Anticipated Upgrades in iPhones with the Arrival of iOS 18
And that's a wrap on Apple's significant "Shine Time" event. Naturally, the headlines will focus on the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, the Apple Watch Series 10, and improvements to AirPods. But let's not forget about iOS updates: Apple officially announced when iOS 18 will launch, meaning we have an estimated arrival date for all those exciting new features hitting our iPhones.
This isn't a minor upgrade, by any means. iOS 18 boasts more customization options than ever, including individually tailored Home Screen layouts, color-tinted app icons, and a completely customizable Control Center layout. It also introduces a revamped Photos app, the ability to schedule messages for later, and a more robust version of Apple Notes. Plus, it'll introduce powerful new AI features for compatible iPhones, at least later in the year. Here are the key features of iOS 18 you need to know about.
When does iOS 18 launch?
Apple will officially release iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. Provided your iPhone can run iOS 17, updates to iOS 18 are also available. iOS 18 will be widely available for all eligible devices in all regions at roughly the same time (usually 1 p.m. ET). However, it won't initially ship with Apple Intelligence: Apple's AI features will be accessible for compatible iPhones in October with iOS 18.1. Additionally, not all features will be available at launch.
Credit: Apple
Apple Intelligence: A (mainly) on-device AI assistant
Apple's flagship feature for the iOS 18 era, (even if it's only arriving with iOS 18.1), is named Apple Intelligence. This assistant appears across the operating system and incorporates a series of features, such as:
- Writing Aids: Generate text with prompts, modify text to sound friendlier or more professional, or proofread it. Smart Reply is an additional feature, enabling AI to quickly add context to emails.
- Priority Notifications: Apple Intelligence rearranges your notifications, placing the most important ones at the top. Once it rolls out, we'll see if it can effectively highlight essential alerts. There's also a new Focus mode called Reduce Interruptions, which automatically silences low-priority notifications.
- Summarize Articles or Emails: Apple Intelligence can generate summaries of lengthy emails or articles, saving you time. However, these summaries must be accurate. This feature will be supported in Apple's Mail app and Safari.
- Record Calls: Apple Intelligence enables call recording, with AI-generated transcripts of the calls for you. This transcription feature is also available in Apple Notes.
- Generate Images: Utilize Apple Intelligence to form images based on text prompts. Combine these prompts with sketches, and Apple Intelligence can transform your drawings into complete images. iOS 18 also allows for the creation of emojis based on text prompts.
- Clean Up: Apple's rendition of Google's Magic Eraser, allowing you to remove unwanted spectators from your images.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
According to Apple, with iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence, Siri will be able to process queries even if mistakes are made during speech. Simply correct yourself, and Siri will respond accordingly. Additionally, Apple Intelligence will allow you to identify animal species or item types by taking images, utilizing Google Search.
Apple claims that privacy is a priority with iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence: Your data is used solely to process requests and is never stored. A significant amount of Apple Intelligence operates on-device, but server-based models are utilized for select features. Integration with OpenAI's models is also available for certain features, but can be avoided entirely if desired.
While the existence of Apple Intelligence may sound appealing, its biggest challenge is that it's not available for most iPhones globally at the time of writing. It works with the iPhone 16 series and the iPhone 15 Pro models: iPhone 15 and earlier devices are not compatible. Furthermore, it's only supported on iPads and MacBooks equipped with Apple's M-series chips. Many of Apple Intelligence's features are limited to U.S. English, with support for additional languages coming later. Similarly, certain features will not be accessible in various regions, so it's recommended to check Apple's website for updated information regarding which features will be available on your iPhone.
Credit: Pranay Parab
A built-in password manager
One significant addition to iOS 18 is the new Passwords app. It enhances Apple's existing password manager tools by providing a dedicated app that works on various Apple devices and Windows (via the iCloud for Windows app). Use this to securely store your login credentials, passkeys, and even to create QR codes to share Wi-Fi passwords.
A customizable Control Center
Credit: Apple
You now have the ability to easily rearrange all the tiles in your iPhone's Control Center. Move frequently used features to the bottom-right corner, which is conveniently reachable with your thumb. You can also delete seldom-used features, marking a significant improvement. This functionality is available on all iPhones running iOS 18.
Customize Your Home Screen Like Never Before
Credits: AppleEmbracing the customization possibilities from previous iOS versions, Apple has elevated Home Screen personalization with iOS 18. Now you can shift apps around to any section of the screen: For instance, you could leave the upper half free and only populate the lower half with icons, or you could arrange them wherever you please. This flexibility enables various custom Home Screen layouts, à la Android, and you can even reposition icons to showcase your wallpapers better. Furthermore, you can customize app icon tints: pick a matching color scheme for your wallpaper, or go for a stark contrast.
Credit: Apple
Revamped Messages app
Credits: AppleApple has showered Messages with considerable love in iOS 18. The most significant change, however, is RCS support: Now you and your Android counterparts can send each other superior image and video content, participate in seamless group chats, and enjoy end-to-end encryption. Overall, the experience should be comparable to iMessage (although Apple keeps it green-bubbled). Additionally, iOS 18 introduces scheduled message delivery to avoid disturbing individuals at odd hours. Additional improvements include expanded text formatting options such as underline and strikethrough, a plethora of text effects, and the possibility to react with any emoji you prefer—not merely limited to six preset ones.
Apple Notes Gets a Major Makeover
Credit: Pranay Parab
Credits: Pranay ParabApple Notes receives a substantial overhaul with iOS 18:-Resolve basic arithmetic problems within the app for calculating expenses or shared costs.-Record voice memos.-Incorporate transcription of audio notes if you own an Apple Intelligence-compatible device.-Collapse section headers, reducing scrolling requirements in lengthier notes.
Amplified Privacy and Safety Features
Credits: Pranay ParabiOS 18 amplifies privacy settings on the iPhone with a revamped Privacy & Security options page, where you can quickly assess applications attempting to access various types of data. When apps request access to your contact list, you'll now have the ability to grant access to particular contacts only, while denying access to the rest. This deters apps from sweeping all your contacts when only a few are needed.
Credit: Pranay Parab
Beyond these improvements, keep a lookout for hidden features in iOS 18. From searching call history and utilizing reminders in Apple Calendar, to renaming Siri (if so inclined), there's plenty to anticipate.
The tech community is eagerly awaiting the launch of iOS 18 on September 16, which will bring numerous exciting features to compatible iPhones. Among these features are individually tailored Home Screen layouts, color-tinted app icons, and a customizable Control Center layout.
Apple also announced that updates to iOS 18 will be available for devices that can run iOS 17, ensuring that many users can enjoy the new operating system.
