Apple released iOS 18 and announced the iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, and more details at the September event. The operating system adds many new options to your iPhone Like more methods to Personalize your home screen and any updates and updates App for Messages.
I’ve been using OS X since the day it was launched in beta following WWDC. Since then I’ve looked into the options Apple has mentioned in its conference and discovered several other features that Apple didn’t even make mention of.
Customizable Home and Security Screens for both Homes and Offices
You could personalize your iPhone’s lock and home screens by adding widgets and various backgrounds. iOS 18 allows you to alter the home screen’s apps and layout and the phone’s lock screen’s functions.
During WWDC Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice head of software engineering, demonstrated the way iOS 18 features lets you arrange the iPhone’s widgets and apps on the home screen however you’d like. In the past, the icons would take up the display from the top down, sometimes creating a blockage to backgrounds that you might want. iOS 18 allows you to arrange the icons in your background in any manner you’d like -an option that Android has been offering for years.
You can also alter the look of your application’s icons. You can also give your icons the appearance of a dark mode filter or color your icons to fit with the wallpaper you’re using.
The operating system allows you to swap out the flashlight and camera functions that are available on the lock screen. So you don’t risk inadvertently turning your flashlight on in your iPhone while you are putting the phone in your purse however, you could switch to another app.
Control Center Updated
Apple also made it clear during WWDC that it will be releasing iOS 18 updates to your iPhone’s Control Center. The operating system allows you’ll be able to gain access to more control options for various things like the music you’re listening to or particular apps. You can also modify the apps you can see and their size so that you can access them faster and more easily. buttons you are using more frequently.
The Messages App Gets an Update
The Messages app on your iPhone is also updated with iOS 18. With the most recent OS, users can plan messages to send in the future, react to messages using more tap-backs, or format the messages as well as particular words within your messages using Text effects. If you’d like to emphasize something in your written text, then you could make it bold, underline it, or employ other effects to convey your message through.
The OS also delivers messages through satellite to a variety of iPhones. The feature functions similarly to Apple’s emergency SOS through satellite feature that was introduced with the iPhone 14 and 15 series. Emergency SOS lets you make an emergency phone call, even if there isn’t a signal. However, messages via satellite let you send messages to anyone who doesn’t have an internet connection. You can also message your parents or spouse to inform them of how your camping experience is going.
Apple also adds RCS -rich communication support Messages, which means your iPhone can work with your relative’s Android device.
Block and Hide Specific Apps
Giving someone access to your iPhone can be a stressful experience, particularly if you don’t want them to access or use specific apps. iOS 18 allows you to protect and block apps.
If you have an app locked then it requires the use of your Face ID or passcode to unlock it and gain access to it. If you don’t wish people to know that you’ve installed an app that you have installed on your iPhone it is possible to store it away in a hidden folder within Your App Library. It’s like taking apps off your home screen, but without having to delete the apps off your iPhone and it also organizes all of your hidden apps in one location.
Redesigned Photos App
It’s entertaining to go through photos within photos in your Photos app, however, navigating through the app could be difficult if you have taken lots of pictures. This is why Apple changed the layout of your Photos app for iPhone for iOS 18, which is now available in version 18.
“Preserve the previously used camera tool when expanding the controls menu, rather than showing the list of camera tools,” the description of the setting is written.
New app for Managing Passwords
Apple changed its keychain feature for passwords into a full-blown application known as passwords. As per Apple, Passwords safely stores all your passwords in one location. It also allows you to connect your passwords across all the various Apple devices. If you alter the password for your Netflix account password for one of your devices, but not on another, the new password will be synchronized so that you don’t lose it.
Apple Intelligence for Siri and more are Available on Certain iPhones
The revamp will make it easier to find the photos that you want by arranging pictures in a variety of ways, such as in categories such as Recent Days and Pinned Collections. Images will additionally be arranged by topic for example, if you’re searching for images from a vacation, you’ll be able to find them quickly.
The latest version of the Photos app for iOS 18 allows you to filter receipts and screenshots to ensure they don’t get stuffed into your Library.
Apple announced it will roll its Apple Intelligence, its version of the concept of generative AI that will be available in iOS 18. The issue is that Apple announced on its site that the improvements would be available only for an iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max until now.
Apple has launched the first beta for developers of iOS 18.1, and it adds some Apple Intelligence features to iPhone’s developers.
Apple Intelligence will bring improvements to Siri to make the Siri assistant more efficient and useful It will also allow you to create your images referred to as Genmojis and will also bring innovative writing instruments and features for iPhones.
Related: 5 Essential Mobile Accessories for all Smartphone users in 2024
AirPods as well as Hands-free Siri Interactions
With iOS 18 and using the 2nd version of AirPods Pro, you’ll be in a position to communicate directly with Siri with a nod or shake of your head. If you have to remain quiet since your baby is asleep or your spouse is on a critical phone call, you’ll be in a position to continue to keep Siri functioning without ever saying a word.
New Gestures will Enhance the way you interact with Apple Devices
Notes App Upgrade
The latest version of Apple’s iOS 18 also improves your Notes application. It includes real-time audio transcriptions and segments that are collapsible to ensure the app is neat and organized, as well as an ability for you to mark specific phrases. It also allows you to solve math issues in the app as typing.
These updates are identical to the Notes app upgrade Apple made public for iPadOS 18.
Game Mode
As per Facts and Figures Mobile gaming as a business is predicted to expand by 13% by the year 2030. In addition, Apple can see that, with the release of Game Mode in iOS 18.
Game Mode is designed to reduce background activity on your iPhone to boost the performance of your game. The feature will also improve response when you use AirPods as well as wireless controllers for gaming, Apple says.
IPhone Mirroring
With iOS 18 iPhone users who have a Mac can use the iPhone remotely via your Mac. Apple calls the feature iPhone Mirroring, and it is compatible with the coming MacOS Sequoia. Instead of sending a file via the iPhone onto your Mac and back, you’ll be able to open the file within your Mac without having to do any additional steps to follow.
SharePlay Screen Sharing
SharePlay was launched with iOS 15 in 2021 and allows Apple users to connect their screens with other users through FaceTime. Additionally, iOS 18 is giving SharePlay an upgrade.
“With enhanced screen sharing capabilities, you can draw on someone’s screen so they can see what they can do on theirs, or control their screen and take actions yourself,” Apple published on its website.
Other Ways to Organize Mail
Apple stated that in iOS 18, the iphone’s Mail app will be able to organize your email better. The app will feature new categories that include receipts, newsletters, and much more. This means you won’t have to comb through your email to discover the invitation to a gathering you didn’t reply to. But, Apple wrote online that the features won’t be accessible in iOS 18’s release.
Tap to cash
With iOS 18 it is now simpler to transfer cash to family and friends via Tap on Cash. With this feature you can transfer Apple Cash directly to others by placing your iPhones close each other, just like you can swiftly AirDrop photos or messages to someone else, and namedrop your contact details to anyone else, using your phones to each other.
New updates to Apple Wallet
In terms of cash the Wallet app is upgraded with iOS 18as well. Within the app, you’ll be able to view the balance of your points or rewards as well as be able to use those points using Apple Pay online or in one of your apps. The app will also allow you to access the installment financing options that the bank may offer.
Apple has added new features for your event tickets within Wallet. Apple posted online that the latest features include “an event guide combining helpful information about the venue with recommendations from Apple apps.”
Wallet is now able to easily connect a chipped debit or credit card into the application. To do this, go to Wallet then tap the plus symbol at the top of the right and then tap the Debit or Credit Card and then click continueand Wallet will prompt you to bring your chipped card close to the iPhone for you to connect the card. If your card does not contain a chip it is possible to tap to enter the card’s details manually at the lower left corner left corner of your screen.
Safari is getting highlights, a new Reader, and more
With iOS 18 The iPhone’s Safari app is able to recognize important information on websites that you might not be aware of and highlights it. For instance, directions or short links to websites, people, and films should be highlighted, and easily searchable.
Reader will also give a table of contents as well as brief summaries of the articles available in Safari.
Safari also comes with a brand new feature named Distraction Control in iOS 18. This lets you block banners, pop-ups and other pop-ups on sites you frequently visit.
Topographic maps on Maps
The moment Apple launched iOS 17 in 2023, it added offline maps to your iPhones Maps app. With iOS 18 your iphone’s Maps app will be able to access topographic data, too. Maps also provides complete information on hiking trails with routes from more than fifty US park nationals, allowing you to make plans for your next hike.
Additionally, you can make your own routes for walking or hiking on iOS 18.. If you’ve made your route, you’ll be able to download the route as well as a section from the map onto your iPhone to offline use. This way, you’ll always have the map of your region in your pocket when you’re out in the great outdoors.
Journal app enhancements
Apple has also stated that iOS 18 brings some changes to the iPhone’s Journal application. The app lets you record your thoughts and mood and aid you in tracking your goals. The app will also provide specific statistics, such as writing trends. You can also search within the Journal to find previous entries in order to locate older thoughts, and much more.
For more information on Apple I have a comprehensive iOS 18 overview as well as the iOS 18 cheatsheet and what you need to be aware of concerning Apple Intelligence in the first iOS 18.1 beta for developers. Also, go through the full list of new features Apple revealed during its September event.
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