iOS 18 – New features and hidden gems

Hardly any new version of iOS brings as many innovations as Apple iOS 18. Here’s a quick summary of the latest features and customization options:

1. Home screen personalization

Apple now allows users to arrange their app icons more freely. You’re no longer limited to the classic grid layout and can leave gaps between icons. There are also color customization options for app icons, including dark icons for Dark Mode to create a more unified look.

2. Apple Intelligence (AI)

One of the biggest new features is Apple’s own artificial intelligence, called Apple Intelligence. It’s deeply integrated into the system and improves, among other things:

Text creation: iOS 18 can rephrase text, generate summaries, or adjust writing style.
Siri improvement: Siri can now understand deeper contextual commands and perform complex tasks within apps.
Image and emoji generation: An AI can create personalized images or emojis based on user descriptions.

3. Messages app with RCS and new features

With iOS 18, Apple is finally integrating RCS (Rich Communication Services), which improves messaging with Android users:

Better media quality for photos and videos
Read receipts and “Typing…” indicator between iOS and Android
End-to-end encryption for RCS chats

Other new features include:

Scheduled Messages: Users can have a message sent at a specific time.
Animated emojis: Apple introduces Genmojis – AI-generated emojis that can be customized.

4. New Control Center

The Control Center has been completely redesigned:

Users can now create multiple pages with controls.
Widgets and controls can be freely placed and resized.
The music controls have been visually redesigned and can be customized.
Third-party apps can also add their own controls.

5. Improved security & privacy

Lock and hide apps: Users can protect certain apps with Face ID or a passcode, or even completely hide them from the home screen.
More control over app permissions: Apple now lets you fine-tune data sharing in even more detail.

6. Game Mode for better performance

Apple is introducing a Game Mode that:

Background activity reduced to free up more processing power for gaming.
Bluetooth delays minimized, which is especially important for controllers and AirPods.

7. Improved AirDrop & SharePlay features

AirDrop can also forward files over the Internet if devices are out of Bluetooth range.
New SharePlay options to enjoy videos, music, or even games together.

Conclusion

iOS 18 brings extensive customization options, deeper AI integration, and improved communication and security features. In particular, the new Apple Intelligence system sets iOS 18 apart from previous versions.