Apple launched iOS 18 during the WWDC event last night, introducing a host of new features designed to enhance user experience. From a redesigned Photos app to improved customization options, mail enhancements, satellite messaging, and more, iOS 18 brings a range of exciting updates to your iPhone.
Here are 10 new features you can expect when the new operating system rolls out.
1. Enhanced Customization Options
iOS 18 offers a fresh approach to customizing the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center. Users can now arrange apps and widgets in any open space, including placing them above the dock. New visual effects, such as dark or tinted themes, allow for unique looks. Additionally, icons can be enlarged for better accessibility and visual impact.
2. Redesigned Photos App
The Photos app has undergone its most significant redesign, unifying photo libraries into a single view. With new collections, browsing photos based on themes like recent days, favorite people, and trips is easier. Users can pin favorite collections for quick access and enjoy a new carousel view to highlight daily favorites, making it effortless to relive special moments.
3. Improved Control Center
The redesigned Control Center in iOS 18 provides quicker access to frequently used controls like media playback, Home controls, and connectivity options. Users can easily swipe between these groups and customize the layout. Third-party app controls can also be added, offering more flexibility and convenience.
4. Satellite Messaging and iMessage Updates
iOS 18 introduces satellite messaging to the Messages app, allowing communication when cellular or Wi-Fi connections are unavailable. This feature leverages existing satellite capabilities, ensuring connectivity anywhere.
iMessage enhancements include new text effects for dynamic conversations. Users can format text with bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough, and use any emoji or sticker as a Tapback. Message scheduling is also available, enabling users to send messages at a later time.
5. Introducing Apple Intelligence
A standout feature in iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, combining generative models with personal context for highly relevant experiences. Integrated deeply into iOS 18, this system enhances tasks like language understanding and image creation.
Siri receives an upgrade with an "elegant glowing light" around the screen edge and improved language understanding. New tools like systemwide Writing Tools and Image Playground allow for creative image use in messages. Integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT enables users to utilize ChatGPT via Siri or within apps.
6. Mail Enhancements
Later this year, Mail will feature on-device categorization to organize your inbox into categories like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. A new digest view compiles relevant emails from a single business, making it easier to track important information.
7. Safari Updates
Safari now includes a Highlights feature, using machine learning to surface key information from web pages quickly. The redesigned Reader mode provides summaries and tables of contents for longer articles, reducing distractions and enhancing the reading experience.
8. New Passwords App
Building on Keychain's foundation, the new Passwords app ensures easy access to passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes. It alerts users to common password weaknesses and known data breaches, enhancing security.
9. Enhanced Privacy Features
iOS 18 introduces new privacy tools, allowing users to lock and hide apps, control contact sharing, and manage accessory connections securely. Apps can be locked with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, ensuring sensitive information remains private.
10. Apple Maps and Game Mode
Apple Maps in iOS 18 offers topographic maps and hiking routes across US national parks, with offline access to saved custom routes. Game Mode ensures smoother frame rates and responsive wireless accessories, enhancing the gaming experience.
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