Apple's Monumental Software Year: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Apple has had a major software year with several significant releases and upcoming features. One new platform, visionOS for their Vision Pro spatial computer, was introduced in addition to updates across other operating systems including iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18. iOS 18 brought many new features like customization tools, a new Passwords app, updates to existing apps like Photos and Messages, and more. iOS 18.1 coming later this month will introduce the first set of Apple Intelligence features including enhanced Siri capabilities, AI writing tools, intelligent notification summaries, photo editing, priority Mail messages and summaries, and generated Memories. The expected delays in rolling out these new AI features have been a disappointment for users, particularly for those who purchased the new iPhone 16 expecting to have access to them immediately. Additionally, some platforms, like HomePod, have seen no enhancements this year which has caused some frustration for dedicated users.