Apple Announces New India-Centric iOS 18 Features For iPhone Users: Here Are The Details
Apple is adding these localised features for iPhone users in India
Apple gave us a preview of the iOS 18 version at the WWDC 2024 last month and now the company has shared a list of India-centric iOS 18 features that millions of iPhone users will be getting later this year. Apple has pointed out that with the iOS 18 update, iPhone users in India will see support for new Indian fonts, language input for keyboard and making Siri more capable of understanding our diverse set of languages.
Here’s a look at all the new features and additions coming to iPhone users in the country by September this year.
Your Lock Screen in Your Language
The iPhone lock screen has evolved over the years and with iOS 18 it is getting closer to Android than before. Now, Apple is bringing support for lock screen and contact posters that can be customised in 12 Indian languages. You can change the language from Bangla, Devanagari, Gujarati, Odia and Telugu among others. iOS 18 will also let you change the font colour and personalise the lock screen to your liking.
Calling Upgrades
The new features are not just limited to the lock screen for iPhone users. Apple confirms that live voicemail transcription will now support Indian English, also for the live caller ID and call history search. These localised improvements also show the need to tempt more people to consider using an iPhone and iOS 18 looks to build on that promise.
In addition to this, iOS 18 will help you switch between dual SIM networks from the Control Center itself which makes it easier to select either of the connections.
Siri Becomes India Savvy
Multilingual Siri. Siri gains additional multilingual support for 9 Indian languages as well as Indian English. Users can ask Siri to set Alarms and timers, launch an app, get directions, play music or check the weather by using English mixed with a local language. Users can mix English with Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil & Telugu. Siri now also has the ability to respond in Hindi to Hindi queries. Learn more: Use multiple languages to speak to Siri in India
Apple will soon bring the AI avatar of Siri for iPhone users but for now iOS 18 update promises the voice assistant to support 9 Indian languages. Using Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi or Tamil, you can ask Siri to set up an alarm, open an app, play music and check weather. Siri needs a major overhaul in all aspects but localising for the Indian market could be a big move from the company.
Type In New Indian Languages
Siri, caller ID and even keyboard is getting an Indian overhaul with iOS 18. The new predictive typing will be available for iPhone 12 or later models. The feature will work on Messages, Notes, and any other app that uses a keyboard. The bilingual keyboard experience that works with English and Hindi) will be available on all devices that will get the iOS 18 update.
The language search is also getting a boost for Indian users who can now look for words in their default spelling without changing the style to let the iPhone understand your command. This feature is available in Assamese, Bangla, Devanagari and Gujarati.
Translate In Hindi Across All Apps
iOS 18 is also adding support for Hindi in the translate app that will work through Safari webpages and other apps like Notes as well.
Apple continues to show its focus on the Indian market and its recent decision to launch stores in the country clearly gives us a closer look at its development and demand for iPhones as the sales pick up every year.