iOS 18 Update Overview

Introduction

• iOS 18 is a major update with over 500 new features and changes.
• Comparison between iOS 17 (left) and iOS 18 (right).

Lock Screen Enhancements

• Quick Actions:
  • Can be removed or customized.
  • Choose different apps for quick access from lock screen.
  • Actions are wallpaper-specific.
• Clock Color:
  • New gradient color for the clock.
  • Additional languages available, sorted alphabetically.
• Dynamic Wallpaper:
  • Changes colors based on time of day.
• Message Notifications:
  • Displays ‘Messages’ instead of contact name in focus mode.

Home Screen Customization

• Icon Modes:
  • Light and dark mode icons available.
  • Tint option for icon customization.
• App Icon Layout:
  • Icons can be moved outside the grid.
  • Option to enlarge icons and remove text labels.
• Widget Resizing:
  • Widgets can be resized on the fly without entering jiggle mode.
• Hide and Lock Apps:
  • Use Face ID to hide or lock apps.
  • Hidden apps stored in a new 'Hidden' folder in the app library.

Control Center Revamp

• Design:
  • Circular icons, customizable layout.
  • Add/remove controls directly from Control Center.
• Pages:
  • Multiple pages for media, home, and connectivity options.
• Shazam and Glyph Icons Updates:
  • Updated designs for flashlight, calculator, and more.

Messaging and RCS Support

• Tapback Reactions:
  • More colorful, additional emoji options.
• Text Effects and Formatting:
  • Apply text effects to individual words.
  • Text formatting options like bold, italics.
• Scheduled Messages:
  • Schedule iMessages up to 2 weeks in advance.
• RCS Integration:
  • Full resolution media sharing with Android users.
  • Typing indicators, read receipts enabled.

Phone and FaceTime Features

• Call Recording:
  • Record and transcribe calls.
• Live Voicemail:
  • Updated UI with full transcript notifications.
• SharePlay Remote Control:
  • Control another person’s device during screen sharing.

Apple Intelligence and Siri Improvements

• Summarized Notifications:
  • Summarizes content from apps and messages.
• Contextual Siri Responses:
  • Improved context awareness for Siri.
• Writing Tools:
  • Proofread, rewrite, and summarize text.

Photos and Camera Enhancements

• Photos App Redesign:
  • Streamlined UI, customizable albums.
• Photo Editing:
  • New editing options, video looping.
• Advanced Camera Features:
  • Play music while recording, pause video recordings.

Safari and Web Highlights

• Distraction Control:
  • Hide unwanted webpage elements.
• Article Highlights:
  • AI-generated summaries for easier content access.

Password Management

• Standalone Password App:
  • Dedicated app for managing passwords and passkeys.
• Wi-Fi QR Codes:
  • Generate QR codes for Wi-Fi sharing.

Accessibility Improvements

• Eye Tracking:
  • Control device with eye movements.
• Vocal Shortcuts:
  • Custom phrases for actions without Siri.
• Music Haptics:
  • Haptic feedback for music rhythm.

Fitness and Health Updates

• Activity Rings:
  • Edit summary interface, pause rings for injuries.
• Vitals Tracking:
  • New insights into health metrics.

Maps and Hiking Features

• Topographic Maps:
  • Detailed elevation maps for hiking.
• Custom Hiking Routes:
  • Create and save custom routes.

Other Significant Changes

• Notes and Math Notes:
  • Record and transcribe audio notes, solve math equations.
• Weather App:
  • Enhanced graphical data and weather predictions.
• Calculator Enhancements:
  • Conversion calculator, math notes integration.
• Home and Smart Devices:
  • Improved guest access schedules, home hub selection.
• Gaming Mode:
  • Optimizes performance and reduces latency during gameplay.

Conclusion

• iOS 18 brings significant customization, efficiency, and functionality improvements.
• Encouragement to explore new features and utilize the updated system.