Apple’s iOS 18, unveiled earlier this week during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference, is one of the biggest iOS upgrades in years.
From much-awaited features like RCS support in Messages to a redesign of the Photos app, there’s a lot of new stuff for users and developers alike to explore.
Your iPhone will soon offer greater customization options, including a more personalized home screen layout, improved Control Center navigation, and updates to essential apps like Messages and Mail. Here’s everything you need to know about iOS 18 and why you should be just as excited as I am.
Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is Apple’s initiative to bring AI features to your iPhone. Although it won’t be included in the Developer Beta, it’s anticipated to launch this fall with support for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. In addition to standard writing tools for summarizing content and creating images or “Genmojis,” Apple Intelligence seeks to deliver a more personalized experience.
Apple Intelligence features Image Playground, which helps you create images from descriptions, suggested concepts, or people in your Photos library. You can customize these images with new styles and make adjustments to add context to your story. Integrated into your iPhone, this feature ensures it “knows your personal information without collecting it.” Apple has partnered with ChatGPT to bring this service to your device, allowing you to use ChatGPT without needing an account.
A completely revamped and more powerful Siri
Siri is receiving a significant upgrade to better compete with other virtual assistants. This was a top feature on my iOS 18 wishlist, and Apple has delivered. In the demo, Siri felt more natural than ever. The redesigned virtual assistant now has improved understanding of personal context and can take actions within and across apps. Siri is enhanced with ChatGPT integration in iOS 18.
The updated Siri now supports controlling vacuum cleaners through the Home app, enabling commands for power, cleaning mode, vacuuming, mopping, and checking charging status simply by asking your iPhone. Additionally, with AirPods Pro, you can now respond to incoming calls hands-free by nodding or shaking your head, without needing to speak aloud. Siri operates in the background, allowing for seamless call management.
A home screen that is tailored to your preferences
iOS 18 introduces a long-awaited feature: the freedom to place apps anywhere on the home screen, without being restricted by left-aligned stacking or filling negative spaces. This customizable option has been missed, especially on larger iPhone models like the Pro Max and Plus series, where reaching the top of the screen with one hand can be challenging. Similar to Android, iOS now offers the flexibility to arrange apps wherever desired, breaking away from the traditional grid layout.
Additionally, Apple is introducing the ability to customize icon colors to complement the wallpaper, akin to Android’s Material You feature. iOS 18 will suggest color combinations that harmonize with the background, enhancing the
overall aesthetics of your home screen. During the WWDC keynote, this feature was showcased beautifully, particularly in Dark Mode.
Customizable lock screen and Control Center.
iOS 18 extends customization options to the lock screen. You can now replace the Torch/Flashlight and Camera icons with other apps, making them easily accessible with a single swipe from the lock screen. Additionally, iOS 18 introduces the ability to secure apps behind Face ID and passwords. You can place apps in a hidden space inaccessible to others, useful when sharing your iPhone to display photos, for example.
Apple is enhancing the Control Center with more customization features and improved navigation. For instance, swiping up from the Control Center now opens a larger and more convenient media player. Moreover, the Control Center supports multiple widget pages, including one dedicated to managing smart home devices.
iOS 18 simplifies the pairing process for third-party devices with on-screen pop-ups similar to those used for pairing AirPods. The update also offers enhanced control over adding contacts according to your preferences.
Photos undergoes a major revamp
In iOS 18, Apple is introducing a significant redesign of Photos. The updated interface enhances organization, prominently displaying important photos in the Library for quick access, with Collections positioned at the bottom. Each Collection can now group together images of people, a feature not previously available. The new functionality automatically categorizes your photo library by themes such as Recent Days, Trips, and People & Pets. Upon opening the Photos app, you’ll find a screen where approximately 60% of the space is dedicated to the regular photo gallery, while the remainder showcases Collections.
During WWDC, the demonstration highlighted rapid transitions and a Photo grid that allows you to browse the entire library by scrolling. Additionally, iOS 18 introduces a feature to filter out screenshots. Another enhancement is the ability to swipe right from the grid to access the new Carousel, which includes Featured Photos, location-based media, Favorites, and other categories. This Carousel is designed to showcase a fresh set of photos daily, enhancing the user experience.
Messages gets more personality and satellite support
Messages in iOS 18 introduces several long-awaited features, including RCS support, message scheduling, and text formatting capabilities that have been overdue. Similar to scheduling emails, you can now schedule messages to be sent at specific times, a feature that Android users have enjoyed for some time. RCS enhances the texting experience, particularly for communication with non-iMessage users, notably those on Android.
The updated Messages app also allows for text formatting such as bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough. Text effects have been added to inject personality into messages, featuring animated and playful effects for letters, emojis, and entire phrases, with suggestions appearing automatically as you type. Additionally, iPhone 14 models and newer will gain access to Satellite connectivity for texting in areas with no cellular signal.
More app updates
Apple is enhancing several apps in iOS 18 with new features. The Mail app will soon offer Categorizations, allowing emails to be filtered into categories like Primary, Transactions, and Promotions. This feature will roll out later this year. Additionally, updates include a Topographic view in Maps, Tap to Cash in Wallet for digital cash sharing, and Insights in the Journal app.
Safari in iOS 18 is gaining capabilities to detect relevant information on web pages and highlight it while browsing. The Reader has been redesigned to include a table of contents and summary for improved readability. A new Game Mode is introduced to minimize background activity, ensuring sustained high frame rates during extended gameplay sessions. Activating Game Mode also reduces audio latency with AirPods and wireless game controllers.
The Home app is receiving significant updates, including support for robot vacuum cleaners and the ability to monitor home electricity use. For compatible locks, Express Mode allows you to unlock doors with just your iPhone in your pocket or Apple Watch on your wrist. Additionally, Guest access grants specific controls to designated individuals.
iOS 18 integrates Reminders with Calendar, allowing future reminders to be viewed alongside your schedule. Developers can currently access the iOS 18 beta for testing purposes.
