Although most of the iOS 18 updates have focused on Apple Intelligence, additional new features and capabilities are coming soon.
Below, we break down three upcoming iOS 18 features announced by Apple that are expected to arrive in updates like iOS 18.3 and iOS 18.4.
Default mapping and translation apps in the EU
In a October 2024 document Regarding the European Digital Markets Act, Apple revealed that it will allow iPhone and iPad users in the EU to set default navigation and translation apps from “spring 2025” . This delay suggests that these options will be added in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, which are expected to be released in April.
For example, users should be able to choose Google Maps, Waze, or other options as their default navigation app, instead of Apple Maps. Likewise, they should be able to choose Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, or other options as their default translation app, instead of Apple’s Translate app. These options will be added to the new “Default Apps” section in the Settings app on iPhone that was implemented in iOS 18.2.
PayPal balance in Apple Wallet
Apple previously announced that iPhone users in the United States will be able to see their PayPal balance when they use their PayPal debit card in the Wallet app. Apple said this feature would launch in 2025, so it could arrive in a future iOS 18 update.
Robot vacuum support in the Home app
Apple’s website continues to indicate that support for robot vacuums will be added to the Home app in an unspecified iOS 18 update. When available, this feature will allow you to control key functions of your robot vacuum in the Home app and with Siri voice commands.
Here’s how Apple describes this feature:
The Home app now supports basic robot vacuum features, such as power control, cleaning mode, vacuum, mop, and charging status. They can also participate in automations and scenes, and respond to Siri requests. So you can add them to your cleaning routines or ask Siri to do spot cleaning in the living room.
There are references to functionality in iOS 18.3 codebut the feature is not yet available from the second beta version. iOS 18.3 will likely be released at the end of January.
