The upcoming releases of Google’s Android 15 and Apple’s iOS 18 will bring smartphone users several new features, tools, and AI-powered enhancements. Our team has been working to test beta versions of these updates to ensure our client’s applications function correctly. We’re also looking for opportunities to add new features using the updated APIs and other features of these operating system updates.
These OS updates offer more than new features. They also include critical security and privacy updates, features that are more important than ever to protect not only your employees’ data but also business and customer data.
Here’s what to expect in Android 15 and iOS 18.
The Apple Intelligence Revolution with iOS 18
iOS 18 was announced at Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference in June, and this is a big update. After sitting on the AI sidelines, Apple jumps in with both feet, introducing what it calls Apple Intelligence. These AI-driven enhancements are integrated throughout the OS, including long-awaited changes to Apple’s Siri assistance. While the update adds support for the RCS messaging standard, the green bubble controversy isn’t quite over yet.
- Apple Intelligence. iOS 18 enhances Apple Intelligence with AI-driven features, including context-aware features in Siri, Maps, and other apps. It improves AI in messages that summarize conversations and provide suggested replies. XCode updates also include new AI tools to help developers write code more efficiently by using generative AI to suggest code snippets and optimizations.
- Security. iOS 18 bolsters security with features like app privacy enhancements, allowing users to lock and hide apps with Face ID or Touch ID, and hidden notifications for sensitive apps. The new Passwords app provides a centralized place for managing passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes, integrating seamlessly with iCloud Keychain. These updates ensure users' data is protected and easily accessible when needed.
- Communication. iOS 18 introduces RCS support, offering features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing to enhance messaging. The update also enables Messages via satellite, allowing users to send texts, emojis, and Tapbacks without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Developer Tools. Developers benefit from iOS 18's ApplicationStartInfo API, which provides detailed insights into app startup phases for optimization. Enhanced File Provider features ensure improved file consistency and error data handling, making app development more efficient and reliable.
- Other Updates. iOS 18 introduces custom AI-generated emojis for personalized communication and Dynamic Island for real-time updates, including satellite connectivity. Safari has a redesigned Reader mode for distraction-free reading, and Mail has been improved with on-device categorization and digest views.
Elevating Security and Performance with Android 15
Google continues its sweet-themed codenames for its flagship operating system with Android 15 Vanilla Ice Cream. The update includes innovative features to enhance security, user experience, and performance. From advanced file integrity management to dynamic performance frameworks, this update focuses on providing users with a seamless and secure mobile experience so they can use their devices with greater control and efficiency.
- Security and Privacy. Android 15 improves user security and privacy with advanced features like File Integrity Management, which uses cryptographic signatures to ensure the integrity of files. The update also introduces screen recording detection, enabling apps to alert users when their screen is recorded. This can help your employees protect sensitive customer information from malicious attacks.
- User Experience. Every Android update delivers user experience improvements, and Android 15 is no different. The new Credential Provider API enables single-step authentication for applications. The update also introduces partial screen sharing, allowing users to share or record specific app windows like sharing on a desktop or laptop.
- Performance. The Dynamic Performance Framework in Android 15 introduces new APIs that make interactions with a device’s battery and thermal systems more efficient. This could potentially deliver performance and energy improvements on existing and new devices. The ApplicationStartInfo API provides detailed insights into app startup phases, enabling developers to fine-tune their applications for faster loading times.
- Media and Camera. Android 15 significantly improves media capture with features like low light boost and precise flash control, ensuring high-quality photos in any lighting condition. The update also supports virtual MIDI 2.0 devices, allowing virtual MIDI apps to interact with synthesizer apps.
- Compatibility and Testing. Android 15 introduces a Platform Stability Milestone to ensure broad compatibility across operating system versions. Developers can also access detailed app size information, helping them manage storage usage more effectively. We hope these updates will help deliver better app performance and upgrade processes across devices from different manufacturers.
- Other Updates. Android 15 continues to refine the platform with updates such as the deprecation of WebSQL in favour of modern storage technologies like IndexedDB. Changes to the package stopped state ensure apps remain inactive until explicitly launched, improving performance and resource management. Additionally, Google has included Gemini AI to provide context-specific assistance similar to what Apple announced with iOS 18.
What’s next?
These updates from Google and Apple deliver better performance, heightened security, and improved user experience. As with any update, your organization should test your applications before deploying these updates or encouraging employees to update their personal devices.
At BitBakery, we make this part of the ongoing support and maintenance process for our clients to ensure they get all the advantages of these OS updates while ensuring business continuity and data security.
Talk to us today to learn more about how we keep businesses moving forward.
Photo by Szabo Viktor on Unsplash
