Welcome to the fall season, everyone, which also means that it is time for new iPhones and a fresh iOS update.You don’t necessarily have to get the new iPhone 16 to begin linking up with the shiny new features of iOS 18. iOS 18 can be installed in a range of iPhone models. You can check out the complete list of eligible iPhones here.
The most notable features that you should not miss in iOS 18:
1. Make Your Home Screen Even More Personal
Forget about those static and rigid icons on your home screen where apps are neatly locked into grids. Compiled of multiple pages, until iOS18, Apple has never allowed the user to put his/her apps wherever they want. For instance, if you wish to have your apps grouped around a picture of your pet or wish for less icon on the screen then you are free to do so.
Also, if you want your phone to reflect your emotions, iOS 18 will let you color your app icons to match that wallpaper, flip them into dark mode, or change brightness according to the time of the day.
2. Better Texting for Everyone
Apple has finally done a great job by improving the traditional text messages between iPhones and Android phones. If your carrier has RCS support for messaging, your photos and videos will come through sharp, in full high-definition – even if the recipient uses an Android device. The only bad news? The green bubbles are going to continue to be seen.
In addition, you can reply to streams with any emoji or make your own stickers for the conversation. You can also send messages to be delivered at a specific time, an end to worrying over whether your message will alert somebody when you reply while they are asleep.
3. Photo Magic
In iOS 18 there are some interesting changes in the Photos app. Now, it can also categorize your images based on your preferences, be it holidays in the “Trips” folder or friends and family in the “People & Pets” one.
No longer a fan of the new layout? These groups are fully customizable and reformable to your preferences; you could also combine or separate them in any way you prefer.
4. Send Cash with a Tap
iOS 18 allows you to transfer money to your friends that own iPhones through mere contact of the phones. No need for switching numbers and annoying QR code scanning. It’s as simple as that – just ensure that both the phones are using iOS 18 and you are ready to go.
5. Offline Hiking Maps
If you’re the kind of person that likes wandering in the wild and getting lost, well, iOS 18 is for you. Apple Maps now allows you to download hiking maps for offline use, so you won’t get lost even when you have no signal. It is like having a globe in the pocket and without being able to fold and crumble it whenever the need arises.
6. Smarter Password Management
It is actually possible to compare its new Passwords app to having a clean place for all your log-in information. It saves your Wi-Fi passwords, favorites, and login credentials, and arranges them in a clean and professional way that lets you easily share information with friends or colleagues.
7. Mindful Journaling
Apple’s Journal app will be better soon. It is now possible to log your mood with funny shapes and observe changes in the dynamics of your emotions. No matter if you’re having a ‘cloudy’ or a ‘sunny’ day, this simple tool is ideal for brief reflections and syncs with Apple Health to aid in tracking your emotional state.
8. Customize Control Center
More specifically, the Control Center of iOS 18 is now fully customizable, which is great news for power users. You can add new controls, even from third-party apps, and put them where you want them. No matter if you have a desire to have a fast way of handling smart home devices or simply like having more buttons to fiddle with – it’s your Control Center, your decision.
9. Lock Down Sensitive Apps
We all have our secrets apps that we do not wish other people peeping into. New in iOS 18, you can put apps in a private category, which are protected by Face ID or password access only. It is like having a safety deposit box for your most personal applications on the gadget.
Ready to Upgrade?
To get iOS 18, all you have to do is navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and if available, update away! If not, patience—it’s rolling out soon. I assure you, once you achieve it, you cannot imagine how you were ever going to survive without these enhancements.
