Safari Browsing Assistant is rumored to be part of a set of generative AI features thought to be coming to iPhone with the iOS 18 update this fall.
Nicolás Álvarez discovered code on Apple’s servers, indicating that some kind of a browsing assistant is coming to the Safari browser with iOS 18. MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris has confirmed the existence of the code.
Álvarez said the feature appears to use iCloud Private Relay (which requires an iCloud+ subscription) to send data to Apple without compromising user privacy.
iOS 18 rumors ramping up ahead of WWDC24
Little is known at this point how Safari Browsing Assistant might work. It sounds like some kind of an AI-based feature to summarize pages.
We’ll soon know what new features might be coming down the pike when iOS 18 launches this fall. Apple will hold its yearly developer event in a few weeks, kicking it off with a pre-taped keynote broadcast on June 10.
Apple will release the first developer betas of iOS 18 and other updates that afternoon. In July, the betas should be available for testing to the general public.
Apple will continue releasing betas throughout the summer to smooth out the rough edges, eliminate bugs and incorporate feedback from testers. iOS 18 should launch before new iPhones in September.
What to expect from iOS 18?
Other changes in iOS 18 are said to include topographic maps and custom routes, support for the RCS standard in the Messages app for improved chatting between iPhone and Android, the ability to arrange Home Screen icons more freely, hearing aid mode for AirPods Pro and light design tweaks.
The biggest news should be the rumored generative AI improvements across not only Siri but also stock apps and the iWork productivity suite. They could be based on large language models Apple is thought to license from Google and Baidu.