomes available again.
Originally introduced with iOS 18.1, Notification Summaries aimed to help users quickly scan through essential details from their notifications. However, the feature faced backlash, particularly from the BBC, which highlighted issues with false information in AI-generated summaries. Although Apple did not disable the feature or issue a fix at that time, the latest update has made it less intrusive by disabling it by default. Furthermore, the summaries now come with a warning stating that they โmay contain errors.โ This change aims to improve user experience and trust in the feature.
Another enhancement to Notification Summaries is its visual presentation. Apple has introduced italicized text to help users distinguish these summaries from other notifications. This small but significant change aims to improve clarity and usability for iPhone users.
Changes to Apple Intelligence Features
The iOS 18.3 update also modifies how users interact with Apple Intelligence. Previously, users had to opt-in to use this AI suite. Now, it has become an opt-out feature. This means that users will automatically be enrolled in Apple Intelligence unless they choose to opt-out. This option can be found in the Apple Intelligence & Siri Settings section of the Settings app.
This change reflects Apple’s response to user feedback regarding privacy and control over AI features. By making Apple Intelligence opt-out, the company aims to encourage more users to engage with its AI capabilities while still providing the option to disengage if desired. This shift may lead to a broader adoption of Appleโs AI tools, enhancing user experience across various applications.
Additionally, the Visual Intelligence feature has received some updates. Users can now add events to their Calendar directly from a poster or flyer. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently attend events and want to keep their schedules organized. Moreover, Visual Intelligence can now identify a wider range of animals and plants, although this feature is exclusive to iPhone 16 models and can be accessed via the Camera Control button.
Calculator App Enhancements and Bug Fixes
The Calculator app has also seen a welcome change with the iOS 18.3 update. In the previous iOS 18 version, Apple removed the ability to repeat the last mathematical operation by tapping the equals sign multiple times. Many users found this feature useful for quick calculations. With the new update, this functionality has been restored, allowing for a smoother and more efficient user experience.
In addition to these enhancements, the iOS 18.3 update addresses various bugs related to Genmoji, HealthKit, and Writing Tools. These fixes aim to improve the overall performance and reliability of the iPhone. Users can expect a more stable experience as they navigate through their devices.
Gadgets 360 staff have confirmed that the iOS 18.3 update and its features are now available for iPhone users. This update reflects Apple’s commitment to improving user experience while addressing concerns raised by its customer base. As users explore these new features, they can look forward to a more refined and efficient iPhone experience.
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