iOS 18: Top 5 Features Overview

Introduction

• Released date: Mid-2024
• Available for public beta; full release in September
• Focus: New features exclusive to iPhone, less emphasis on the Apple ecosystem

Content Overview

• Excludes: Apple Intelligence features (will be covered in a separate video)

Top 5 Features

1. Control Center Changes

• Design: More colorful, paginated (3 pages)
• Customization:
  • Plus button reveals grid for customizing layout and size
  • Expanded list of Apple app controls
  • Upcoming: Third-party app controls
• New Controls:
  • Flashlight intensity and beam width controls
  • New button to turn off the phone
  • Customizable lock screen shortcuts

2. Passwords App

• Purpose: Consolidates all password tools into one app
• Features:
  • Saves passwords, wifi passcodes
  • Supports two-factor authentication and passkeys
  • Shared passwords and passkeys within trusted contacts
  • Face ID for logging in (no master password)
• Compatibility: Available on iPhone and Mac; Chrome extension available, no Android app

3. Home Screen Customization

• New Options:
  • Icons can be placed anywhere on the home screen
  • Edit mode: Customize dark mode, light mode, enlarge icons, icon tinting
• Challenges:
  • Mixed results with icon tinting
  • Some third-party and Apple apps don’t support tinting well

4. Smaller New Features

• Game Mode: Prioritizes CPU for games, minimizes Bluetooth latency
• Photos App: Improved smart search (e.g., license plates)
• Shazam Shortcuts: Integrated shortcuts, including action button preset
• RCS Support: High-quality media, typing indicators, read receipts, reactions, still a green bubble

5. Calculator App Updates

• New Features: Basic and scientific calculator, Math Notes
  • Handwrites equations, auto-solves, syncs across devices
  • Variables and graph support, direct handwriting recognition

Conclusion

• Encourages viewers to subscribe for a future deep dive on Apple Intelligence
• Overall: iOS 18 brings both significant and subtle enhancements to user experience.