Apple has unveiled significant language enhancements in iOS 18, showcased at its recent Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). The update, currently in developer beta, introduces support for multiple new languages across various iOS features.
iOS 18 allows customization of the lock screen with time displayed in different numeral systems, supporting 12 languages including Arabic, Bangla, and Telugu.
The keyboard receives upgrades enabling trilingual predictive typing, seamlessly switching between languages and suggesting scripts directly within the typing interface. This feature supports Latin text alongside languages such as English, Bangla, and Gujarati.
In the Messages app, users benefit from a trilingual keyboard that remembers the language used in each thread, supporting English, Hindi, Tamil, and more.
Enhanced language search capabilities in iOS 18 facilitate searching for variations of words in different scripts like Devanagari and Gujarati.
Other updates include live voicemail transcription in Indian English, Hindi support in the Translate app, Arabic compatibility in the live text feature, and new grammar engines for Hindi and Korean. Users can also create contact posters using Indian languages and numerals.
Apple plans to release iOS 18 to the public in the fall, with cautionary notes about potential bugs in beta versions for primary device installations.
Philips Babatunde