iOS 18 Update Released: All the New Features You Need to Know!

iOS 18: Unleash a World of Customization, Security & Fun! New Control Center, Hide Apps, Passwords App, Emergency SOS, Spatial Audio & More! #iOS18
Estimated read time: 7 min

iOS 18 Update Released: All the New Features You Need to Know!

WWDC Unveils iOS 18: Level Up Your iPhone Experience

iOS 18 Update: New features on iPhone including Control Center customization, hidden apps, Lock Screen updates, Messages features, and more.
Apple

Get ready to be wowed, iPhone users! Apple's annual WWDC keynote unveiled iOS 18, a revolutionary update packed with features designed to make your life easier, more organized, and way more fun. Let's dive into some of the coolest highlights:

Make Your Phone Your Own一 New Era of Customization 

iOS 18 customization: Control Center, widgets, app icons on iPhone.
Apple

  • Control Center Revamp: Tired of the same old Control Center? Swipe down for a fresh layout and add controls from your favorite apps for a personalized experience.
  • Home Screen Shuffle Unleash your inner designer! Rearrange apps and widgets on your Home Screen to create a layout that perfectly matches your workflow.
  • App Makeover: Say hello to sleek new app icons and widgets with a dark mode option. You can even customize their color to match your wallpaper! Plus, adjust their size for better visibility.
  • Locked and Hidden Apps: Added security? iOS 18 lets you lock and hide sensitive apps, keeping your data safe from prying eyes.

Messaging Gets a Major Upgrade:

iPhone iMessage conversation showing new features like sending text messages via satellite and the ability to format message text.
Apple

  • SOS from the Wild : Lost signal in the backcountry? No worries! iOS 18 might be a lifesaver with emergency messaging via satellite.
  • Schedule Those Texts: Avoid late-night text blunders! Schedule messages to be sent at specific times, ensuring they arrive when you actually mean them to.
  • RCS to the Rescue: Tired of green bubbles? RCS messaging brings richer features like improved media sharing and read receipts, even when chatting with non-iPhone users.
  • Text with Flair: Liven up your messages with playful, animated text effects that add a fun touch to your conversations.

Security and Convenience Combined: Introducing the Passwords App & Hide an App:

Apple executive presenting Privacy features at a WWDC24 event
Apple

The Passwords app, which is part of Your Password Vault on Apple devices, acts as a secure digital wallet for your login credentials. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

  • Storage: It stores all your passwords, logins (usernames and emails likely), and security alerts in one encrypted location. This eliminates the need to remember multiple passwords or write them down on insecure places.
  • Accessibility: You can access this vault from any of your Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) where you're signed in with the same Apple ID. This makes it convenient to log in to websites and apps across your devices without needing to re-enter credentials.
  • Security Alerts: The app can potentially warn you about security breaches or weak passwords associated with your saved logins. This helps you identify and address any potential security risks.

Hide an App: Discretion for Your Apps

iPhone screenshot showing option to hide the app 'Hair Track ProiPhone screenshot showing option to hide the app 'Hair Track Pro
Apple

While the Passwords app focuses on login credentials, you might also want to add an extra layer of privacy to your device by hiding apps containing sensitive information or those you simply want to keep out of sight. Here's where the built-in "Hide App" feature in iOS 18 comes in:

  • Privacy Control: Hide specific apps from your app list, offering discretion for apps containing sensitive information or those you prefer to keep out of sight.
  • Streamlined Interface: A clutter-free app screen with hidden apps can improve the overall user experience and make it easier to find the apps you use most often

Gamers, Get Ready to Level Up一Gaming Mode:

PlayStation controller, iPhone, and AirPods for mobile gaming setup
Apple

  • Game Mode for Smoother Gameplay: Experience uninterrupted gaming sessions with Game Mode! It minimizes background activity for consistently high frame rates, keeping you immersed in the action.
  • More Responsive Controls with AirPods and Controllers: Game Mode takes things a step further by reducing audio latency with AirPods and making wireless controllers incredibly responsive, creating a truly immersive experience.

Entertainment Amplified:

  • Spatial Audio for All: Immerse yourself in captivating 3D sound, even without AirPods Pro or Max. iOS 18 brings Spatial Audio support to your iPhone speakers, transforming movies, music, and games into a truly cinematic experience.
  • Joypad Bliss: Gamers rejoice! iOS 18 offers enhanced compatibility with various game controllers, allowing you to experience your favorite mobile games with the precision and comfort of a traditional controller.

Introducing Tap to Cash: Pay with a Simple Tap!

Two iPhones held close together, likely using the Tap to Cash feature to send or receive money. The iPhone screen on the left displays “$20.00 Ready to Send” and “Matt,” while the iPhone screen on the right displays a notification that says “$20.00.”
Apple

Forget fumbling for cash or exchanging numbers. With Tap to Cash, simply tap two iPhones together to securely transfer money privately through Apple Cash.

Apple Pay Gets More Flexible:

  • Rewards and Installments: Apple Pay now lets you redeem rewards points or choose installment plans for larger purchases, all within the app.
  • Event Tickets with a Twist: Redesigned event tickets offer helpful event guides with venue information and recommendations from Apple apps, making your event experience even smoother.

 AirPods with Head Gesture Control for Siri:

Person using AirPods to control Siri with head gestures while preparing food in the kitchen
Apple

  • You can now control Siri on your AirPods Pro without using your voice.
  • Simply nod your head up and down to say "yes" or shake your head left and right to say "no" to Siri.
  • This allows for a more hands-free and intuitive way to interact with your AirPods, especially in situations where speaking might not be convenient.

Journal App for Improved Wellbeing:

 

Three iPhones displaying various features of the new Journaling app including daily entries, insights, and location-based entries
Apple

  • This introduces a new app called "Journal" designed to help with mindfulness and self-reflection.
  • The app allows you to write down your thoughts and feelings, similar to a traditional diary.
  • It also offers features to track your journaling progress, such as:
  • Keeping track of writing streaks (number of days in a row you've journaled)
  • Viewing a calendar of all your entries.

Apple TV App: Dive Deeper with InSight:

Apple TV App: Learn more with InSight
Apple

Get the most out of Apple TV+. The new InSight feature provides real-time information about actors and music as you watch Apple Original content. InSight also works when using your iPhone as a remote control for Apple TV 4K, perfect for group viewing.

Apple Map: Topographic Maps and Trail Networks

Smartphone showing a map of a hiking trail named Congress Trail
Apple

Calling all hikers, bikers, and adventurers! iOS 18 integrates topographic maps directly within the Apple Maps app. Visualize the terrain in stunning detail with elevation changes, contour lines, and clear trail networks. This fantastic feature empowers you to:

  • Plan Your Route: Explore trails before you set off, identify challenging sections, and plan your route accordingly.
  • Navigate with Confidence: Even without a signal, you can use downloaded maps for offline navigation, keeping you on track during your adventure.
  • Topographic Maps: Instead, you can explore stunning topographic maps directly on your phone. These beauties showcase the terrain in incredible detail, showing you elevation changes, those squiggly contour lines that map experts love, and all the twists and turns of the trail. Now that's peace of mind!
  • Stay Safe and Informed: Gain a clear understanding of the terrain you'll be exploring, making informed decisions and prioritizing safety.

 
Photos App: A Feast for Your Eyes:

A collage showcasing key features of the redesigned Photos app in iOS 18: unified view with photo grid and library, AI-powered collections
Apple

The Photos app gets a majorredesign, making it easier than ever to organize and enjoy your ever-growing photo library.

  • Effortless Organization with Collections: Say goodbye to tedious manual sorting! iOS 18 automatically groups your photos into "Collections" based on themes like "Recent Days" or "Trips," making it a breeze to find specific memories.
  • Pinned Collections for Easy Access: Frequently used collections can be "Pinned" for instant access at the top of your library, saving you time searching through folders.
  • Introducing the Carousel: Your Daily Dose of Memories: Swipe right from the photo grid to access the Carousel, a stunning feature that showcases your best photos in a beautiful format, refreshed daily with a new selection.

iOS 18一Compatible Devices

iPhones:

  • iPhone 15
  • iPhone 15 Plus
  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 mini
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone SE
  • (2nd generation or later)

Availability

iPhone users eager to experience the revolutionary features of iOS 18 won't have to wait much longer. Apple typically unveils new iOS versions in September, and based on this trend, we expect iOS 18 to be available in Fall 2024.

Want to be among the first to try it out? Keep an eye out for announcements about the public beta program in July 2024. This lets you install a pre-release version of iOS 18, but remember that beta software can be buggy, so it's best for testing purposes on a non-essential device.

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