Apple iOS 18 Leaks: 'Safari Browsing Assistant' For Web Browser Tipped, May Arrive As Part Of Major AI Push; Details Inside

iOS 18 Rumours: Apple will likely introduce the upcoming iOS 18 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 on June 10. Weeks before a possible announcement, the rumour mill has been churning out details about the OS. In the latest series, an X (formerly called Twitter) user claimed the software could offer a 'Safari browsing assistant' and 'encrypted visual search'.

Later, MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris also endorsed the development of the browsing assistant. Taking to X, 'Nicolás Álvarez' shared that the two features may arrive on the upcoming iOS. Alvarez noted the Safari browsing assistant and encrypted visual search could use "Private Relay infrastructure" to ship data to Apple.

Also Read: Apple iOS 18 Leaks: Beta Release Date To AI Features, What To Expect From WWDC 2024 | Supported Devices

The browsing assistant could be similar to the AI features of Edge and Arc Browser. This option may require an iCloud+ subscription. However, readers must consume the details with a pinch of salt as Apple has not confirmed the development of the feature. Meanwhile, web browsers like Microsoft Edge already use AI-powered Copilot, which can summarise web pages and more to extract information.

Coming in iOS 18:
- "Safari browsing assistant"
- "Encrypted visual search"

Both features seem to use the Private Relay infrastructure to send data to Apple (so that they don't know your IP?).

— Nicolás Álvarez (@nicolas09F9) April 10, 2024

The browsing assistant will likely be one of the features that will use generative AI on iOS 18. Moreover, the X account also shared tipped 'Encrypted Visual Search'. "Visual search in Spotlight was already a thing, I wonder what changes here," @nicolas09F9 said. MacRumors contributor Steve Moser earlier spotted a Visual Search feature in visionOS' beta code. It may allow users to copy and paste text from the real world to apps.

Also Read: Apple's iOS 18 May Debut With Enhanced Customisations For Home Screen, AI Magic On Cards Too; All You Need To Know

Apple may be planning a more secure iteration of the feature. Meanwhile, Apple is expected to partner with Google for Gemini-powered AI capabilities or OpenAI to introduce a ChatGPT-like chatbot in iOS 18. The company is reportedly in talks with the companies for licensing the technology. You can read more on this here.