In June, Apple held its WWDC event and unveiled the highly anticipated iOS 18, set to launch in late 2024. This release promises a range of exciting new features for iOS users.
However, Apple often includes numerous hidden features in each update that many overlook. To help you discover these, we’ve highlighted twenty-five lesser-known iOS 18 features below.
Power Button Access via Control Center
Activating the power-off mode on an iPhone can be confusing, mainly if you’re accustomed to guessing and trying different methods. With iOS 18, Apple introduces a new Power button in the Control Center to simplify this process.
Scroll down on your screen and tap the power icon to turn off your device. This feature is handy if your power or volume buttons are unresponsive due to a bulky case and you need to restart your iPhone.
Read More: Effective Ways to Get and Use ChatGPT MacOS App: A Complete Guide!
Hide App Label
iOS 18 introduces an exciting feature that allows you to remove app labels for a cleaner, more aesthetic look. If you prefer to recognize apps by their icons and want a sleeker home screen, you can hide the app names beneath the icons. Here’s how to activate this setting:
- Tap and hold your home screen for a few seconds.
- Select “Edit” and then “Customize.”
- Choose the “Large” tab to hide the app labels.
Enjoy a streamlined, visually appealing app display with this new feature.
T9 Calling
Do you envy Android users for their T9 dialer feature, which lets them type a name on the dial pad to find a number? IOS devices have introduced this convenient feature as well. With the latest update, you can open your iPhone’s dial pad and type a contact’s name, just like on older keypad phones, to quickly search for and dial their number.
Search Call History
Have you ever accidentally called a contact while searching for a number in your Records? With iOS 18, this common mishap is set to become a thing of the past. The update introduces a default search bar in the Recents section, allowing you to quickly find a contact by typing their name or mobile number. This feature eliminates the need for endless scrolling and helps avoid accidental calls.
Customizable Flashlight Width
iOS 18 introduces an exciting feature for iPhone 14 Pro and newer models: Adjustable Flashlight Width. This enhancement allows you to customize the coverage area of your flashlight to suit your needs. To use this feature, open the Dynamic Island and adjust the flashlight beam width using the slider on the right. You can switch between a focused beam and a wide burst of light depending on your requirements.
The Rainbow Clock on the Home Screen
Prepare to be amazed by the home screen customization options in iOS 18. Apple has revamped its UI/UX to offer a more personalized and visually appealing experience. One standout feature is the rainbow-colored clock, which can now adorn your home screen. This vibrant clock contrasts beautifully with your background, adding color and style to your device.
Color Option in Notes
If you enjoy taking colorful notes and highlighting key sections, iOS 18 has a new feature. You can now add vibrant colors to your notes, making them more visually appealing and easier to navigate. Apple offers five color options—purple, pink, orange, blue, and mint. To use these colors, open the Notes app and tap the “Aa” icon to customize your notes.
Links Preview in iMessage
iOS 18 introduces a valuable feature for iMessage: Link Previews. This enhancement transforms simple text URLs into visual website previews, similar to other messaging apps. You’ll be able to see the preview after sending the link, which applies to Safari, social media, and various other types of links. This feature makes it easier to glimpse the content before clicking.
Backspace & Unit Conversion Keys in Calculator
For those who rely on their mobile calculators for quick calculations, iOS 18 brings two significant improvements. Previously, iOS calculators lacked a backspace button, forcing users to restart their calculations if they made a mistake. With iOS 18, a backspace option is introduced to quickly correct errors.
Additionally, iOS 18 includes a unit conversion feature directly within the calculator, eliminating the need to search online for quick conversions. This enhancement brings greater convenience by allowing you to perform unit conversions offline.
App Section in Settings
Apple’s Settings page can make it challenging to find specific apps, as they are scattered throughout. With iOS 18, Apple introduces a dedicated “Apps” section at the bottom of the Settings page, streamlining navigation. Instead of browsing through a long list, you’ll now have a dropdown menu to quickly locate and manage the apps on your device. This update simplifies app management and improves overall user experience.
Pop-Out Bezel Animation
Pressing the power and volume buttons simultaneously on your iOS device expands the bezel. While this update might seem minor, it reflects Apple’s commitment to attention to detail and enhancing user experience through thoughtful design improvements.
Customizable Photos App
iOS 18 introduces the ability to customize and edit the collections in your Photos app, including memories, timelines, trips, and other groupings. This new feature allows you to personalize and manage your photo collections more effectively, enhancing your overall experience with organizing and viewing your images.
Audio Recording Notes & Attachment Menu
In iOS 18, the Notes app gains two valuable features: an attachment option at the bottom suitable for adding media to your notes and recording audio notes directly from the app on your iPhone or iPad. These updates enhance your ability to enrich your notes with multimedia and audio content.
Rotate Wi-Fi Address
iOS 18 introduces a Wi-Fi Rotate feature to reduce Wi-Fi tracking on your iOS device. To enable it, go to Settings, select Wi-Fi, tap on the connected network, and enable the “Change Wi-Fi” option. This feature helps minimize tracking by frequently changing the Wi-Fi network’s identifier.
Added Charging Limits on Your Device
Previously, the charge limit option on iOS devices only allowed setting a maximum charge of 80%. With iOS 18, Apple introduces additional charging limit options, giving you more control over your device’s battery percentage to better manage its health and longevity.
Music Haptics
If you enjoy the subtle haptic feedback when interacting with apps or performing actions on your device, iOS 18 now offers haptics customization. This new feature lets you personalize the haptic sounds and sensations to suit your preferences, enhancing your overall user experience.
Sound Actions
With iOS 18, you can assign keywords to trigger specific actions on your iPhone. For example, setting the keyword “photo” will automatically open the camera. To configure this feature, go to Settings, tap Accessibility, Touch, and finally, Sound Actions to set your desired keywords.
The Weather App Will Have Home & Work Locations
iOS 18 introduces a feature that displays weather conditions for your home and work locations on your iPhone. This allows you to check the weather at your office before leaving home and decide if you need to carry an umbrella. To enable this setting, go to the Weather app and access the Weather Settings option on your iOS device.
Share Wi-Fi via QR Codes
iOS 18 now includes a feature similar to Android, allowing you to scan a QR code to connect to a Wi-Fi network. To use this, open the Passwords app on your iPhone, select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to and tap “Share Network QR” to access the QR code for easy connection.
Customized Way to Resize & Add Widgets on Home Screen
iOS 18 introduces widget customization on the home screen. You can add new widgets and manually adjust their size to fit your preferences by tapping and holding your home screen.
Revamped iCloud Screen in Settings App:
iOS 18 redesigns the iCloud Settings screen, shifting from a list view to a grid layout. This update simplifies navigation, reducing the need to scroll through settings.
Reminders in Calendar App:
iOS 18 allows you to add reminders directly within the Calendar app, allowing you to set alerts for upcoming events on your iPhone or iPad.
Remove Icons From the Lock Screen:
You can now remove icons such as the camera and flashlight from your lock screen, achieving a cleaner and more streamlined appearance.
Get Access to Someone’s Screen:
iOS 18 adds remote control capabilities, enabling other users to remotely control their devices through screen-sharing features.
Emergency SOS Live Video:
When making an emergency call, iOS 18 allows you to stream audio and video to provide detailed information about your location, background, and potential threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most exciting new features in iOS 18?
iOS 18 introduces several innovative features, including customizable widget sizes, a redesigned iCloud Settings screen in a grid layout, and the ability to add reminders directly in the Calendar app. Users can also remove icons from the lock screen and use remote control capabilities to share their screen with others.
How can I enable the new widget customization option in iOS 18?
To customize widgets, tap and hold your home screen. You can manually add new widgets and adjust their sizes to fit your preferences.
How do I use the new Wi-Fi Rotate feature to minimize tracking?
Go to Settings on your device, select Wi-Fi, tap on the network you’re connected to, and enable the “Change Wi-Fi” option to rotate your Wi-Fi network identifier and reduce tracking.
Can I now add colorful text and highlights in the Notes app with iOS 18?
Yes, iOS 18 allows you to add vibrant colors to your text and highlight sections in your notes. Open the Notes app and tap the “Aa” icon to access color options.
How does the new link preview feature work in iMessage?
iOS 18 automatically generates a visual preview of links shared in iMessage. After sending a link, you’ll see a website preview, making it easier to understand the content before clicking.
What is the new QR code feature for connecting to Wi-Fi networks?
iOS 18 lets you scan a QR code to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Open the Passwords app, select the desired Wi-Fi network, and tap “Share Network QR” to generate the QR code.
How can I set up the keyword-triggered actions on my iPhone?
Go to Settings, tap Accessibility, then Touch, and select Sound Actions. Here, you can set keywords to trigger specific actions, such as opening the camera with the word “photo.”
What does the Remote Control access feature involve?
iOS 18 now supports remote control capabilities, allowing other users to remotely control your device through screen-sharing features, which can be helpful for troubleshooting or collaborative tasks.
Conclusion
iOS 18 brings many innovative and hidden features to enhance your user experience and streamline everyday tasks. These updates showcase Apple’s commitment to functionality and convenience, from the ability to customize widgets and adjust flashlight settings to the new QR code Wi-Fi connectivity and improved link previews in iMessages.
The revamped iCloud settings, new unit conversion options in the calculator, and expanded haptic customization demonstrate Apple’s focus on detail and user preferences. Features like remote control access, live video during emergency calls, and customizable lock screens further illustrate the platform’s versatility.
