Developer Nicolás Álvarez may have discovered two new iOS 18 features. The man discovered pieces of code that would point to a browser assistant in the Safari web browser, as well as code that would refer to encrypted visual searches.
Álvarez writes on X that both functions appear to use the Private Relay VPN feature that Apple currently offers through its iCloud+ subscription. It is not clear whether the two functions are intended for this subscription. Tech website MacRumors reports that one of its readers has confirmed that the code for the browser assistant actually exists and can be found on Apple's backend for iOS 18. The American tech company has not yet commented on the findings.
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