iOS 18: The 13 most useful little things at a glance
Apple has tweaked many aspects of its iPhone operating system, not just in the area of AI. An overview of 20 worthwhile innovations.
iOS 18 overview with new functions.
(Image: Apple)
The central new functions of iOS 18 are exciting in themselves: for example, the new options for setting up the home screen, the revised control center with multiple pages, iMessage via satellite or, in particular, AI support with Apple Intelligence. But we shouldn't forget the many little things that Apple is working on. We have put together 13 points that we particularly like.
Tracking, flashlight, animations
Anti-tracking function for Wi-Fi: Apple has already tried to curb user tracking by recording Wi-Fi MAC addresses. With iOS 18, a new "Rotate Wi-Fi Address" function has been added that is supposed to work better – among other things by making random changes.
Hide apps and/or secure them with biometrics: Each app can now be set so that it can only be opened after identification via face or fingerprint. There is also the option to hide an app completely in an invisible folder. However, this only works partially with Apple apps in the beta version.
More control for the flashlight: You can now fine-tune the light output from the control center or lock screen – significantly more than the previous levels (which were as well less easily accessible).
Animation at the touch of a button: The action button as well as the volume buttons and even the sleep/wake button on the iPhone now have an animation on the screen when pressed. So you can see what you have pressed.
Distribute WLAN: The new Passwords app allows you to share protected Wi-Fi access with other users using a QR code.
Apple account, iMessage preview, photos
The end of the Apple ID: As expected, Apple is now calling its central access "Apple Account". This should be easier to understand, especially for beginners. We do not yet have the German name. The iCloud page in iOS 18 has also been visually refreshed.
Preview, then send: In the Messages app, link previews are now presented before sending an iMessage message. If you make a mistake, you can react in good time.
Photo collections with a better overview: The Photos app can now recognize invoices, illustrations, QR codes or handwritten content and open them up using filters.
Colorful notes: Apple not only allows icons to be colored, but now also allows text to be colored in the Notes app. However, only certain colors are allowed.
Lock screen icons, action button, gaming
Lock screen icons can be customized: In the future, you will be able to configure the two icons found directly on the lock screen. Instead of just the camera and flashlight, you can store various other functions from the control center, including third-party camera apps in the near future.
Better assignment of the action button: In the future, the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will be able to take on any Control Center function. For example, the button could be used to activate dark mode or low-power mode.
New game mode for the iPhone: Like the Mac, the iPhone can also be set to a state in which the device is optimized for gaming. Background processes are reduced and latency is lowered. The feature is apparently activated automatically when games are called up.
Icons larger and without labels: In addition to the other home screen configuration options, icons can now be displayed slightly larger. The result is that their descriptions (labels) disappear. This makes the iPhone appear tidier.
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