Apple unveils iOS 18, introducing extensive customization options, a comprehensive Photos app overhaul, enhanced communication features, and the new Apple Intelligence system.
Three iPhone 15 Pro devices showcase a personalized Home Screen, advanced Tapbacks in Messages, and the redesigned Photos app.
Cupertino, California – Apple today showcased iOS 18, a significant update offering new customization capabilities, the largest redesign of the Photos app to date, innovative inbox management in Mail, and satellite-enabled messaging. Users can now arrange apps and widgets freely on the Home Screen, customize Lock Screen buttons, and access more controls via Control Center. The Photos app presents a unified library view with new collections, while Mail sorts emails using on-device intelligence. Satellite messaging in the Messages app allows communication without cellular or Wi-Fi.
iOS 18 also debuts Apple Intelligence, a personal system leveraging generative models and personal context to enhance user experience while maintaining privacy. Integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, it uses Apple silicon to understand and generate language and images, streamline app interactions, and simplify daily tasks.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, said, “iOS 18 is a monumental release with remarkable features that offer new levels of customization and capability. The redesigned Photos app and enhanced communication features in Messages are just a glimpse of the benefits. Apple Intelligence introduces a new era of personal intelligence, transforming the iPhone experience with privacy at its core.”
Enhanced Customization and Functionality
iPhone users can personalize their Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center. Apps and widgets can be placed anywhere, including above the dock or around wallpaper. Icons and widgets can appear with dark or tinted effects and can be resized for a tailored experience.
The redesigned Control Center offers quicker access to frequently used controls, including media playback and connectivity, with customizable third-party app controls. Users can now modify Lock Screen controls or remove them entirely, with the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro models enabling quick control access.
Revamped Photos App
The Photos app now features a simplified, unified view, with new collections organized by themes. A carousel view updates daily with highlights, and autoplaying content brings libraries to life. The app’s customization allows users to pin frequently accessed collections and personalize the carousel view.
Advanced Messaging
iMessage introduces dynamic text effects, expanded Tapbacks with any emoji or sticker, and scheduled messaging. RCS support enhances messaging with non-Apple devices, offering richer media and more reliable group messaging.
Satellite messaging ensures connectivity in remote areas, using existing iPhone satellite technology for iMessage and SMS communication. Dynamic Island indicates satellite connection status, and iMessages via satellite are end-to-end encrypted.
Updated Mail and Safari
Mail organizes emails into categories like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions, with a new digest view for quick scanning. Safari highlights key webpage information and features a redesigned Reader for distraction-free reading, including summaries and tables of contents for long articles.
New Passwords App
Building on Keychain, the new Passwords app consolidates passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes, and alerts users about weak or compromised passwords.
Enhanced Privacy Features
iOS 18 introduces locked and hidden apps for added privacy, allowing users to secure apps with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. Users can share specific contacts with apps and connect third-party accessories without revealing other devices on their network.
Apple Intelligence
Integrated deeply into iOS 18, Apple Intelligence enhances writing with systemwide tools for rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text in various apps. Image Playground lets users create animated images, while Memories in Photos crafts stories from descriptions and the Clean Up tool removes background distractions from photos.
Siri now offers a more natural and contextually relevant experience, with the ability to switch between text and voice. Private Cloud Compute ensures privacy by balancing on-device processing with server-based models.
Additional Features
Apple Maps now includes thousands of national park hikes, customizable walking routes, and an offline mode. Game Mode improves gaming performance and responsiveness, while Apple Pay offers new ways to redeem rewards and use installments. AirPods gain enhanced call quality and new gesture controls.
New updates to the Notes app, Journal, Calendar, Health app, Emergency SOS, Home app, and Accessibility features further enhance the iPhone experience.
Availability
The iOS 18 developer beta is available today, with a public beta next month. The full release will be available this fall for iPhone Xs and later. Apple Intelligence will initially be available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and devices with M1 or later. For more details, visit Apple’s iOS 18 preview and Apple Intelligence.
Note: Features are subject to change and availability may vary by region, language, and device. For more information, visit Apple’s website.
