Apple’s iOS 18 has officially launched, and while it might be missing the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence AI features, there’s still plenty to get excited about. The update introduces new customisation options, enhanced privacy measures, and revamped apps that improve your iPhone experience. Though at first glance your phone may look the same, digging into the new features reveals some noteworthy changes.
No Apple Intelligence Yet, But That’s Okay
The big omission in this release is Apple Intelligence, the AI feature that was expected to bring smarter Siri interactions, AI-powered writing tools, and image generation from text prompts. While this feature won’t debut until iOS 18.1, there’s still a lot to appreciate in the update.
Major Boost in Customisation
One of the standout features of iOS 18 is the enhanced customisation options for your Home Screen. Now, you can rearrange apps and widgets more freely, leaving empty spaces for a minimalist look if you prefer. Widgets are resizable, and app icons can be tinted to match your wallpaper, giving your screen a cohesive and stylish vibe. To customise your layout, just long-press the home screen and tap ‘Edit’.
Messaging Gets a Makeover
The Messages app has received a significant upgrade, allowing users to schedule texts, making it easier to send reminders or birthday wishes. The Tapback feature now supports any emoji, expanding your reaction options. Additionally, links shared in messages now generate nicer previews, adding a touch of visual appeal to your conversations.
A More Customisable Control Centre
iOS 18 brings a redesigned Control Centre, offering greater flexibility in how you organise it. You can now rearrange and resize buttons, split it into multiple screens, and even integrate third-party app controls, making it quicker and easier to access your most-used features.
Enhanced Privacy Features
Privacy is a key focus in iOS 18. You can now lock specific apps using Face ID or Touch ID, adding an extra layer of security to sensitive apps like Photos or Messages. There’s also an option to hide apps in a secret folder, invisible in search and notifications. Apps requesting access to your contacts can now be granted access to individual contacts only, keeping the rest of your address book private.
Revamped Photos App
The Photos app has received a helpful update with the new ‘Collections’ feature. It automatically organises your photos into categories like trips, people, and pets, making it much easier to find specific memories. The redesigned library view allows you to customise tabs like ‘Recent Days’, ‘People’, and ‘Memories’ to suit your browsing preferences.
Customisable Lock Screen Buttons
If you’ve ever accidentally turned on your camera or flashlight from the Lock Screen, you’ll appreciate the ability to customise or remove these buttons in iOS 18. You can swap them for other shortcuts like Dark Mode or Voice Memos, tailoring the Lock Screen to your needs.
Distraction Control in Safari
Safari now includes a useful Distraction Control feature, which hides cookie popups, newsletter banners, and other distracting elements on webpages. While it doesn’t block ads, it significantly cleans up your browsing experience. To activate it, tap the Page Menu and select ‘Hide Distracting Items.’
Plenty to Explore in iOS 18
Even without Apple Intelligence, iOS 18 is packed with valuable features. With deeper customisation options, enhanced messaging tools, improved privacy controls, and a more flexible Control Centre, this update offers plenty to enhance your iPhone experience.
