iOS 18 New Features and Changes (Beta 1)

Presented by: Brandon

Overview

• Over 120 new features and changes in iOS 18 (Beta 1).
• More features expected in future betas.

Lock Screen

• Clock Picker: New Gradient.
• Lock Screen Buttons Customization:
  • Albums and three dots moved up.
  • Add custom lock screen buttons.
  • Open app shortcuts (buggy in Beta 1).
• New iOS 18 Default Wallpaper:
  • Four color variations.
  • Available in dark mode.

Home Screen

• Icon Appearance:
  • Dark theme for app icons.
  • Various customization options (light mode, tinted colors, pick specific colors).
• Icon Size: Ability to enlarge icons.
• App Positioning: Place apps in different grid spots without moving others.
• App Icons Changes:
  • Weather app – more transparent cloud.
  • Calculator – redesigned icons.
• Passwords App:
  • Standalone application for iCloud Keychain.
  • Organizes passwords, pass keys, Wi-Fi passwords, 2FA codes.
  • Show Network QR Code for Wi-Fi.
• App Locking with Face ID:
  • Enable locking of apps with Face ID (e.g., Instagram).
  • Hidden app feature.
  • Changes in App Library (hidden folder).
• Parallax Effect for Icons: Can be disabled through Accessibility > Motion.
• Resizable Widgets: Change widget size on-the-fly.

Control Center

• Redesigned UI:
  • Add controls directly (no need to open Settings).
  • Resize controls.
  • Multiple pages for icons and controls.
  • Power icon moved to top right.
• Music Haptics: Feel music beat with haptics. Enabled via Accessibility > Music Haptics.
• Eye Tracking: Control iPhone with eyes (beta).
• Vehicle Motion Cues: Visual indicators for motion sickness.
• Vocal Shortcuts: Custom phrases to perform actions.
• Sound Actions: Use sounds to trigger actions.
• Background Sounds: New sounds "Night" and "Fire" (not yet active).

Dynamic Island

• Flashlight Interface:
  • Animation for intensity and beam width.
  • Improved UX for better control.
• Stopwatch Dynamic Island.

Messages

• Tapback Reactions:
  • Colorful emojis, stickers as reactions.
• Text Effects: Animated text effects for specific phrases.
• Text Formatting: Bold, italic, underline, strikethrough.
• Scheduled Messages: Schedule messages up to 2 weeks in advance.

Phone and Messaging

• SMS via Satellite: Emergency texts via satellite.
• Upcoming RCS Support: Indicated in SMS settings.
• T9 Dialing: Predictive text for phone numbers.
• Redesigned UI for adding contacts.

Safari

• Reader Mode: Redesigned UI for easier access and customization.
• Highlights Feature: Summary view for Safari pages (directions, contact info).
• Updated Tab Icons.

Music

• Queue Improvements:
  • Clear queue option.
  • Improved queuing logic.
• Revamped AirPlay Platter: More rounded and modern design.

AirPods

• Siri Interactions: Head gestures to answer calls.
• Improved Voice Isolation: Enhanced with iOS 18.

Photos

• Library UI Overhaul: Single-page design.
• Hiding Screenshots: Option to hide screenshots.
• Better Search Features: Specific prompts for people and activities.
• Revamped photo and video editing: Location moved to top-left, new buttons.

Calendar and Reminders

• Redesigned Calendar UI:
  • Bold month display.
  • Stacked, detailed view options.
  • Pinch to create space.
• Reminders Sync with Calendar: Integrated for better productivity.

Calculator

• UI and Functionality Changes:
  • Darker AC button.
  • Bold text for results.
  • Backspace button.
  • Conversion feature.
  • Scientific calculator.
  • Math notes (draw equations, automatic solving).

Notes

• Audio Note Transcriptions: Record and transcribe audio within notes.
• Highlight text in different colors.

Game Mode

• New Game Mode:
  • Automatically reduces background activity.
  • Improves latency for connected devices.

Wallet

• Tap to Cash: Pay using Apple Cash with two devices.
• Installments and Rewards: New UI for eligible credit/debit cards and tickets.

Settings

• Reorganized Layout: Prioritized battery, accessibility, general settings.
• Updated iCloud Storage View: Compact, detailed animations.
• Battery Charging Limit Adjustments: Sliding scale for charging limits.
• Improved Search and General Headers: Modern look with previews of usage.

Maps

• Library and Guides Update: Better integration and new features for National Parks.

Health and Fitness

• Rearrange Pinned Metrics:
  • New editing options.
  • Easier access to favorite data.
• Emergency SOS Live Video: Live video streaming to first responders.
• Fitness App Overhaul: Improved interface, more focused on activity rings.
• New Metrics for Home and Work Locations.

Journal

• UI and Functionality Updates:
  • Statistics display.
  • Categorized entries.
  • Search feature for text and audio.
  • State of mind logging.
  • New home screen widgets.

Action Button

• Updated Options: New controls for quick access including music recognition.

Shortcuts

• UI Refresh: Easier access to actions, more intuitive design.

CarPlay

• Contact Photos for iMessage Notifications.

Apple Intelligence

• Upcoming Features: Integration of Pat GPT, new AI features in applications.
  • Not available in Beta 1 yet.

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