Apple has officially unveiled iOS 18, the latest iteration of its operating system tailored exclusively for the iPhone. The announcement was made during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), an event dedicated to spotlighting software advancements.
This year’s release is monumental for the mobile platform, with iOS 18 bringing a heightened focus on artificial intelligence.
“We’re thrilled to introduce groundbreaking new intelligence capabilities that we believe will inspire developers, delight users, and enhance the utility of our platforms to an unprecedented degree,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook during the keynote presentation.
Beyond its AI enhancements, Apple highlighted several new customization features. Users now have the flexibility to arrange icons on their home screens without obscuring background images.
“iOS 18 is a significant release that offers more ways to personalize your iPhone, maintain connectivity, and cherish unforgettable moments,” stated Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering.
Users can now tint icons with custom colors, allowing for a uniform aesthetic across all app icons. For example, you can opt to tint all icons yellow for a cohesive look.
The control center has also been upgraded. It extends beyond the initial set of buttons and now includes swipe-down capabilities to access media playback and home controls. Users can edit control center directly by tapping an edit button, and new APIs open the door for third-party developers to create control center shortcuts, even on the lock screen. Apple demonstrated replacing the default camera button on the lock screen with a Snapchat shortcut.
Additionally, apps can now be individually locked using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, rendering them invisible in search results and adding an extra layer of privacy. This feature will be crucial for the enhanced AI functionalities.
The Messages app now includes more robust tapback options, allowing reactions with any emoji or sticker in vibrant colors, much like other messaging platforms. Users can also schedule message sends and use text formatting options like underline and strikethrough. Furthermore, iOS 18 introduces RCS support, previously announced but with an unclear timeline until now.
In the Mail app, new categories akin to Gmail’s system will automatically sort promotional, newsletter, and transactional emails out of the main inbox. A new digest view compiles all relevant emails, such as flight details before a trip, into one accessible place.
The Wallet app gains new features, enabling “tap-to-cash” payments that use Apple Cash to transfer funds instantly by holding two phones together. Event cards are also updated with comprehensive information, including stadium maps.
The recently introduced Journal app receives updates with new insights and faster search capabilities for previous entries. Game mode, which boosts device performance, extends from macOS to iPhone.
The Photos app undergoes a major revamp, featuring a unified, streamlined design. At the top, users will find the familiar photo grid with year and month filters, new buttons for filtering screenshots, and zoom controls for enhanced usability.
Scroll down, and collections categorized by topics like people, trips, and favorite memories become easily accessible. Previously relegated to a separate tab, these memories are now integrated into the main view. Users can also reorganize collections, pin favorites, and personalize the app according to their most cherished photos.
A left swipe reveals the “carousel,” an autoplaying video of favorite photos and videos, offering daily highlights of precious moments.
