iOS 18: 7 Exciting New Features to Explore

iOS 18 brings a host of new features, including customizable home screens, enhanced privacy, and improved app functionality. From redesigned Control Centers to the ability to send money with a tap, there’s something for everyone in this latest update.

CONTENTS:

• iOS 18: substantial update, no AI.
• iOS 18: check eligibility, update now.
• iOS 18: customizable home screen, Control Center.
• iOS 18: Tap to Cash, secure, contactless.
• iOS 18: live transcript, Voice Memos, Notes.
• iOS 18: Notes, auto-calculate, budget.
• iOS 18: Photos redesign, mixed reviews.
• iOS 18: enhanced security, Face ID, banking apps.

Whether you choose to purchase the new iPhone 16 series or not, if you own an eligible device that supports iOS 18, you will still benefit from the latest software features available on the newest iPhones. In other words, purchasing a new iPhone is not a requirement to enjoy these updates, as your existing device will continue to receive all the latest software functionalities.

The good news is that iOS 18 is a substantial update, introducing various new features such as enhanced personalization options, including custom icons, an overhauled Control Center, and the ability to lock and hide apps. However, the much-anticipated ‘AI’ features are not yet ready. Nonetheless, iOS 18 brings a wealth of exciting updates, with six key features standing out above the rest.

In case you haven’t noticed, iOS 18 has been rolling out for the past few hours. If you have automatic updates enabled, your phone will notify you when the update is available for installation. If you prefer to download iOS 18 manually, you can do so by opening the Settings app, then tapping on General > Software Update.

Just a quick reminder: before you proceed with downloading iOS 18, ensure that your device is eligible for the update. iOS 18 is compatible with the second-gen iPhone SE, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and all models from iPhone 11 through iPhone 15.

One of the most noticeable changes with the iOS 18 update is the redesigned home screen. For the first time, iPhone users can place app icons anywhere on the grid, moving away from the previous fixed pattern. Additionally, you can now tint app icons to match your wallpaper, set them to dark mode, or let them adjust automatically from day to night. To customize your home screen, simply long-press on it until the apps start to jiggle, then tap the Edit button in the upper-left corner. You can also adjust app sizes and the brightness of your background.

iOS 18 also brings updates to the Control Center, which is now fully customizable. You can replace all toggles and choose from different sizes, including larger ones. While this might mean you’ll run out of space sooner, you can create multiple pages and adjust them as needed. To customize the Control Center, swipe down from the top-right corner, long-press on the screen, and then resize and reposition the controls across different pages. Tap “Add a Control” at the bottom to view all available options.

You can now remove or replace the camera and flashlight toggles on the Lock Screen, although it might not be as major an update as some had anticipated. While Android users might find it amusing, Apple is finally allowing for greater customization of your iPhone’s home screen. This is a positive development, and we appreciate Apple for making this change!

iOS 18: 7 Exciting New Features to Explore Imagine sending money just by touching and tapping two iPhones together. It might seem incredible at first, but this feature is actually available in iOS 18. To use Tap to Cash, both iPhones must be running iOS 18.

To use Tap to Cash in Apple Wallet, you need to have funds stored in Apple Cash and the recipient’s iPhone must also be on iOS 18. The feature utilizes the iPhone’s NFC chip. To activate it, go to Wallet > Apple Cash > Send or Request > Tap to Cash. Enter the amount you wish to send, tap your iPhone to the recipient’s iPhone, and the transaction is complete. Apple emphasizes that this method of sending cash is secure, as it transfers money without disclosing any personal information, adding an extra layer of privacy.

iOS 18: 7 Exciting New Features to Explore With the iOS 18 update, the Voice Memos app now includes a live transcript feature that displays your speech as you record audio. Previously, users had to rely on third-party apps for transcription, but that’s no longer necessary.

The recording interface is user-friendly, and you can access text transcriptions by tapping the speech bubble icon. This feature is also available in the Notes app, allowing you to record audio and see the transcript simultaneously. It’s a valuable tool for journalists, students, or anyone needing to capture meeting minutes. This AI-driven feature is similar to those found on Google Pixel smartphones.

iOS 18: 7 Exciting New Features to Explore Your iPhone can now function as a diary or ledger to track monthly expenses, such as grocery spending or iPhone EMI payments. While you could already log daily expenses in the Notes app, iOS 18 introduces a feature that automatically calculates numbers for you.

There’s no need for a separate calculator. For instance, if you type a calculation like ‘90+30=’, the Notes app will instantly show the result. You can also use the equals sign to define variables (e.g., ‘EMI = Rs 2500’, ‘Netflix = Rs 200’). You can then incorporate these variables into calculations, and Notes will solve the equations and update the results if the variable values change. This means you can manage your monthly budget effortlessly without needing to create spreadsheets—Notes takes care of it all.

iOS 18: 7 Exciting New Features to Explore The Photos app has undergone a significant overhaul in iOS 18, introducing some notable changes. While the library maintains a familiar look, you’ll now encounter new, automatically generated groups of photos as you scroll. In addition to the usual albums, you’ll find new collection folders like Recent Days, People & Pets, Pinned Collections, Memories, Trips, Utilities, and Media Type, all of which you can customize in terms of visibility and order.

Despite these updates, the new design has faced criticism. Apple’s attempt at a single-page layout has resulted in a more complex and cluttered interface, making navigation more challenging. Users hope Apple will address these concerns and streamline the Photos app for a cleaner experience. Nevertheless, the redesigned app does offer an engaging way to browse your photo collection, though it might benefit from a less overwhelming interface.

iOS 18: 7 Exciting New Features to Explore Apple has enhanced privacy and security in iOS 18 by making it more difficult for unauthorized access to sensitive apps. With this update, you can now use Face ID (or Touch ID or a passphrase, depending on your device) to add an extra layer of protection to any app. This feature is particularly useful for securing sensitive information, such as that found in banking apps like SBI or Paytm.

Given the recent rise in banking scams and fraud in India, this added security measure provides peace of mind for users who rely on digital apps for financial transactions.