iOS 18 – Apple’s next major iPhone update – could bring an overhaul of the Device Control Center, according to a report. Apple is gearing up for its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 starting on June 10, an event where operating system upgrades are expected, including iOS 18. It has been suggested that the iPhone maker could revamp the Control Center with a redesigned music widget and HomeKit controls .
Renovated control center
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter, suggested that Apple could bring upgrades to Control Center for the iPhone. As part of the effort, it could reportedly introduce a new music widget and updates to HomeKit controls.
Gurman said: “Control Center will meanwhile be upgraded with a new music widget and improvements to the way it manages smart home devices.” Currently, the music widget on the iPhone home screen is a small window with a single play/pause option.
The analyst also mentioned that the Settings app could also get a cleaner interface, better organization, and “much improved search.” Furthermore, it is predicted that this feature will be introduced on macOS as well.
Other upgrades to iOS 18
Gurman also reported that Siri (AI) capabilities on tabs are powered by Large Language Models (AI). Users may be able to chain commands together and ask additional questions without repeating the original query.
Furthermore, AI could be built into apps like Music, Keynote, Pages and even AppleCare, according to reports. In fact, Gurman previously claimed that iOS 18 – the next-generation operating system for the iPhone – could become “one of the biggest” updates in the device’s history.
While hardware upgrades were previously expected, Gurman said the Cupertino-based tech giant is not expected to make any hardware-related announcements at its developer conference. The new Apple TV, which was speculated to be unveiled in the first half of 2024, is unlikely to be unveiled.
