Apple has always been known for its game-changing updates, but iOS 18 is set to be a major update in a long time, potentially sherlocking several third-party apps and services.
This latest update at WWDC, set to arrive later this year, promises a suite of new features that could help you streamline your app usage and save some cash.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “Sherlocking,” it refers to when Apple integrates functionalities previously provided by third-party apps into its operating system, effectively making those apps irrelevant.
And that’s exactly what will happen when iOS 18 rolls out to millions of iPhones later this year.
Let’s take a look at how iOS 18 will change how you use your iPhone and which third-party apps might become unnecessary.
Password Managers (1Password, LastPass)
Password managers have become essential in our digital lives, with apps like 1Password, LastPass, and others dominating the market.
However, iOS 18 is stepping up the game with its own built-in password manager. This new feature will handle passwords, passkeys, and codes, securely syncing them across your Apple devices.
What’s more, Apple’s new password manager will work seamlessly with third-party browsers like Chrome and Edge through an iCloud extension.
This move makes it an attractive option for users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
If you don’t frequently use non-Apple devices, you might find yourself canceling your 1Password subscription, saving up to $3 (or equivalent in your currency) monthly.
Writing Assistant App (Grammarly)
Grammarly has been a lifesaver for many. It offers AI-powered text-checking and rewriting tools that help ensure your writing is error-free and polished.
With iOS 18, Apple is introducing “Apple Intelligence,” which will provide similar capabilities.
Whether you’re drafting an email, filling out a web form, or typing a text message, Apple Intelligence will check your spelling and grammar. You can even ask it to rewrite your text to adjust the tone or succinctness.
While Grammarly offers a free version, its most powerful features are available only through a monthly subscription that starts at $12.
With iOS 18, you might not need to shell out for that Grammarly subscription anymore.
Call Recorders (TapeACall, Truecaller)
Call recording is a niche but crucial function for many users, and TapeACall has been a go-to app for this need.
With a monthly plan at $10.99/month, TapeACall provides features like text transcriptions and cloud syncing.
However, it’s not a native solution and requires setting up a group call to record.
With the upcoming iOS 18, built-in call recording with automatic transcription will be introduced within the Phone app.
This native integration means you won’t need a third-party app for recording calls, potentially saving you from the ongoing costs of associated with TapeACall.
Transcription Apps (Otter, AudioPen, Voicenotes)
Otter AI has established itself as a top-notch voice transcription app useful for transcribing meetings, interviews, and lectures with impressive accuracy.
However, iOS 18 is set to enhance the Notes app with the ability to record, transcribe, and summarize audio. This built-in feature could match Otter AI’s functionality without the need for a separate subscription.
Currently, Otter AI’s free tier limits you to 30-minute recordings and 300 minutes of transcription per month.
If you need more, you’re looking at a $10 monthly fee. With iOS 18’s unlimited transcription capabilities in the Notes app, Otter AI might become unnecessary.
AI Chatbots (ChatGPT Plus)
OpenAI’s ChatGPT has changed how we interact with AI, and its Plus subscription adds extra functionality for $20 per month.
However, iOS 18 is set to bring ChatGPT features directly to Siri, thanks to a deal between Apple and OpenAI.
This integration means you’ll get the same AI-powered responses currently available through ChatGPT Plus directly from Siri.
While we might still be waiting for Apple to roll out its own large language model (LLM), the inclusion of ChatGPT features could make that $20 monthly expense feel redundant.
Satellite Messengers (Bullitt)
Since the iPhone 14, Apple has offered the ability to send emergency SOS messages via satellite, a vital feature for those in areas without cellular coverage.
iOS 18 is taking it a step further, allowing users to send any text via satellite. This expansion means you can stay connected with friends and family no matter where you are without needing a cellular network.
Bullitt Satellite Messenger currently charges $9.99 for 80 texts per month with a 12-month contract. If Apple doesn’t introduce a fee for this expanded satellite texting feature, users might see no reason to maintain their Bullitt subscription.
Hiking Apps (AllTrails)
For outdoor enthusiasts, AllTrails has been a must-have, providing detailed information on hiking trails across the globe.
With iOS 18, Apple Maps will feature comprehensive hiking trail data for all 63 U.S. National Parks, including filters for length, elevation, and route type. You’ll also be able to create custom trails.
AllTrails Plus costs $35.99 annually, offering extensive coverage beyond what Apple Maps will initially provide.
However, if your hiking adventures are mostly within the U.S. National Parks, Apple’s new offering might suffice, potentially saving you that yearly subscription fee.
Bottom Line
While iOS 18’s new features might make these third-party apps seem redundant, specialized apps often provide advanced functionalities and more flexibility.
Third-party apps like LastPass, Grammarly, Otter AI, and others have built robust ecosystems with features that cater to more specific needs.
However, for many users, the convenience and cost savings of using Apple’s integrated solutions will be hard to ignore.
As always, the choice will depend on your individual needs and how deeply you’re embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
Apple’s iOS 18 is shaping up to be a significant update, and it will be interesting to see how users and developers respond to these changes.
