Apple has officially released its latest software update, iOS 18, and it comes packed with exciting new features. Though the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence isn’t available yet, it still offers plenty for users to explore. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest update, including the iOS 18 release date and the most noteworthy changes.
iOS 18 Release Date
The iOS 18 release date was Monday, 16 September 2024. While some features are available immediately, others, such as Apple Intelligence, will roll out in the coming months. This staggered release gives users time to familiarise themselves with the new changes before the full suite of features becomes available.
iOS 18 Features: What’s New?
Apple’s this new update is being hailed as “more personal than ever.” With a focus on customisation and accessibility, its features a variety of tools to enhance the user experience. Here are some of the key updates you can expect:
1. Scheduled Text Messages
With this update, users can now schedule text messages to be sent at a later time. This long-requested feature allows you to draft a message and pick a future time for it to be delivered.
2. Text Formatting Options
Express yourself with more than just words. iOS 18 features new formatting options for text messages, allowing users to bold, italicise, underline, and even strikethrough their text. This makes messages feel more dynamic and personal.
3. Phone Call Recording
One of the most notable additions is the ability to record and transcribe phone calls. The transcripts are automatically saved in the Notes app, and participants are notified when recording begins. This is a major step forward for users who need to keep records of their conversations.
4. Eye Tracking
For users with accessibility needs, iOS 18 introduces a new feature that allows them to navigate their iPhones using only their eyes. This groundbreaking addition gives people with mobility challenges a new way to interact with their devices.
5. Home Screen Customisation
iOS 18 features a greater degree of home screen customisation than ever before. You can now freely rearrange your app icons and widgets. Additionally, you can change the size and colour of these icons, making your iPhone feel truly personal.
6. Photo Organisation
With iOS 18, on-device intelligence has been improved to help you categorise photos more efficiently. New collections, such as ‘recent days,’ ‘people and pets,’ and ‘trips,’ make it easier to find specific photos. Users can also pin their favourite collections to the top of the gallery for quick access.
7. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
While Apple Intelligence is not yet fully integrated into iOS 18, some early AI-powered features are coming in October. The AI will help users write emails, texts, and notes, and will also assist in categorising Mail messages by time sensitivity, transactions, and promotions. Although AI is still evolving, iOS 18 features are already proving useful.
Control Centre: A New Look and Feel
The Control Centre has received a major overhaul in iOS 18. This familiar quick-access settings panel now offers customisation options that make it feel like a remote control for your phone. You can rearrange, resize, and even delete pages of controls to suit your preferences.
Third-party app developers will also soon be able to add their own controls, making the Control Centre even more versatile.
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Rich Communication Services (RCS) Integration
For the first time, iOS 18 supports Rich Communication Services (RCS). This allows iPhone users to send messages to Android users without falling back on SMS, offering a richer, more dynamic messaging experience. You’ll see typing indicators, read receipts, and proper reactions instead of text-based tapbacks.
This update helps bridge the gap between iPhone and Android, particularly for those who frequently communicate across platforms.
Customising Your Home Screen
For users who love to tinker, iOS 18 features full control over the layout of the home screen. You can place apps and widgets anywhere on the grid, something iPhone users have long wished for. You can even tint app icons to match your wallpaper, giving you unprecedented customisation options.
A New Passwords App
Apple has also introduced a new Passwords app in iOS 18. This app allows you to save and share passwords securely across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices. It’s designed for users who want a simple way to manage their passwords without relying on third-party apps. Families and households can share password groups, making it easy to maintain shared accounts.
Voice Memo Transcription
For those who rely on voice memos, iOS 18 now includes real-time transcription of your recordings. This feature will be invaluable for journalists, students, or anyone who needs accurate transcripts of their conversations.
What’s Missing?
While iOS 18 introduces a lot of exciting features, the most anticipated update—Apple Intelligence—is still on the horizon. The AI-powered assistant is expected to bring features like email summarisation, notification digests, and contextual awareness to iOS 18. However, these capabilities won’t be available until at least 2025.
Conclusion: Is iOS 18 Worth the Upgrade?
Even without the full suite of AI tools, iOS 18 is a significant step forward for Apple. With features like text scheduling, home screen customisation, and phone call transcription, it’s clear that iOS 18 is focused on giving users more control over their devices.
For those excited about AI, the wait might be a little longer, but the iOS 18 release date marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for iPhone users. If you’re looking for greater customisation and improved accessibility, iOS 18 is well worth the upgrade.
