Finding your way around a new iPhone update can be tricky. Everyone wants their phone to do more, work faster, and look better. iOS 18 is here with some fresh features that promise exactly that.
This update brings standout improvements like a colourful Control Centre, a Passwords app for easy access to your logins, and ways to make the home screen truly yours.
With the public beta of iOS 18 out now and its full release due in September 2024, there’s a lot to get excited about.
This blog post walks you through the top 5 features of iOS 18.
These upgrades will ensure your iPhone stands out in both function and style. Get ready for an upgrade like no other!
Key Takeaways
- iOS 18 will be out in mid-2024, with a public beta now available. It lets iPhones do more without needing other devices.
- The update includes a colourful Control Centre that’s easy to use, and you can change settings quickly. There are also new torch options.
- Apple introduces a Passwords app for managing all your login details in one place. It supports two-factor authentication and safe password sharing.
- You can customise your home screen by moving icons around, changing their size, or adjusting the colour theme.
- Other cool features include improvements to the calculator app, game mode enhancements for smoother play, and better photo search tools in Photos app.
Testing Phase and General Observations
iOS 18 is set for a mid-2024 release, now in beta testing. This phase tests how well it works on its own, without needing other devices.
Mid-2024 release and beta testing
Mid-2024 marks the release and testing phase for iOS 18. The author spent a few weeks trying it on an iPhone. Before the official launch in September 2024, there is a public beta version available.
This means people can try it early and see how it works on their iPhones.
Focus on standalone iPhone functionality
iOS 18 makes iPhones work better on their own. You don’t need other devices to get the most out of your iPhone now. This update lets you do more without connecting to a Mac or iPad.
For example, setting up Face ID and Touch ID is easier. Managing passwords with iCloud Keychain also got simpler. You can share passkeys safely now too.
The new system supports lock screen changes with just your phone. Changing how your home screen looks or picking what information shows up first doesn’t need extra steps on a computer anymore.
Next, we’ll look at the refreshed Control Centre that adds more colour and options for personalisation.
New Control Centre
The New Control Centre brings a splash of colour and easier access. Users can now change settings with a swipe, making iPhone use more fun.
Colourful and paginated layout
Control Centre now shines with colourful and paginated pages. It splits into three parts. Users see a bright display of controls on the first page. On the second, there’s a full-page media player for songs and videos.
The third lets you switch settings in one touch. You can change its look using a grid system.
Next, let’s talk about customisable controls and the new flashlight options in this redesigned space.
Customisable controls and flashlight options
Moving from the new layout, iOS 18 brings something exciting. You can now tweak control centre buttons and flashlight settings. This means users get to decide which apps or features show up in their control centre.
Want a shortcut for your messages app or camera? Just add them in.
The flashlight gets an upgrade too. Users can change how bright it shines or how wide the light spreads. No more fumbling with settings in the dark; just a few taps and you’ve got the exact light you need.
This could be very handy during power cuts or when looking for things in dark places. It shows Apple is thinking about small details that make using iPhones easier every day.
Passwords App
The Passwords App gathers all your secret codes in one place. It makes logging into sites and apps easier with added safety features like two-step verification and code sharing.
Consolidation of password management tools
Apple made a big change. They put all password tools in one app. Before, these were in iPhone settings. Now, it’s easier to keep passwords safe. This new app also helps with two-factor authentication and sharing passwords.
You can now find every password in one place. This means no more searching through settings for your login info or security codes. Plus, sharing access without giving the password itself is simpler, keeping things secure while making life a bit easier.
Two-factor authentication and shared passwords
iOS 18 facilitates password protection effortlessly. It features two-factor authentication and passkeys, granting amplified protection for your accounts. There’s no necessity for a master password recollection because you can utilise Face ID as an alternative.
You also possess the capability to form shared passwords and passkeys with individuals you hold confidence in. This proves beneficial for family accounts or professional groups. Secure sharing of these assists in maintaining everyone’s online safety.
Proceeding, let’s examine the home screen customisation options.
Home Screen Customisation
Change your phone’s front look with home screen customisation. Move icons, add widgets, and make it yours.
Icon placement and widget customisation
You can now place icons anywhere on your home screen. This neat feature lets you organise your iPhone just how you like it. Icons will snap to a grid layout, making everything look tidy.
Plus, with new widget options, customisation has never been better.
Dark, light, and automatic modes give your screen a fresh look any time of day. If you prefer big buttons, there’s a “large button” feature that makes icons bigger and gets rid of text labels.
Want all your icons in one colour? The tinted button option does just that; it changes all home screen icons to the same hue. These tools make your iPhone unique to you.
Content Creation Context
For those who make videos, iOS 18 is planning cool updates on how iPhones understand what we say. Stay tuned for more!
Future video on Apple intelligence features
The store will soon share a video on Apple intelligence features. This tells you about the smart parts of iPhones and iPads. You’ll see how these devices learn your habits to help you more.
Examples like photo editing get easier as the phone suggests quick fixes based on what it knows.
Expect tips on using new tools in the passwords app too. They make keeping track of your online keys safer and simpler. You can look forward to learning about sharing passcodes with family safely, and two-factor authentication tricks to keep hackers out.
Subscription encouragement for updates
To stay ahead with iOS 18 updates, subscribe to our channel. Get all news first-hand and never miss out. Joining means you’ll hear about new features as soon as we do. It’s fast, easy, and keeps you in the loop.
Next up is “Personal Usage and Preferences”.
Personal Usage and Preferences
I use an Android handset myself, but these iOS 18 features make me think twice. Keep reading for more insights!
Author’s use of an Android phone
The author uses an Android phone every day. This shapes how they see and think about iPhone features. They look at iOS 18 with fresh eyes, comparing it to their Android experience.
This means the author can share unique views on new updates like home screen customisation and password tools from a different angle than someone who only uses iPhones might.
Because of this, the author notices things that others might miss. For example, when looking at how iOS 18 lets users change home screens, they compare it directly to Android’s flexibility in the same area.
This helps buyers understand both systems better. The author’s Android background brings a balanced view to discussions about tech like tablets, digital cameras, and social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.
Feedback and Interaction
We always want to know what you think. Your views on the new control centre are very important. We hope you like the colourful layout and easy controls. If you have ideas for third-party apps, tell us! This helps us make things better for you.
Now, let’s talk about customisable home screen icons next.
Feature 1: Customisable Home Screen Icons
You can now place icons anywhere on your iPhone’s home screen. This makes it easy to personalise how your phone looks. Icons snap right into a grid, keeping everything neat. You get to decide where each app goes.
There are also new options for making the icons look different. You can choose dark mode, light mode, or let it adjust automatically. If you like big buttons, there’s a “Large button” option too.
This makes icons bigger and gets rid of text labels under them.
Feature 2: Tinting Home Screen Icons
iOS 18 brings a new look to iPhone home screens. Icons now have tints that match your chosen colour theme. This change makes apps stand out against the dark grey background. Simple, high-contrast icons from Apple work well with this setup.
But, third-party apps may need updates for clearer visibility.
Next up: incremental enhancements add more value to user experience.
Feature 3: Incremental Enhancements
Moving from changing colours, the next step forward brings us minor yet important updates. These small changes make a big difference in using your iPhone. One key upgrade is the game mode.
Now, games run smoother because they get more power from the CPU. This also cuts down delay for game controllers over Bluetooth.
Another cool change is to the Photos app. It’s easier to find pictures with smarter search tools. Also, we can now use Shazam without opening an app, thanks to shortcuts across iOS 18.
Plus, sending high-quality videos and pictures gets better with RCS support. All these improvements make iPhones more fun and easier to use every day.
Feature 4: Calculator Enhancements
The new iPhone comes with a better calculator. It has a basic look but you can change it to do more complex math. Now, you can write down equations by hand and the calculator will solve them.
This is great for quick homework help or checking your sums on the go.
Your math notes sync across all devices. So, if you start solving something on your iPhone, you can finish on your iPad. Like Wolfram Alpha, this calculator gives clear answers fast.
This makes doing math easier and faster than before.
General Observations and Comments
iOS 18 brings major changes and small updates to improve user experience. Users find the new control centre more colourful and easy to use. They can change controls as they like, adding a flashlight or other tools fast.
The passwords app makes keeping track of passwords simpler, with options for two-factor authentication and sharing passwords safely.
Home screen customisation stands out in iOS 18. Users enjoy placing icons and widgets wherever they like, making their phones feel more personal. However, some think icon tinting needs work to match Android’s features better.
Overall, users are happy with iOS 18’s focus on making things easier and more fun to use every day.
Conclusion
iOS 18 brings new vibes to iPhones. Users test out cool features before the full release in September 2024. You can change your phone’s look with customisable home screen icons and colours.
The Passwords app makes keeping track of passwords easy and safe. A fresh Control Centre offers more colour, pages, and options for a personal touch. Want to share thoughts on these updates? Drop feedback! These changes aim to make your iPhone use smoother and more fun.
