iOS 18 brings a host of exciting new features to your iPhone, making it smarter and more customizable than ever before. If you’ve upgraded to iOS 18 or are considering it, you’ll want to know about the standout features that can enhance your iPhone experience. This guide dives into the most notable updates, offering quick tips and insights to help you make the most of your new operating system.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced Customization: Customize icons and lock screen shortcuts to match your wallpaper.
- Improved Communication: Voicemail transcriptions, SharePlay remote control, and RCS support streamline interactions.
- New Features: Enjoy advanced options for audio recording, calendar views, and app security.
- Smarter Control: Experience revamped Control Center and innovative Safari features.
Customization at Its Best
Icons Per Wallpaper
iOS 18 introduces a new level of personalization with the ability to customize icons based on your wallpaper. Here’s how it works:
- Access Customization: Tap and hold on your home screen, select “Edit” in the top left, and then choose “Customize.”
- Customize Icons: You can adjust icons to be light or dark, change their tint, opacity, and even choose large or small icons without text.
- Per Wallpaper Customization: Each wallpaper can have its own set of icons, making your home screen visually cohesive with your chosen background.
Switching wallpapers will automatically update your icon styles according to the customization you’ve set for each wallpaper. This feature ensures that your home screen looks consistently stylish.
Lock Screen Shortcuts
With iOS 18, you can now customize lock screen shortcuts for quick access to various functions. Here’s what you can do:
- Add Shortcuts: You can open apps, enable dark mode, toggle airplane mode, and more directly from your lock screen.
- Hide Shortcuts: For a cleaner look, you can also eliminate these shortcuts entirely.
- Wallpaper-Specific Customization: Shortcuts can change based on the wallpaper you’re using, allowing for a personalized experience.
Streamlined Communication
Voicemail Transcriptions
iOS 18 now displays voicemail transcriptions as notifications. Instead of having to open the Phone app to listen to a voicemail, you can read the transcription right from your lock screen, saving time and simplifying communication.
SharePlay Remote Control
This feature is a game-changer for helping others, especially when troubleshooting over FaceTime.
- Take Over Control: During a FaceTime call, you can now request remote control of the other person’s screen. This feature allows you to guide them through actions directly.
- Draw on Screen: If you prefer, you can also draw on their screen to highlight areas of interest without taking full control.
RCS Support
iOS 18 adds support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), which enhances messaging with Android users. With RCS, you’ll get read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing, improving the messaging experience.
Enhanced Features for Daily Use
Notes Audio Recording & Transcription
The Notes app now supports audio recording with real-time transcription.
- Record and Transcribe: Tap the paperclip icon in Notes, select “Record Audio,” and you’ll see live transcription as you speak.
- Background Recording: You can continue recording even when your phone is locked, which is great for on-the-go notes.
Calendar Updates
The Calendar app in iOS 18 has received a much-needed overhaul:
- Zoom In: Pinch to zoom in on the month view for better visibility of your events and reminders.
- Integrated Reminders: See your reminders directly within the Calendar app, streamlining your planning and scheduling.
Photo Features
iOS 18 brings improvements to the Photos app:
- Video Looping: Videos now loop by default, perfect for short clips.
- Filter Options: You can now filter out screenshots and other types of media easily, helping you keep your photo library organized.
New Levels of Control
App Locking and Hiding
One of the most anticipated features is the ability to lock and hide apps:
- Lock Apps: You can now require Face ID to access specific apps, adding an extra layer of security.
- Hide Apps: Apps can be hidden from the home screen and accessed only through the app library.
Safari Distraction Control
Safari now includes a feature that lets you hide distracting elements on a webpage:
- Hide Content: Tap on the address bar, select “Hide Distracting Items,” and remove unwanted sections from your view. This makes browsing more focused and enjoyable.
Redesigned Control Center
iOS 18 introduces a completely revamped Control Center:
- Customizable Layout: Drag and drop controls to rearrange them according to your preferences.
- Multiple Pages: Manage your controls across different pages for quick access to various functions like HomeKit controls and connectivity settings.
Enhanced Battery Management
Adjustable Charge Limit
Battery settings have been improved with the option to set a specific charge limit:
- Choose Your Limit: You can now set your charging limit to 90%, in addition to the previous 80% and 100% options, helping to extend your battery’s lifespan.
Upgraded Flashlight Feature
The flashlight feature in iOS 18 includes a more dynamic control interface:
- Adjust Brightness: You can now control the brightness and beam distance of your flashlight directly from the Dynamic Island, offering better versatility for different lighting needs.
Calculator Overhaul
The Calculator app gets a major update:
- Expression Visibility: See the full expression even after hitting “equal,” and make changes without starting over.
- History and Conversions: Access a history of calculations, use a built-in conversion calculator, and even solve handwritten math problems with the new math notes feature.
Bonus Feature: iPhone Mirroring in macOS Sequoia
If you have a Mac running macOS Sequoia, you can mirror your iPhone screen directly to your Mac. This integration allows you to control your iPhone from your Mac, making multitasking easier and reducing the need to switch between devices.
iOS 18 is packed with features that enhance both customization and functionality. Whether you’re organizing your home screen, improving your communication, or enjoying new levels of control, there’s something for everyone in this latest update. Dive in and explore these features to see how they can transform your iPhone experience.