Published on

iOS 18 - All New Features You NEED to Know!

Introduction

iOS 18 is officially here, bringing an array of exciting features and enhancements designed to improve the user experience. Here’s a comprehensive look at all the new capabilities you need to be aware of before updating your device.

Home Screen Customization

iOS 18 takes home screen customization to the next level:

  • Free Placement of App Icons: Users can now freely position app icons on their home screens, allowing for personal arrangements and leaving blank spaces to showcase wallpaper.
  • Customizable Icons: By clicking the plus icon in the top left corner, users can choose from various icon styles:
    • Standard light icons
    • Dark mode icons
    • Automatic light to dark mode transition depending on the time
    • Tinted icons matching a user-selected color
  • Size and Text Options: Icons can be set to small or large sizes; large icons will not display text, enhancing visual appeal.

Enhanced Control Center

The control center has been completely redesigned for improved functionality:

  • Multiple Pages: Additional pages for media, smart home controls, and connectivity.
  • Custom Controls: Users can long press and tap the plus icon to add custom controls, including third-party apps.
  • Action Button Integration: For iPhones with an action button, one of the controls can be set as a command for quick access.

Custom Lock Screen Controls

Finally, users can change lock screen controls beyond the standard flashlight and camera options. You can now select from any available controls or remove them for a minimalist look.

Redesigned Photos App

The photos app has undergone a significant redesign:

  • Enhanced Library Access: Users can swipe down to view the entire library, with filtering options available along the bottom.
  • Categorized Organization: The app neatly categorizes photos, including recent days, people and pets, pinned collections, and more.

Messaging Improvements

Messaging features are more versatile than ever:

  • Tap Back Options: Users can now respond to messages with any emoji or sticker, expanding beyond previous limitations.
  • Schedule Messages: Send texts at a later date by typing them out and selecting ‘send later.’ You can schedule texts up to two weeks in advance and modify them before sending.
  • RCS Support: Engage seamlessly with Android users in group chats without affecting message quality, as photos and videos will appear in full resolution over Wi-Fi.

New Password Management

The settings app now features a dedicated passwords section:

  • Unified Password App: Manage and create passwords, passkeys, and Wi-Fi passwords easily in one place.
  • Sharing Options: Easily share passwords with family and friends for additional convenience.

Additional Features

Here are some rapid-fire features to explore:

  • App Locking: Lock any app using Face ID or Touch ID by long-pressing on the app and choosing the lock option.
  • Hide Apps: Choose to hide an app, which locks it and places it in a special hidden folder.
  • Safari Distraction Control: This feature hides static content on webpages, although it is not an ad blocker. Settings for this feature can only be accessed on the device itself.

Looking Ahead

iOS 18 is set to roll out new Apple intelligence features in the coming months, including enhanced emoji functionalities and improvements to Siri. Expect more dedicated videos and articles on these features soon.

Overall, these new features make iOS 18 a must-try update, so update your device and discover what’s new!

Keywords

  • iOS 18
  • Home Screen Customization
  • Custom Icons
  • Control Center
  • Lock Screen Controls
  • Redesigned Photos App
  • Messaging Improvements
  • RCS Support
  • Password Management
  • Safari Distraction Control

FAQ

What are the major features of iOS 18?
iOS 18 introduces home screen customization, a redesigned control center, custom lock screen controls, and enhancements to the photos app and messaging features.

Can I customize app icons in iOS 18?
Yes, iOS 18 allows users to place app icons freely on the home screen, customize their appearance, and choose different styles and sizes.

Is there a way to schedule messages in iOS 18?
Yes, users can type out a message and tap the plus icon to schedule it for sending up to two weeks in advance.

What improvements have been made to the Photos app?
The photos app now features improved library access, custom filtering options, and categorized organization of photos.

Does iOS 18 support messaging with Android users?
Yes, with the introduction of RCS, iOS 18 allows seamless messaging with Android devices, ensuring high-quality photo and video sharing without disrupting group chats.

Read More