At WWDC 2024, Apple provided a sneak peek into iOS 18, a significant update introducing new customization features and the debut of Apple Intelligence, promising a smarter and more personalized experience across iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.
Key Features of iOS 18 -
New Customization Options -
Users can now personalize their Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center with greater flexibility.
- Home Screen - Arrange apps and widgets anywhere on the screen, including above the dock, and resize widgets for a tailored appearance.
- Control Center Redesign - Access daily controls more conveniently with customization options for media playback, Home controls, and connectivity, including support for third-party app controls.
- Lock Screen Customization - Switch or remove controls at the bottom of the Lock Screen and utilize the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max for quick access.
Photos App Enhancements -
- Unified View - Simplifies browsing with a streamlined grid view and introduces new collections, enabling users to explore themes without the need for content organization into albums.
- Carousel View - Showcases favourite individuals, pets, locations, and more, featuring autoplaying content across the application. Users can personalize the app for organizing and pinning collections to their liking.
Enhanced Messaging -
iMessage has been enhanced with dynamic text effects, enabling users to animate letters, words, phrases, or emojis.
- Personalization - users can employ various formatting options such as bold, underline, italics, and strikethrough. Additionally, Tapbacks now accommodate any emoji or sticker, and users have the ability to schedule messages.
- RCS Support - Richer media and more dependable group messaging for non-Apple contacts.
- Messages via Satellite - In situations where cellular and Wi-Fi connections are unavailable, Messages via Satellite allows for the transmission of text, emoji, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS, ensuring end-to-end encryption.
Mail Enhancements -
- Emails are categorized directly on the device into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.
- A novel digest view gathers pertinent emails from businesses, facilitating rapid scanning.
Safari Updates -
Safari now provides simplified information discovery through Highlights and an updated Reader experience. Machine learning technology uncovers crucial webpage details such as summaries, locations, and music tracks.
Passwords App -
The recently introduced Passwords app, constructed upon Keychain, offers effortless accessibility to passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi credentials, and verification codes. It also incorporates notifications for weak or recycled passwords, as well as those associated with known data breaches.
Privacy Features -
iOS 18 boosts user management capabilities concerning app visibility, contact sharing, and accessory connections.
- Locked and Hidden Apps - Users have the option to lock or conceal apps, ensuring the privacy of notifications and content.
- Selective Contact Sharing - Users can opt to share particular contacts with apps, providing greater control over personal information.
- Accessory Privacy - Seamless connectivity with third-party accessories is facilitated without disclosing all devices on a network.
Apple Intelligence -
Apple Intelligence elevates writing and communication capabilities across iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.
- Writing Tools - These systemwide utilities enable text rewriting, proofreading, and summarization within various applications.
- Image Playground - Users can craft engaging images using Animation, Illustration, or Sketch styles.
- Memories in Photos - This feature generates narratives from selected photos and videos while eliminating distracting elements.
- Advanced Siri - Enhancing natural and contextually relevant interactions, Siri now offers more nuanced text and voice options.
- Private Cloud Compute - Striking a balance between on-device processing and server-based models ensures user privacy.
- ChatGPT Integration - Users gain access to ChatGPT for expert advice and image/document comprehension.
Additional Features -
- Apple Maps now enables users to explore hiking trails in national parks, craft personalized walking routes, and save favourite locations for offline access.
- Game Mode ensures consistent frame rates and responsive accessories, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
- With Apple Pay, users can redeem rewards, manage instalments, and utilize Tap to Cash for swift transactions.
- SharePlay with Apple Music facilitates shared music control, fostering a more engaging listening session.
- AirPods receive enhancements including personalized interactions with Siri, enhanced call quality, and reduced audio latency for gaming.
- The Notes app offers instant solutions for formulas and equations, collapsible sections, and the ability to highlight important information.
- The Journal app features an Insights view, advanced search and sorting capabilities for entries, mindful minutes tracking, and a Journal widget.
- Calendar integrates seamlessly with Reminders, introduces an updated month view, and improves task management functionality.
- The Health app boasts a redesigned Medical ID, improved understanding of pregnancy-related data, and emergency SOS live video capabilities.
- The Home app now offers guest access control, hands-free unlock with home keys, and insights into energy usage.
- Accessibility features such as Eye Tracking, Music Haptics, and Vocal Shortcuts enhance the user experience for individuals with diverse needs.
Availability -
- Developer Beta is accessible via the Apple Developer Program.
- Public Beta will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program next month.
- The Full Release of iOS 18 is slated for this fall as a complimentary update for iPhone Xs and newer models.
- The Beta version of Apple Intelligence is accessible on iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and M1 iPad and Mac devices featuring U.S. English Siri.
