Unveiled at WWDC 2024 in June, iOS 18 is Apple’s next major update for iPhones, which has released on September 9, 2024. This new version introduces a host of exciting features, many of which are powered by Apple Intelligence, the company’s own artificial intelligence system. Apple Intelligence combines generative AI with personal context to create “AI for the rest of us,” as Apple puts it. In this review, we’ll dive into the new features of iOS 18 and explore what makes this update stand out.
Apple Intelligence: AI for Everyone
At the heart of iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, a powerful AI feature set that deeply integrates into the operating system. Apple Intelligence is designed to assist users with everything from writing to image creation, making everyday tasks easier and more personalized.
One of the most notable additions is a set of Writing Tools available across all apps. These tools help users rewrite, polish, proofread, and summarize text. You can even change the tone of your writing, making it more concise or ensuring it’s free from spelling and grammar mistakes. Whether you're sending an email or drafting a social media post, these tools can help you sound your best.
For image lovers, there’s the Image Playground app. This app allows you to generate images using prompts or suggestions provided by Apple. You can incorporate pictures of friends and family to create custom photos with different styles, including Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. This feature is built into apps like Messages and Notes, so you can easily generate and share personalized images with just a few taps.
Another fun addition is Genmoji, a feature in the Messages app that lets you create your own custom emojis. Instead of relying on built-in emojis, you can describe what you want (even including friends or family), and Apple Intelligence will create it for you. This adds a new layer of personalization to your messages.
In the Photos app, iOS 18 allows you to create custom Memories. You can simply type in a description, and Apple Intelligence will choose the appropriate photos and videos to match. The Memories include a storyline, music, and chapters, giving them a complete narrative feel. There’s also a Clean Up tool that lets you easily remove unwanted objects from the background of your photos, making editing easier than ever.
A Smarter Siri
Siri has received a major upgrade in iOS 18, thanks to Apple Intelligence. Siri is now more contextually aware, understanding your requests in a more personal and natural way. Whether you prefer to use voice commands or text, Siri can assist you like never before.
One new feature is type to Siri, which allows you to activate Siri with a double tap at the bottom of the display and type your request instead of speaking it. Siri also has more personal context, allowing it to perform actions within apps, like editing photos, managing files, or creating folders.
Siri has a deeper understanding of language in iOS 18. It can keep track of previous requests and knows what’s on your screen, so you can ask follow-up questions or get more information about what you’re viewing. Siri can also search your entire device for information and leverage your personal history to help with everyday tasks.
Apple has given Siri a fresh look as well, featuring a glowing ring around the display when activated.
Customization and Control
While Apple Intelligence is the star of the show, iOS 18 comes with a range of other exciting features that give users more control and customization options.
The Home Screen now offers more flexibility, with the ability to rearrange apps and widgets in open spaces. You can make icons and widgets larger and choose darker versions for dark mode. There’s also an option to add a colored tint for a more personalized look.
The Control Center has been redesigned in iOS 18, allowing users to customize it even more. You can rearrange controls based on what you use the most, and a controls gallery lets you add quick actions, including controls from third-party apps. For the first time, Control Center can be split into multiple screens, giving you dedicated sections for HomeKit, media playback, and more.
On the Lock Screen, the Flashlight and Camera icons are now part of the Control Center and can be swapped for other controls or removed altogether. For those using the iPhone 15 Pro models, you can assign controls to the new Action button as well.
Messages and Photos: Enhanced Communication and Visuals
In the Messages app, iOS 18 brings several long-awaited features. For the first time, you can schedule texts to send at a later time, and the Tapback feature (used for reacting to texts) now supports any emoji. You can also add text effects to individual words or phrases and use formatting options like bold and italic.
Perhaps the most significant change is the shift from SMS/MMS to Rich Communication Services (RCS) for green bubble texts. This means better messaging experiences with Android users, offering higher-quality media sharing, read receipts, and improved group chats.
For iPhone 14 and later models, iOS 18 introduces satellite messaging. If you're without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, you can still send texts, emojis, and Tapbacks via satellite. This works with both iMessage and SMS, although only iMessages are end-to-end encrypted.
The Photos app has also seen improvements, with a simpler view combining the Library and For You tabs. The new Collections feature organizes photos by themes, such as recent days, trips, and people or pets. Collections can be pinned for easy access, ensuring that your favorite moments are always within reach.
Enhanced Privacy and Security
Apple has always been focused on privacy, and iOS 18 continues that trend with several new security features. You can now lock individual apps, requiring Face ID or Touch ID to open them, even when your phone is unlocked. Locked apps won’t send notifications and can’t be accessed in search results.
You also have the option to hide apps, which removes them from the Home Screen and places them in a hidden folder in the App Library. Additionally, when apps ask for contact access, you can now choose to share specific contacts instead of your entire contact list.
Conclusion
iOS 18 is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most feature-packed updates yet. From the powerful AI capabilities of Apple Intelligence to the increased customization options, enhanced privacy features, and smarter Siri, this update has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of creating custom content, improving your productivity, or simply enjoying a more personalized experience, iOS 18 delivers in all aspects. Looking to upgrade to the latest iPhone? Prebook yours now from Authentico.pk – Pakistan's trusted source for authentic products. Enjoy great deals, secure shopping, and fast delivery. Don’t wait, buy the latest Smart Phone today!
