Unlocking iOS 18: Hidden Features and Updates You Can’t Miss

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iOS 18, released on September 16, is packed with game-changing features like customizable icons, redesigned Control Center, and RCS support. However, Apple also included a range of smaller but highly useful updates that you may have missed. Let’s dive into these under-the-radar features in iOS 18 that will enhance your everyday experience.

Image Credits: Apple

Simplified Settings

A Cleaner Look for Your Apps

With iOS 18, Apple has decluttered the Settings app by introducing a dedicated “Apps” menu. Instead of listing all apps on the main screen, this new menu makes it easier to find individual app settings without endless scrolling, enhancing user experience.

Photos App Enhancements

A Smarter Way to Manage Media

iOS 18 delivers a host of upgrades to the Photos app. You can now hide screenshots from your library with a simple toggle under “View Options.” Additionally, new content types like documents, receipts, and QR codes are added to the Utilities section. The app automatically organizes travel photos in a “Trips” section and suggests ideal wallpaper images. With iOS 18, you can also copy photo edits and even slow down videos for creative effects.

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Camera Upgrades

No More Pausing Music While Snapping Pics

One of the most user-friendly iOS 18 hidden features is that music will continue to play through your Bluetooth earphones while you capture photos or videos. Plus, the new 5-second timer adds more flexibility when taking shots, making it easier to snap the perfect group photo.

Customizable Control Center

Tailored to Your Needs

The redesigned Control Center in iOS 18 offers a more customizable interface. You can now add widgets and buttons based on your preferences. One standout change is the addition of a power button in the top-right corner, giving users easy access to turn off their device without using the physical buttons.

Enhanced Messaging

New Features for Seamless Conversations

The Messages app has also seen subtle but important updates. Now, you can schedule messages for later, send high-resolution images up to 100MB, and use text effects like Explode or Ripple to animate your messages. New “Tapback” options let you respond to messages with any emoji or sticker, and satellite messaging lets you stay in touch off the grid.

Safari and Web Browsing Improvements

Cleaner, Focused Experience

Safari in iOS 18 introduces a distraction removal feature that hides unnecessary elements like newsletter signups, allowing for a cleaner reading experience. In addition, summary highlights let you preview articles before diving in, while other highlights provide quick insights on people, music, or movies related to the content you’re viewing.

Weather and Siri

Practical Updates for Daily Use

The Weather app in iOS 18 prominently displays “Feels Like” temperature alongside actual temperatures, with detailed wind and gust data. Siri integration with AirPods has also leveled up — you can now respond to calls or messages by shaking or nodding your head, thanks to gesture-based controls.

Podcasts and Notes

New Tools for Better Organization

The Podcasts app has added features like jumping to specific chapters via the progress bar and reordering episodes in the listening queue. Meanwhile, Notes introduces collapsible sections for better document organization, inline PDF search, and even audio recording integration, all aimed at enhancing productivity.

Maps and Navigation

Outdoor Adventures Made Easier

iOS 18 enhances the Maps app by adding topographic maps and hiking routes, making it a competitor to third-party apps like AllTrails. You can now save hikes and routes offline, perfect for exploring U.S. national parks.

Accessibility and Customization

iOS 18 for Everyone

New accessibility features include eye-tracking to control the interface and the ability to set custom utterances for various actions like opening apps or triggering shortcuts. Music Haptics allows users who are deaf or hard of hearing to experience music through the rhythm-matching vibrations of the iPhone’s Taptic Engine.

Conclusion

Small Changes, Big Impact While the big headline features of iOS 18 grab attention, the hidden features add real value and convenience to the user experience. From camera and messaging upgrades to accessibility enhancements, iOS 18 proves that even the smaller changes can significantly improve daily interactions with your iPhone.

Data Source and Image Credits: techcrunch

2 Replies to “Unlocking iOS 18: Hidden Features and Updates You Can’t Miss

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