iOS 18 Features: What’s New and What has Changed for iPhone Users?

Apple’s recent announcement on the iOS 18 release has been the talk of the town these days. At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10, the company unveiled must-awaited iOS 18 features, with its beta version released on the same date. You can enroll for the Apple Developer Program by paying $100 joining fees to download and test the beta version. 

With Apple’s announcement of its latest software update, all eyes are on the company’s AI-powered intelligence system, “Apple Intelligence.” But that’s not the only point of attraction. The new update will include many more advanced features, like home screen customization, scheduled iMessages, one-of-a-kind emojis, and interface customizability. 

With iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence making their way to the public in September this year, iPhone users can expect a smarter, more powerful, and customizable mobile operating system. Apple intelligence will be more focused on writing across the operating system, allowing multiple forms of content generation. A new AI-powered writing tool is expected to be available across all apps for writing, rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing texts. 

What’s more, what will iOS 18 bring for iPhone users? Let’s talk about all the new upgrades and features Apple’s new OS will roll out with. 

iOS 18 Release - A Quick Overview

iOS 18 Features List: What’s New You Can Expect? 

Although Apple has revealed the exact release date of iOS 18, it is anticipated to be released in September 2024. Its new and upgraded features remain a topic of discussion among tech enthusiasts, reviewers, and iPhone users. 

Here’s what features you can expect from iOS 18: 

Apple Intelligence: The Entry of Apple AI

The unveiling of Apple's "Intelligence" was a key highlight of the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference keynote speech, bringing forth a plethora of new capabilities powered by artificial intelligence. 

• Built-in Writing Tools: The latest iOS 18 will roll out with built-in Writing Tools that allow you to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text in almost all areas of the iPhone, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and even third-party applications.

• Image Playground: A new feature called Image Playground, which will be available as a standalone app and as a feature in other apps like Messages, will enable you to create engaging images in three distinct styles: animation, illustration, or sketch.
• Memories: The Photos app now has a feature called Memories that allows you to create stories by simply typing a description. The app then organizes your photos and videos into a cinematic experience with its own narrative arc. Additionally, a new Clean Up tool has been introduced that can detect and eliminate any distracting elements in the background of your photos.
• ChatGPT Integration: OpenAI's ChatGPT will be integrated into Siri and as the Writing Tools system-wide across all Apple platforms. This integration promises to significantly enhance the user experience.

Customization Features

Apple has focused a lot on customization in its latest software update. iPhone users will now be able to arrange widgets and apps in any space on the Home Screen, even above the dock. 

• Customized App Icons and Widgets: App icons and widgets can now be resized and appear in a new look with a tinted or dark effect. 

• Personalized Control Center: The iOS 18 update will include a more personalized Control Center for faster access to frequently used functions, including Home Controls, Media Playback, and Connectivity. Users can even swipe between them easily and more conveniently. Users can also add third-party supported apps to Control Center, which wasn’t possible with previous OS versions. 

• Switch Controlling: The new iOS 18 version will allow users to switch controls from the Lock Screen’s bottom. They can now easily choose options from the controls gallery or remove them entirely. 

Photos Features

The revamped Photos app in iOS 18 introduces a streamlined, unified interface that incorporates the popular grid layout. 

• New Theme Collection: The addition of new themed collections enhances the user browsing experience. Moreover, users can now pin their favorite collections for quick and easy access.
• Carousel Display: iOS 18's new carousel display feature will showcase daily updated highlights, spotlighting beloved individuals, pets, locations, and more. 
• Auto Play Content: The introduction of auto-playing content within the Photos app animates the libraries, showcasing memorable moments as users browse. This brings a dynamic and lively feel to the user's photo library.

Messages Features

iMessage is set to integrate brand-new text effects that will animate and enhance any character, word, phrase, or emoji. Users will also have the ability to apply text formatting such as bold, underlining, italics, and bold.

• RCS Protocol: The Messages app will now support the RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol for those wishing to communicate with contacts using non-Apple devices. According to the company, this offers a richer media experience and "more dependable group messaging" compared to traditional SMS and MMS.
• Messages via Satellite: With the launch of iOS 18, Messages can now be sent via satellite when there's no cellular or Wi-Fi connection available. This feature automatically suggests users link to the nearest satellite directly from the Messages app, enabling them to send and receive texts, emojis, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS. However, the availability of SMS will be subject to your wireless carrier, and additional charges may apply.

E-mail Features

The integrated Mail app is set to introduce innovative features that will enhance user experience in managing their inbox. 

• On-device Sorting: The new update will add on-device sorting functionality to classify incoming emails into four categories: "Primary" for personal and urgent emails, "Transactions" for receipts and confirmations, "Updates" for notifications from social media and news, and "Promotions" for marketing materials and discount vouchers.
• Digest View: A new "digest view" feature will be introduced. This feature will consolidate related emails from a single business, enabling users to quickly skim through and identify the information that matters to them at that moment. This way, users can stay organized and up-to-date with their emails.

Safari Features

The expected iOS 18 feature for Safari web browser will likely use AI to find crucial information from the webpage, including showing a summary of an article or listening to a track right from the article for a song or upcoming album. 

• Safari Reader: The new iOS features update will include revamping Safari Reader to offer a summary and table for longer articles for better engagement. 

Passwords App

Apple's iOS 18 is set to introduce a new feature: the Passwords app. This new application evolves the Keychain, a system that has been part of Apple's ecosystem for over 25 years. 

• Updated Passwords App: The new app is designed to be a one-stop shop for all your password needs, including passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes.
• Enhanced Security: In addition to storing your passwords, the app also actively helps to enhance your online security. It alerts you to potential vulnerabilities in your password habits, such as using too simple or repetitive passwords. 
• Notifications: The new system will notify you if your passwords have been compromised in any known data breaches. This proactive approach to password management helps users maintain strong, unique passwords and stay one step ahead of potential security threats.

Privacy Features

In iOS 18, users will be given enhanced control over their privacy with the introduction of locked and concealed apps. 

• Hidden Apps: This feature allows users to secure an app and, for an extra layer of privacy, make it invisible by relocating it to a secure, concealed app folder. Once an app is secured or hidden, its content, such as emails or messages, becomes invisible in searches, notifications, and other system-wide locations.
• Enhanced User Privacy and Better Control: IOS 18 allows users to decide which contacts they want to share with a specific app. Moreover, developers are now equipped with a method to link third-party accessories with the iPhone without exposing all other devices on the user's network to the app. This ensures the privacy of the user's devices and facilitates pairing. 

Additional Features in iOS 18

Apart from the features listed above, Apple has improvised functionalities of some in-built apps in the latest iOS 18 update, which include

• Apple Maps: Apple Maps now offers a feature where users can explore a multitude of hiking trails across U.S. national parks and even design their own personalized walking paths, which can be accessed even without an internet connection. 

• Game Mode: Game Mode significantly improves the gaming experience. It ensures stable frame rates during extended gaming sessions and enhances the responsiveness of wireless accessories like AirPods and game controllers.
• Apple Pay: Apple Pay introduces new payment methods, including the option to redeem rewards and avail installments using eligible credit or debit cards. The Tap to Cash feature enables users to exchange Apple Cash by simply bringing two iPhone devices close together. Apple Wallet tickets now display crucial event details such as venue information and suggested Apple Music playlists.
• Notes: The Notes app now includes Math Notes, which instantly solves formulas and equations as they are typed. The Journal feature has a new insights view to help users monitor their journaling progress, and the search and sort functionality makes it easier to revisit past entries. Users can now quickly start a journal entry from the Home Screen or Lock Screen using the Journal widget, and audio recordings are automatically transcribed. Journal entries can also be exported and printed.
• Home App: The Home app now includes guest access, which allows users to control selected smart home accessories, set access schedules for guests, and more. The hands-free unlock feature with home keys uses Ultra-Wideband technology to enable users to unlock supported entry locks when they are within six feet of their door. Updates to the energy category in the home app help users better understand and manage their electricity usage at home.
• Accessibility: Accessibility updates include Eye Tracking, which allows users to navigate their iPhone using only their eyes; Music Haptics, which lets users who are deaf or hard of hearing experience music through the iPhone's Taptic Engine; and Vocal Shortcuts, which allows users to perform tasks by making a custom sound.
• Calendar: The Calendar app now displays both events and tasks from Reminders, allowing users to manage reminders directly from the Calendar. The updated monthly view gives a comprehensive overview of events and tasks.
• Apple Health: The Health app's Medical ID has been revamped to make it more accessible for first responders during emergencies.
• OS Feature: Emergency SOS Live Video lets users share live video or media from their camera roll with emergency dispatchers during a call, providing a secure way to share context and get help more efficiently.
• SharePlay: SharePlay has been extended to Apple Music, allowing a larger number of users to control music playback from HomePod, Apple TV, or any Bluetooth-enabled speaker.

What’s Next for iOS 18?

Considering the IOS 18 beta release, the official rollout of this OS update will definitely have a positive impact on the user experience. With its innovative features, it's not just a software update; it's about redefining what's possible on an iPhone.

The enhanced privacy features will give users more control over their data, fostering trust and confidence in the digital world. The redesigned notifications and Focus mode will allow users to tailor their device usage to their lifestyle, improving productivity and digital well-being. 

Moreover, the advancements in Siri and widgets will make everyday tasks more convenient, creating a more personalized and intuitive user experience. Overall, iOS 18 is not just an upgrade; it's a leap toward a more connected, efficient, and user-centric digital experience. 

FAQs

What are the New Features of iOS 18?

iOS 18 introduces a redesigned Photos app, customizable Home and Lock screens, and Apple Intelligence, which offers generative AI capabilities.

Will iOS 18 have AI?

Yes, iOS 18 features Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools that includes an updated Siri and generative AI for creating images and text.

How to Update iOS 18 on iPhone?

To update, register your Apple ID at developer.apple.com, go to Settings > General >Software Update, and select 'iOS 18 Developer Beta' to download and install.

When will iOS 18 be Released?

iOS 18 is set to be released in September 2024, following the developer and public beta versions.

Which iPhones will Support iOS 18?

iOS 18 will support iPhone XR and later models, including the new iPhone 15 series and the 2nd and 3rd gen iPhone SE.

Does iOS 18 have a Call Recording?

iOS 18 will include a call recording feature, allowing users to record and transcribe phone calls directly from the Phone app.

Can the iPhone 7 Get iOS 18?

Unfortunately, the iPhone 7 is not expected to support iOS 18, as it exceeds Apple's typical 5-year update window.

Is it OK if I Don't Update to iOS 18?

Skipping updates can lead to slower phone calls and potential security risks. However, not updating immediately is usually fine unless the update addresses critical issues.