iOS 18 is here, and it’s Apple’s most personal iPhone update yet

Furthermore, iOS 18 introduces support for scheduled messages in the Messages app. This feature allows you to compose a message and choose a specific time for it to be sent. This is especially useful when you want to send a message to someone at a more appropriate time, such as when the other person is likely to be awake.

iOS 18 upgrades the iPhone’s satellite connectivity features, as well. You can now send SMS messages and iMessages over satellite. There’s also a new Live Activity for the Dynamic Island that will let you know you are connected to satellite.

More new Messages features:

• High-quality Images: Send most images up to 100MB at full resolution over iMessage, depending on device and network conditions.
• Low Quality Image Mode improvements: Send images in Messages as their original size or compressed with minimal quality loss while in Low Quality Image Mode.

  RCS support

  

  Speaking of the Messages app, iOS 18 includes support for RCS messaging for the first time. RCS unlocks better cross-platform communication between iPhone and Android devices. This includes things like read receipts, typing indicators, better group chat support, high quality photos and videos, and more.

  New Control Center

  

  iOS 18 brings a major revamp to Control Center, offering users greater flexibility in customizing the layout and structure of their experience. With the new update, you can now have multiple pages within Control Center, making it easy to swipe between them and access various controls.

  Additionally, Apple has introduced a new API that enables third-party apps to contribute controls to the redesigned Control Center interface. For example, Apple has shown off how the Ford app will use this API to provide Control Center controls for actions such as starting your vehicle, opening the trunk, and more.

  Change Lock Screen controls

  

  iOS 18’s Control Center overhaul extends to the Lock Screen, allowing you to personalize the two controls that appear there. Instead of being limited to the flashlight and camera buttons, you can now replace them with any of the new Control Center controls, including those provided by third-party apps.

  Moreover, these controls can also be assigned to the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16, giving you quick access to your preferred functions without having to unlock your device.

Additionally, Apple Pay and Apple Wallet are introducing new integrations with rewards programs and installment payment options from banks. For example, users in the United States will have the ability to apply for loans directly through Affirm when they check out using Apple Pay, providing a seamless financing option for purchases.

Locking and hiding apps

iOS 18 introduces several new privacy and security enhancements for iPhone users. One notable addition is the ability to lock any app behind Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. This feature ensures that no one can access the app without your authentication, providing an extra layer of security for sensitive or personal information.

Furthermore, iOS 18 now supports hidden apps. When an app is hidden, its name and icon won’t show up on your Home Screen and in search results, and you won’t receive any notifications from the app. Instead, the app can only be accessed through a dedicated hidden apps folder located in the App Library. To open a hidden app, you’ll need to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

More new privacy features:

• Improved Contacts sharing: Choose which contacts to share with an app, instead of giving an app access to all your contacts.
• Accessory Setup Kit: A new way to pair Bluetooth accessories without giving the app visibility of other devices on your network.
• Settings app changes: A redesigned Privacy & Security interface in the Settings app makes it easier to manage what information you’re sharing with apps.

Accessibility

Here are some of the new Accessibility features in iOS 18:

• Eye Tracking allows iPad and iPhone users to control their devices using only eye movements.
• Music Haptics transform music into vibrations and textures on iPhone, enabling deaf or hard-of-hearing users to feel the rhythm and beat through their iPhone’s Taptic Engine.
• Vocal Shortcuts let iPhone and iPad users create personalized spoken phrases for Siri to trigger shortcuts and execute complex actions.
• Vehicle Motion Cues adjust the screen on iPhone and iPad to help reduce nausea for passengers in moving vehicles.
• Accessibility features coming to CarPlay include Voice Control, Color Filters, and Sound Recognition.

Home app upgrades

With the release of iOS 18, the Home app now allows you to grant guest access to specific controls. This feature gives you better control over how and when people can enter your home. You can now provide access to devices such as garage openers, alarm systems, and door locks for specific time periods.

Another addition to iOS 18 is the support for hands-free unlocking of HomeKit smart locks. This feature will enable a truly hands-free experience, using proximity to lock and unlock doors as you arrive and leave automatically. However, to take advantage of this feature, you’ll need a UWB-enabled smart lock, of which none are available.