Apple has announced a comprehensive suite of India-centric updates for iPhones in its upcoming iOS 18 release. Revealed at the WWDC 2024 event, these new features aim to deliver a personalized and culturally enriched user experience specifically for the Indian market.
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| iOS 18 Major India Centric Features |
Enhanced Language and Numeral Customization
One of the most anticipated features is the introduction of numeral support in 12 different Indian languages. With iOS 18, users can now customize their contact posters and lock screens using numerals from Arabic, Arabic Indic, Bangla, Devanagari, Gujarati, Gurmukhi, Kannada, Malayalam, Meitei, Odia, Ol Chiki, and Telugu scripts. This feature allows users to infuse their devices with a more personalized and culturally familiar touch.
Real-Time Voicemail Transcription and Caller ID
iOS 18 also introduces live voicemail transcription for Indian English. This feature transcribes voicemails in real time, ensuring users can quickly and easily understand their messages. Additionally, the inclusion of live caller ID support will help users identify incoming calls with more accuracy, making the calling experience more seamless and efficient.
Improved Dual SIM Management
Since the iPhone 11, Apple has supported dual SIM functionality with one physical SIM and an eSIM. iOS 18 enhances this capability by adding a dedicated SIM switch button within the redesigned control centre. This feature makes switching between two phone numbers quicker and more convenient, significantly improving the dual SIM experience.
Upgraded Siri and Translation Capabilities
Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, gets a significant upgrade in iOS 18. It will now better understand Indian English mixed with local languages such as Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu. This enhancement ensures more natural and effective interactions with Siri.
The Translate app also sees improvements, now supporting Hindi for system-wide translations, including in the Safari browser and the Notes app. This makes it easier for users to navigate and communicate in their preferred languages seamlessly.
Alphabetical Layouts and Enhanced Language Search
iOS 18 will feature support for alphabetical layouts for 11 Indian languages, including Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. This functionality aids users in typing and organizing content more efficiently.
Additionally, enhanced language search capabilities in Assamese, Bangla, Devanagari, and Gujarati will allow users to locate information more effectively, streamlining the search process and improving overall user satisfaction.
Conclusion
Slated for release later this year, iOS 18 promises to enrich the experience for iPhone users in India. Apple’s focus on improved language support, better dual SIM management, and enhanced voice interactions underscores its commitment to tailoring its technology to meet the unique needs of the Indian market. These updates position Apple favorably within the rapidly growing segment of tech-savvy consumers in India.
Whether it's personalizing your device with regional numerals or enjoying seamless translations and voice assistance, iOS 18 is poised to make your iPhone experience smarter and more intuitive than ever.