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Apple has recently unveiled iOS 18, the latest iteration of its smartphone operating system. While iOS 18 brings numerous new features, including Apple Intelligence, those eager to explore the Developer Beta or Public Beta will need to wait until later this year for the full suite of AI functionalities. However, joining the Developer Beta now or the Public Beta in July will allow you to experience several exciting features.
Home Screen
iOS 18 offers extensive customization options for the home screen. You can rearrange apps to your liking, frame them against your wallpaper, and create unique layouts for each screen. Additionally, you can place all apps along the bottom of your display. The new Dark mode allows for a cohesive look, matching any Dark theme and tinting app icons accordingly. Widgets and apps can also be made more user-friendly.
System Changes
One of the standout features of iOS 18 is the ability to hide apps, a feature long enjoyed by Android users. You can now require Face ID to access specific apps or hide them altogether. However, core apps like Messages and Phone cannot be hidden. Display bezels expand to indicate when a button is being pressed, and you can customize lockscreen controls, including opening specific apps directly from the lockscreen.
The Action button on the side of your phone now supports more functions, such as accessing Wallet actions, pinging your smartwatch, and turning on Dark mode or a stopwatch. The updated Control Center groups controls and allows access to different sections with a continuous swipe. Customization options for controls have also been expanded.
iOS 18 introduces Game Mode, which minimizes background activity to maintain high frame rates and reduces audio latency with AirPods. Wireless game controls are also more responsive. You can create new Home Screen or Lock Screen widgets for reminders and other purposes.
Messaging
RCS (Rich Communication Services) has finally arrived on the iPhone, enabling high-quality media sharing and read receipts for non-iMessage users. The Messages app now supports text formatting options such as bold, italics, strikethrough, and underline. You can also animate text with effects like shaking, exploding, and rippling. Reactions to messages with any emoji are now possible, and you can schedule messages for future delivery. Additionally, satellite texting is available for when you lack Wi-Fi or cellular coverage.
Photos
Your photo library can now be automatically organized by Recent Days, Trips, People, and Pets. You can also pin your favorite collections and swipe right from the grid to display a new Carousel of your best content.
Safari
Safari will now automatically detect and highlight relevant information as you browse. It also offers a table of contents and a high-level summary for articles, making it easier to grasp the main points before diving in.
Apple TV App
A new feature called Enhance Dialogue improves audio clarity, making it easier to hear onscreen conversations. InSight on the Apple TV app provides information about actors and music featured in the content.
Other Updates
The Passwords app now stores all your passwords and verifications, offering security alerts. Maps include a topographic view of the land that you can download for hikes, along with thousands of pre-saved hikes and notes.
New AirPods interactions allow for nodding yes or no, and Voice Isolation on AirPods Pro ensures clear communication even in noisy environments. Personalized Spatial Audio enhances gaming experiences.
The Notes app gains live audio transcription, quick search functionality, and the ability to solve math equations. You can create collapsible sections and change highlighter colors. The journal app now tracks goals and insights, allowing you to sort and search past entries. A new Math Notes calculator is accessible in Portrait mode.
The Calendar app has a redesigned monthly view and integrates seamlessly with the Reminders app for managing tasks. Shareplay allows screen sharing, streaming video, and media sharing during emergency calls. You can also record and transcribe live calls from the Phone app.
Privacy and Security
iOS 18 offers improved control over sharing contacts with apps, letting you grant access to all or only specific contacts. The Privacy and Security settings menu has been revamped for easier management and sharing. Enhanced Bluetooth privacy ensures better accessory pairing.
These updates make iOS 18 a robust and versatile operating system, providing users with enhanced customization, functionality, and security.
