Apple’s WWDC 2024 uncovered many exciting features coming to iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia later this year. But what if you’re eager to experience these advancements now? The good news is that you can access many of them with existing third-party apps and functionalities!
Embrace AI Assistants Today
One of the most anticipated features is Apple’s integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While you’ll have to wait for the official iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia release, you can immediately leverage dedicated ChatGPT apps for iPhone and Mac. These apps offer a variety of features, including the latest GPT-4o model and voice interaction similar to Siri. Explore what ChatGPT can do for you and unlock its potential!
Customize Your iPhone Experience
Are you itching to personalize your iPhone’s home screen with custom icons? Look no further than Apple’s Shortcuts app. With a few taps, you can create shortcuts, assign them custom icons, and place them on your home screen for a unique aesthetic. This approach offers more control compared to entirely switching to Android.
Grammarly: Your AI Writing Companion
While Apple’s AI writing tools with Apple Intelligence sound intriguing, excellent alternatives are available today. Grammarly, a freemium app, empowers you across various platforms. It provides insightful feedback on your writing, suggests tone, length, and style improvements, and even generates new text based on your prompts.
Streamline Emails with Gmail’s Auto-Categorization
Apple Mail’s upcoming auto-categorization feature might seem groundbreaking, but Gmail has offered this functionality for quite some time. Gmail automatically sorts your emails into Primary, Promotions, Social, and Updates categories. You can further personalize these categories to fit your needs. Additionally, email clients like SaneBox and Spark offer advanced email prioritization features.
Generate AI Art with Microsoft Copilot
Unleash your inner artist with AI image-generation tools! Before iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia arrive, explore Microsoft Copilot. Describe your desired image, specify the style (illustration or sketch), and watch Copilot bring your vision to life. Refine your creation with additional prompts for a truly unique piece of art.
LastPass: Your Password Management Powerhouse
The dedicated password manager with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia is a welcome addition. However, robust password management solutions like LastPass are readily available. LastPass offers comprehensive features, works across various devices, and provides a free tier with upgrade options for premium functionalities.
Type to Siri: A Hidden Gem
Did you know you can type your Siri prompts on iPhone and Mac? It might not be readily apparent, but it’s there! On iPhone, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Siri and enable the “Type to Siri” toggle. Mac users can find this option in System Settings > Accessibility > Siri > “Type to Siri.”
Organize Your Workspace with Magnet
While macOS Sequoia is catching up with features like window snapping, you can leverage third-party apps like Magnet on your Mac today. Magnet allows you to position windows on your screen efficiently, making multitasking a breeze.
By utilizing these existing solutions, you can experience many exciting features promised by iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia without waiting for the official release. So, explore these options, personalize your experience, and unleash your productivity!
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Features with a Twist
The previous section explored readily available alternatives for core functionalities in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. But what about some of the more advanced features Apple showcased? Here’s how you can get a taste of those as well:
Unlock Focus Enhancements with Freedom:
iOS 18 introduces enhanced Focus modes for improved concentration. While you can’t replicate the exact functionality, apps like Freedom offer similar benefits. Freedom allows you to block distracting websites and applications, creating a focused environment to maximize productivity.
Explore Live Note Transcription with Otter.ai:
Live audio transcription within Notes on macOS Sequoia sounds like a game-changer for meetings and lectures. However, Otter.ai provides a fantastic alternative today. This app transcribes audio in real time, allowing you to focus on the content while Otter captures everything.
Embrace Background Replacements with Chromacam:
Imagine replacing your background during video calls with a stunning preset or a favorite photo. While macOS Sequoia boasts this feature, Chromacam offers similar functionality today. This app removes your background in real time, allowing you to present yourself professionally during video conferences.
Leverage Math Assistant Apps for Problem-Solving:
While the ability to solve equations directly within Notes on macOS Sequoia is impressive, math assistant apps like Socratic by Google can be beneficial. These apps can guide you through complex problems, explain concepts step-by-step, and offer multiple solution methods.
Embrace Cross-Device Continuity with Third-Party Solutions:
iPhone mirroring on macOS Sequoia is a significant addition to seamless device interaction. However, apps like Pushbullet and AirDroid already offer robust cross-device functionality. These tools allow you to transfer files, manage notifications, and remotely control your phone from your computer.
Remember: While these alternatives offer a taste of what’s to come, they might not perfectly replicate the functionalities of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. However, they provide valuable tools to enhance productivity and experience some upcoming features before the official release.
Final Thoughts
Apple is constantly innovating, and the official release of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia might introduce additional features or refinements to existing ones. Watch for official announcements and explore the final versions when they become available to experience the complete package.
FAQ
Q. What are the key features of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia?
A. Both iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia bring a host of exciting new features to users. With iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, you can expect enhancements to your iPhone and Mac, including new apps, share options, improved screen functionalities, and more.
Q. How can I access these new features on my devices?
A. To access the latest features of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, ensure your devices are updated to the latest operating system version. You can check for updates in your device’s settings menu and download the latest version to enjoy the new functionalities.
Q. Are there any specific updates related to Siri or Apple Intelligence?
A. iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia introduce new Siri and Apple Intelligence capabilities. Users can now operate Siri more intelligently and effectively, with features that enhance conversation capabilities and provide more personalized responses.
Q. Can I expect any upgrades for working on my Mac or iPhone?
A. With iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, users can expect new writing tools, improved desktop functionalities, enhanced job integration, and streamlined custom options to enhance their device productivity and efficiency.
