A new iOS version can make your iPhone feel fresh, and iOS 18 does just that with its quality-of-life upgrades and new visuals. The iOS 18 public beta is now available for anyone to try. However, be cautious about installing beta software on a primary phone.
Key Features of iOS 18
Enhanced Control Center
iOS 18 introduces a powerful new Control Center, making it easier to access important settings. You can reach it by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen. It now includes more toggles and options, allows customization of control sizes and positions, and supports third-party controls. Notable additions are the Wi-Fi Hotspot toggle and a new power button for quick shutdowns.
Built-in Passwords App
The new Passwords app centralizes password management by pulling in passwords saved in Safari and iCloud Keychain. It can handle username/password combinations, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and two-factor authentication codes. You can securely share passwords with others using iOS 18 and the Passwords app. While not as robust as dedicated password managers like 1Password, it is more secure than common practices like storing passwords in notes or sending them via text.
Improved Messages App
Messages in iOS 18 now allow reactions with any emoji, similar to Slack, enhancing communication. Though custom emoji creation isn’t available yet, the promise of Genmoji will enable personalized emoji design based on text prompts. This update makes the Messages app more versatile and fun to use.
Customizable Home Screen
For the first time, iPhone users can freely place icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen, similar to Android. You can also change home screen icons to dark mode or select a color tint and choose between small and large icon modes. This customization makes the iPhone’s home screen more personal and user-friendly.
Additional Highlights
- Mail App Categories: The Mail app will soon group messages into categories like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions, similar to Gmail.
- Calculator as a Math Tutor: The Calculator app now includes Math Notes, syncing between iPhone and iPad.
- Phone Call Recording: Users will be able to record calls directly from the Phone app.
- Call Transcriptions: Recorded calls can be transcribed and saved into the Notes app.
- Audio in Notes: The Notes app now supports direct audio recording.
- App Locking: Certain apps can be locked, requiring biometric authentication to open.
- Insight in Apple TV App: The Apple TV app will identify actors and songs in scenes, similar to Prime Video’s X-Ray feature.
Areas for Improvement
Apple Intelligence Features Missing
Despite being a major focus of WWDC 2024, the generative AI features promised for iOS 18 are not yet available in the public beta. These features are expected to make the iPhone smarter and more efficient, and their absence is noticeable.
Photos App Redesign
The Photos app redesign, aimed at better organizing photos, has made it harder to use. Accessing favorites and finding specific timeframes now feels more cumbersome. Google Photos still excels at surfacing interesting memories.
Journal App Limitations
The Journal app, despite new features like formatting options and integration with State of Mind, is limited to the iPhone. Expanding it to the Mac and iPad would enhance its usability, allowing for more comprehensive journaling across devices.
Conclusion
iOS 18 brings significant improvements and new features that enhance the iPhone experience. While some features are still missing or need refinement, the overall updates make iOS 18 a compelling upgrade, breathing new life into your iPhone.
