iOS 18: New Features, Updates, Privacy and Security Improvements

Apple’s iOS 18 is poised to revolutionize the user experience for iPhone and iPad owners, building on the strong foundation of its predecessors while introducing a host of exciting new features and improvements. The tech giant unveiled series of iPhone 16, including base model iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus and higher-end smartphones iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This latest update promises to build on previous iterations while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with mobile technology. Also Read: Apple iOS 18.3 all set to release in a week; Here's what we know

Here is a list of features that iOS 18 brings for iPhone users:

Dynamic Widgets and Home Screen Customization:

iOS 18 brings a significant upgrade to home screen personalization. Dynamic widgets now offer a more interactive experience, adjusting their content based on user behavior and preferences. Users can resize and reconfigure these widgets to display real-time updates from apps, making information access more intuitive. Additionally, the new theme options allow for greater customization, with a variety of color schemes and styles that adapt to different times of day or user moods. Also Read: Apple releases iOS 18.3 Public Beta 2; Here are the details

Messages via Satellite:

In iOS 17 and continuing into iOS 18, Messages via Satellite is a feature designed to enhance safety and connectivity in areas without traditional cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. The feature is available in US, UK, and Canada. Also Read: Apple Rolls Out iOS 18.2 Update with Apple Intelligence, Genmoji, Image Playground, and More

Writing, focus and communication:

Apple brings New Writing Tools and language capabilities help you write, summarise longer text and prioritise notifications. Additionally, it helps you create images to express yourself, craft Genmoji for conversations or revisit favourite moments with your own memory movies.

Advanced AI Integration:

Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in iOS 18. The revamped Siri provides more contextual and accurate responses by learning from user interactions. Siri’s new proactive features can anticipate user needs, offering suggestions based on habits and contexts. Additionally, the AI-driven Focus mode intelligently filters notifications and recommends optimal times for focused work or relaxation, tailored to individual routines.

Apple Intelligence:

Apple Intelligence refers to a suite of AI-powered features designed to make your iPhone more responsive, smarter, and more intuitive to your needs. Apple Intelligence will create original images and brand-new Genmoji that are truly personal to you. You can make a custom memory movie based on the description you provide.

Smarter Siri:

Siri is now able to remember the last instruction you gave it, and can provide more detailed information about Apple products. For example, you can ask Siri to reset your AirTag and it will provide step-by-step instructions. If you’re wearing the second generation of AirPods Pro, you can interact with Siri by nodding or shaking your head.  Additionally, it has access to ChatGPT, which allows users to access its expertise and image- and document-understanding capabilities.

Dark look

iOS 18 has a new Dark look that includes app icons and widgets that appear sleeker and darker. You can tint your app icons and widgets with any color, or have iOS suggest a color that matches your wallpaper. Icons in the Notification Tray will now appear in a darker finish when Dark Mode is turned on. You can set your device to automatically switch between light and dark mode based on the time of day.

Photos

The Photos app in iOS 18 has a number of new features, including, redesigned layout in which the app is divided into two sections, with the top two-thirds of the screen showing your photo library and the bottom third showing additional features. You can now search for photos by description, location, when they were taken, and more. Additionally, it can be organized by month, year, and theme. The Cleanup tool removes unnecessary distractions like extra people in the background or clouds, while retaining the original intent of the photo.

Password App

The Passwords app in iOS 18 is a security hub that lets you create, save, and manage all your passwords, passkeys, verification codes, and Wi-Fi credentials. The app alerts you if your passwords are weak or have been exposed in a data breach. The app can be locked and hidden so it can only be accessed with biometric authentication.