Apple App Store Introduces Natural Language Search Feature in iOS 18.1

Apple's New Natural Language Search Feature in iOS 18.1

Today, I opened the App Store, eager to find an emulator I had read about, when I noticed a new prompt under the search bar inviting me to "search the way you talk." This feature was unfamiliar to me on my iPhone 13 Pro Max, and I realized I had overlooked the iOS 18.1 update note regarding it.

As stipulated, Apple's October update introduced a new way to search in the App Store. The update states, "App Store search lets you use natural language to find what you’re looking for more easily." This enhancement is not limited to the App Store; Apple has incorporated natural language search across various platforms, including Photos, Music, and Apple TV.

Initial Impressions of the Feature

While some users had encountered a splash screen indicating the feature's availability, I had only seen the conventional search prompts until today. After touching base with colleagues at The Verge, it seems many users were also unaware of this feature. Interestingly, relaunching the app prompted the message to appear for at least one colleague, suggesting that Apple might be rolling this out gradually.

Testing the Feature

The hint bubble displayed had a suggestion: try something like, "Apps that help me work out." Naturally, I decided to put this to the test by searching for "emulators that feature multiple consoles." To my delight, the top result was the multi-console Delta app. While searching for "Apps that only emulate single consoles" returned results like the PS Remote Play and Xbox apps, it still presented Gamma, a PS1 emulator app, bringing a mix of useful and less useful options.

Variety in Search Results

Curiously, when I asked, "Video games that can help me work out," the results were somewhat amusing. Although Twerk Race 3D isn’t precisely what I'd consider a fitness app, it showcased that the search engine performed in the spirit of natural language searching. This contrast highlights how the App Store's search capabilities have evolved; previously, I rarely found the search fruitful beyond locating apps I already knew by name.

It's a game-changer to be able to search using natural language. Instead of sticking to one- or two-word terms, I can now experiment with various phrases to discover a broader array of apps.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the addition of a natural language search feature in iOS 18.1 represents a significant improvement in user experience within the App Store. It allows users to interact more meaningfully with the search function, opening doors to new possibilities and better-fitting results.