iOS 18 new features: Apple released iOS 18 this month. Here’s a look at some of the new features.
Before you download
You need to know two key items before upgrading to iOS 18.
First, the new iOS requires almost 4GB of space.
Second, just installing iOS 18 will not put any of AI features (aka Apple Intelligence) on your phone. Apple will not release the new AI features until iOS 18.1 at least. You need to be running iPhone 15 Pro and above for it work on your iPhone. And Apple Intelligence requires an additional 4GB of space.
This blog focuses on the features included in iOS 18 which other iPhones can access.
New security features
Apple updated several security features in iOS 18. One I love is the ability to lock an app so only your face ID will open the app. This is great for folks who let their kids play with their phones.
You can even hide apps completely. I worry about not so technical folks being unable to find the hidden apps. I recommend you lock the apps with face id instead.
Details on how to lock and hide apps here.
Big changes to Photos and Albums
Apple revamped the Photos App. If you’re a visual person, the changes can be jarring. I do love that Apple made it easier to create albums. For folks who take pictures for work, being able to easily create and organize albums is a plus.
Besides a better layout, you can also filter out items. If you are at the top of Photos App, you should see Up and Down arrows on the lower left hand side, click on those. Next you get sorting options including a Filter option. You can filter Screenshots, Edited, and Photos for easier searching.
New custom lockscreen and home screen options
Yes, you can finally take the flashlight off your lock screen. If you’re someone who accidentally activates the flashlight feature (and drain the battery), you will appreciate now being able to take the flashlight off the lock screen. You can also add new items.
Hold down the lock screen until you get the Customize option at the bottom. Click the minus sign on the flashlight. Then click the + sign to search for controls you can add.
Details on how to customize the home screen in iOS 18.
Home screen changes: you can now make the app icons bigger and remove app names. Also you can recolour the app icons for light or dark or select a colour from your wallpaper. More on the home screen customization here.
New notes features
Apple added some new toys in the notes features. Now you can do math inside the note (see screenshot above).
Other notes highlights include being able to record and transcribe audio inside your notes, new highlighting options and formatting options like collapsing text under a header.
iOS 18 new features
Apple added mainly visual changes in iOS 18 plus some more tools in the apps. Definitely worth installing the update.
If you don’t have the required 4GB free space you can upgrade to 17.7 and get the security updates until you free up space or upgrade your iPhone.
