iOS 18 Features and Customizations Overview

Sep 23, 2024

iOS 18 Overview

Introduction

  • Apple released iOS 18 for iPhones.
  • Dylan Stewart, The MacWhisperer, discusses new features and tools.
  • Overview of customization options and upcoming Apple Intelligence.

Key Features of iOS 18

Customizations

  • Home Screen Customization
    • Enter edit mode by pressing and holding the screen until apps wiggle.
    • New Customize option in edit mode:
      • Options to darken home screen tint, adjust app sizes, and switch between light/dark modes.
      • Tinted Option: Color code apps using a slider or eyedropper for specific colors.
    • Apps can be arranged freely, no longer limited to a grid format.
    • Ability to lock/hide apps using Face ID, creating a hidden section in the app library.

Control Center Enhancements

  • New options to customize the control panel directly, no longer needing to go into settings.
  • Editing Controls: Resize and reposition apps, and add new controls from a wider selection.
  • Includes a dedicated music control panel, making music management more accessible.
  • A network settings control panel for quick access to essential connectivity options.

Lock Screen Adjustments

  • Ability to customize shortcuts for the flashlight and camera on the lock screen.

Calendar Improvements

  • New Month View: Clearer layout with more details and various layout options (compact, stacked, detail, list).
  • Integration of Reminders into the calendar for better task management.

Messages Updates

  • Support for RCS (Rich Communication Services) for better messaging with Android users.
  • New Message Effects for text formatting and motion effects in messages.
  • Tapbacks can now include any emoji.
  • Ability to schedule messages for future sending.
  • Introduction of Messaging by Satellite for communication without cellular service.

Notes Enhancements

  • Color options for text and the ability to add audio notes directly into the app.
  • Voice memos can be recorded and transcribed within notes.

New Passwords App

  • A new dedicated app to manage passwords, sync with macOS and iPad.
  • Access to Wi-Fi passwords, passkeys, and authentication messages.

Photos App Updates

  • Enhanced customization features for easier navigation and searching.
  • New cleanup tools for photo editing within the app.
  • Automatic creation of memories and slideshows based on user input.

MacWhisperer Power Tip: Apple Intelligence

  • Introduction of Apple Intelligence, a new suite of AI tools.
  • Collaborates with OpenAI to bring enhanced features to iOS.
  • Writing Tools: Proofreading, tone adjustments, and summarization in various apps.
  • Summarization features in Messages, Emails, and Safari to help manage communication efficiently.

Conclusion

  • iOS 18 brings significant customizations and new features to enhance user experience.
  • Exciting developments with Apple Intelligence expected in the future.
  • Encouragement to engage with comments and subscribe for more updates.