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iOS 18: New features and strong user adoption
Apple’s iOS 18 has quickly gained popularity thanks to its advanced AI tools, customizable options, and improved privacy features. As of now, 76% of iPhones released in the last four years and 68% of all iPhones have upgraded to the latest operating system. Similarly, iPadOS 18 is running on 63% of newer iPads and 53% of all iPads, showing a steady adoption trend.
What Makes iOS 18 Popular?
iOS 18 has impressed users with its focus on practical improvements and personalization. The standout feature, Apple Intelligence, uses machine learning to simplify everyday tasks like organizing photos, drafting messages, and making tailored recommendations.
Customization is another highlight. Users can now rearrange app icons, choose color themes, and adjust the Control Center with resizable buttons and third-party app support. The Lock Screen has also become more flexible, allowing users to replace default shortcuts with apps or functions they use frequently.
Messaging has been enhanced with options to schedule texts, add animated effects, and use more emoji reactions. Additionally, Apple has adopted Rich Communication Services (RCS), enabling features like high-resolution media sharing and read receipts for smoother communication with Android users.
Privacy Enhancements
Privacy remains a core focus in iOS 18. Users can lock or hide specific apps using Face ID or passcodes, storing them in a secure folder within the App Library. These features give users greater control over their data and app access.
Adoption Trends
Although iOS 18’s adoption rate is similar to iOS 17 at this stage, its integration of advanced features and improved security has made it a strong choice. iPadOS 18 adoption, while slightly slower, benefits from features like multitasking upgrades, Apple Pencil enhancements, and expanded widget options, aligning with iPads’ longer upgrade cycles.
For developers, iOS 18 offers new opportunities with enhanced machine learning in Core ML and improved ARKit capabilities for augmented reality. The software’s consistent adoption shows Apple’s focus on delivering a user-friendly and secure experience.
Google’s AI tool, Gemini, is designed with safety measures to prevent misuse. However, government-backed groups from countries like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia have attempted to exploit it for harmful purposes. These groups, known as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), have used Gemini to gather information on military and intelligence targets, understand software weaknesses, and assist in coding tasks.
Additionally, Information Operations (IO) groups from these nations have utilized Gemini for translation, refining the tone of their messages, and disguising their true identities to operate secretly.
Despite these attempts, Google reports that most efforts to misuse Gemini have been unsuccessful. Many have tried to bypass Gemini’s safety protocols using known methods, but these attempts have largely failed.
This situation highlights the challenges in preventing AI misuse. While Google has been effective in stopping direct harmful actions through Gemini, malicious actors can still use the AI’s capabilities to support their activities in less obvious ways. This underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and improvement in AI safety measures.
For a more detailed understanding, you can read Google’s full Threat Intelligence Group report.
Google has enhanced the security of its log-in prompts on Android devices. Previously, when signing into your Google Account, you would receive a prompt asking, “Are you trying to sign in?” and could confirm by tapping “Yes, it’s me.”
Now, with version 25.02.34 of Google Play Services, an additional verification step is required. After confirming, you’ll be prompted to authenticate using your fingerprint, PIN, face recognition, or another two-factor authentication (2FA) method. This change aims to provide an extra layer of protection for your account.
While the added step may slightly increase the time it takes to log in, the enhanced security is a valuable trade-off. iOS users will experience a similar update, with the Google app or Gmail handling the prompt instead of Play Services.
Samsung has begun distributing its first monthly update of 2025, featuring the January 2025 security patch, to a variety of Galaxy devices. This update primarily enhances security, addressing nearly 30 vulnerabilities, including five critical issues identified in Google’s January 2025 security bulletin, along with 22 Samsung-specific fixes.
Currently, the update is being rolled out to the following Galaxy models in select regions:
- Galaxy S24 Series: S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S23 Series: S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S22 Series: S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21 Series: S21, S21+, S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S20 Series: S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy S20 FE
- Galaxy Z Flip Series: Z Flip 6, Z Flip 5, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 3
- Galaxy Z Fold Series: Z Fold 6, Z Fold SE, Z Fold 5, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 3
- Galaxy A Series: A16, A15, A14, A54, A53, A32
- Galaxy Note 20 Series: Note 20, Note 20 Ultra
The availability of this update may vary depending on your region, carrier, and device model. Samsung plans to extend the rollout to more devices in the coming weeks.
It’s important to note that the One UI 7 update is currently in beta for the Galaxy S24 series and is expected to be released more broadly in February 2025. The stable version of One UI 7 debuted with the Galaxy S25 series, which is now available.
For detailed information on the January 2025 security update and its availability for specific devices, you can refer to Samsung’s official security bulletin. As always, it’s advisable to keep your device updated to ensure optimal security and performance.