Introduction

Apple introduced iOS 18 during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 keynote event on Monday. The tech giant revealed a host of new features, including enhanced home screen customization, updates to the Messages app, and a redesigned Photos app. iOS 18 will be available to the general public this fall, while developers can access the beta version now.

Customizable Home and Lock Screens

In iOS 18, users will have more freedom to personalize their home and lock screens. Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, demonstrated the new customization options, allowing users to arrange apps and widgets in any layout they prefer. This feature provides flexibility similar to what Android has offered for years, letting users arrange icons around their backgrounds or in any desired configuration. Additionally, users can customize app icons with dark mode filters or tint them to match their wallpaper. The lock screen also sees enhancements, allowing users to swap out the camera and flashlight functions to prevent accidental activations.

Updated Control Center

The Control Center in iOS 18 will offer more customization options, enabling users to access specific app controls more easily. Users can choose which apps appear and adjust their sizes for quicker access to frequently used buttons.

Enhanced Messages App

The Messages app is getting several new features in iOS 18. Users will be able to schedule messages to send later, react to messages with a broader range of Tapbacks, and format text with effects like bold or underline. A significant addition is Messages via Satellite, which allows users to send messages without a signal, similar to the Emergency SOS feature introduced in iPhone 14 and 15 series. Apple is also bringing Rich Communication Services (RCS) support to Messages, enhancing the messaging experience.

Lock and Hide Apps

iOS 18 introduces the ability to lock and hide apps, offering more privacy. Locked apps will require Face ID or a passcode to access, while hidden apps can be stashed in a Hidden Apps folder within the App Library. This feature helps keep personal apps private when lending your phone to others.

Redesigned Photos App

The Photos app in iOS 18 is redesigned for easier navigation and organization. Photos will be arranged by themes like month and year, making it simpler to find specific images. The update also includes filtering options to remove clutter such as receipts and screenshots from the main library.

New Password Manager App

Apple is transforming its password keychain feature into a dedicated app called Passwords. This app securely stores all credentials in one place and syncs passwords across Apple devices, ensuring consistency and convenience.

Apple Intelligence for Siri and More

Apple Intelligence, Apple’s take on generative AI, will debut in iOS 18 but will initially be available only on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This feature will enhance Siri’s capabilities, introduce new image creation tools called Genmojis, and offer advanced writing tools.

AirPods and Hands-Free Siri Interactions

iOS 18 brings new interactions for second-generation AirPods Pro users, allowing them to interact with Siri by nodding or shaking their heads. This feature is particularly useful for silent environments or situations where speaking aloud is inconvenient.

Upgraded Notes App

The Notes app in iOS 18 will include live audio transcripts, collapsible sections for better organization, and the ability to highlight phrases. Users will also be able to solve math problems within the app while typing, similar to features introduced in iPadOS 18.

Game Mode

Acknowledging the growing mobile gaming industry, iOS 18 introduces Game Mode. This mode minimizes background activities to enhance game performance and improves responsiveness with AirPods and wireless gaming controllers.

Improved Mail Organization

The Mail app in iOS 18 will feature new categories for better email organization. Users can categorize emails into sections like receipts and newsletters, making it easier to find specific messages without sifting through the entire inbox.

Tap to Cash

Tap to Cash is a new feature in iOS 18 that simplifies sending Apple Cash to friends and family. By bringing iPhones close together, users can transfer money quickly, similar to how AirDrop works.

Enhanced Apple Wallet

The Wallet app in iOS 18 will receive several upgrades, including the ability to view and redeem rewards or points balances with Apple Pay. Users will also have access to installment financing options and new features for managing event tickets, such as an event guide with venue information and recommendations.

Safari Highlights and Redesigned Reader

Safari in iOS 18 will automatically highlight important information on a webpage, such as directions and quick links. The redesigned Reader will provide a table of contents and summaries of articles, improving the browsing experience.

Topographic Maps in Maps

Building on the offline maps feature introduced in iOS 17, iOS 18 will add topographical information to the Maps app. This includes detailed hiking trail information for over 50 US national parks, aiding in outdoor adventure planning.

Journal App Improvements

The Journal app in iOS 18 will allow users to log their state of mind and track goals. It will also provide stats like writing streaks and enable searches within the app to find previous entries quickly.

Conclusion

iOS 18 brings a wealth of new features and improvements, enhancing user experience across various aspects of the iPhone. From customization options to advanced AI capabilities, Apple continues to innovate and refine its operating system, promising an exciting update for iPhone users this fall.