Top iOS 18 features we can’t wait to use

Apple kicked off WWDC 2024 with a host of cool new announcements for its ecosystem. From a brand new VisionOS update to Apple Intelligence, there was a lot to take in for fans and tech enthusiasts alike.

Not surprisingly, among the key talking points is the upcoming iOS 18 update. It is set to bring in a host of new features, including customisable home screens, upgraded messages, as well as a revamp for the Photos app, among others.

In case you missed out on the announcement, we have curated some of the top features that we’re most excited about.

Top iOS 18 features to look out for

Here are some of the most exciting new features and improvements coming with the iOS 18 update later this year:

Customisable home screen and apps

iOS users will soon be able to customise their home screen apps, as well as lock screen functions. Previous updates only allowed users to modify the device with new wallpapers, backgrounds and fonts.

However, this time around, you can go from rearranging your apps a certain way to adding a tint of your choice to the icons as well. If that’s not all, iOS 18 will also let you swap the camera and flashlight icons on the lock screen with other functions, such as notes.

Updated control centre

Apple introduced a new layout to its Control Centre in 2020, and it is now getting exciting new capabilities with the iOS 18 update. Users will now have ‘more control’ over their apps and how they can be easily used via the Control Centre.

Apart from the basic playback controls, users will soon be able to add shortcuts to more third-party apps. They will also be able to resize the shortcut from just a quick icon to something resembling a widget. What’s more, instead of just one slide, you will be able to add more ‘pages’ to the control centre.

Privacy for apps

In a move to strengthen privacy and security, Apple introduced a feature that will help you lock your app. Locked apps will typically require a face ID or password to access and will also hide notifications that can be otherwise accessed using search. Apart from this, iOS 18 will also bring in a ‘hidden’ folder for apps to make sure sensitive data can only be accessed via a passcode.

Messages upgrade

The Messages app on iPhone is also receiving a major update with RCS support. One of the changes coming to it will include more emoji options for users to ‘Tapback’ to a message. Apart from this, Apple has also included a Send Later feature, which can be scheduled to a date in the future.

Lastly, iOS 18 will add in more options to format texts, including amplifying a particular letter, word, phrase or emoji, with dynamic animations.

Updates to apps

iOS 18 also throws in various other upgrades to its native apps. For Maps, users will now be able to navigate through a new topographic route along with trails and hike information. Apple also introduced a ‘Tap to Cash’, which makes payments easier and transfers money using only a tap, much like its AirDrop update.

Another app apart from these that gets a redesign is the Journal app, which will now have access to streaks and other stats. Users will also be able to log their state of mind or mood, and even search for older entries on the app.

Apple Intelligence

With iOS 18, Apple finally hops on to the AI bandwagon with Apple Intelligence. However, for now, the AI update will only be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

It will also bring in improvements to its virtual assistant Siri by making it more capable and users will soon be able to create new images known as ‘Genmojis’.

If that’s not all, Siri will also feature a redesigned, ‘glowy’ light that will now wrap around the screen.

Photos app gets a revamp

Lastly, iOS 18 brings the biggest update to the Photos app. The redesign helps you navigate through your photos better and organises them by year, month, day or event.

So, for instance, you will be able to jump into a collection simply by browsing by ‘Trips’. It will further let you filter out receipts or screenshots and also make identifying groups and pets easier.

While there were a lot of other announcements made at the keynote address, these were certainly our favourite ones, and we can’t wait to get started with them.

iOS 18 is currently only available for developers and will soon roll out as a public beta in July. This will be followed by a final rollout later this year.