Apple’s Hidden Features: 20 Tips and Tricks You Didn’t Know About in iOS 18
- Think you know iOS 18? Think again.
- Your iPhone’s got tricks up its sleeve—time to reveal them.
- These iOS 18 features are too good to stay hidden—let’s dive in.
Apple’s iOS 18 is packed with innovative features and hidden gems designed to enhance your iPhone experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Apple user or just upgraded, these 20 tips and tricks will help you unlock the full potential of your device.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Some of iOS 18's upcoming features.
Advanced Focus Modes
iOS 18 introduces even more customization to Focus modes, allowing you to set different home screens, app notifications, and widget configurations based on time, location, or activity. For example, you can create a “Work” Focus that only shows productivity apps during work hours.
Quick Access to Control Center Widgets
You can now add widgets to your Control Center for quicker access. Simply go to Settings > Control Center, and customize your widget selection. This is great for quickly checking the weather, controlling smart home devices, or accessing your favorite apps.
Enhanced Lock Screen Customization
Personalize your Lock Screen with new widgets, custom wallpapers, and dynamic themes that change based on your activity or the time of day. The new Lock Screen customization options in iOS 18 make it easier than ever to make your iPhone truly yours.
Improved Spotlight Search
Spotlight in iOS 18 is more powerful, integrating deeper into your apps and files. You can now search for specific settings, get web results, and even perform quick actions like sending a message or setting a reminder directly from Spotlight.
Live Text in Videos
Live Text, previously available for photos, now works in videos too. Pause any video, tap the text, and you can copy, translate, or search it right from your screen.
Interactive Widgets
Widgets are no longer just for display. iOS 18 introduces interactive widgets, allowing you to control apps directly from your Home Screen. For instance, you can play or pause music, toggle smart home devices, or scroll through your calendar without opening the app.
Safari Tab Groups
Manage your browsing experience with Safari Tab Groups. Organize your tabs into groups based on projects, interests, or any other category you choose. You can also sync these groups across your Apple devices, making it easier to pick up where you left off.
Mail Remind Me Feature
Never forget an important email again with the new “Remind Me” feature in the Mail app. Set reminders for emails you want to revisit, and your iPhone will notify you at the specified time.
Siri Shortcuts Automation
Siri Shortcuts have become even more powerful, allowing for advanced automation based on time, location, or activity. For example, you can set your iPhone to automatically send a “Goodnight” text and enable Do Not Disturb mode when you plug it in to charge at night.
Improved AirDrop
AirDrop has been upgraded to support faster transfers and larger file sizes. Additionally, iOS 18 allows you to initiate AirDrop transfers via a simple proximity gesture between devices, making sharing even easier.
Battery Usage Insights
New in iOS 18 are detailed battery usage insights. The updated Battery section in Settings shows not just app usage, but also offers suggestions for extending battery life based on your patterns and usage habits.
FaceTime Voice Isolation
Improve your FaceTime audio with Voice Isolation, a new feature that reduces background noise during calls, ensuring your voice comes through crystal clear, even in noisy environments.
App Privacy Reports
iOS 18’s App Privacy Report gives you more transparency into how apps are using your data. You can see which apps have accessed sensitive data like your location, microphone, or camera, and when they did so.
iMessage Enhancements
iMessage in iOS 18 gets several new features, including the ability to edit sent messages, mark conversations as unread, and even use a new “undo send” feature within a few minutes of sending a message.
Universal Control
Universal Control extends beyond the Mac and iPad, allowing you to use your iPhone as part of your multi-device setup. You can drag and drop files, share your clipboard, and even control multiple devices with a single keyboard and mouse.
Digital ID Integration
iOS 18 expands the Wallet app’s functionality with support for digital IDs in more regions. You can now store your driver’s license or other identification securely in the Wallet app, making it easier to access essential documents on the go.
Customizable App Icons
For the first time, iOS 18 allows users to customize app icons without relying on third-party apps or shortcuts. You can choose from a variety of designs provided by Apple or upload your own, giving your Home Screen a fresh look.
Smart Notifications
iOS 18’s new Smart Notifications prioritize alerts based on your usage patterns. Low-priority notifications are grouped together and delivered at a more convenient time, while important notifications are highlighted.
Health Sharing
iOS 18 enhances the Health app with Health Sharing, allowing you to share health data with family members or healthcare providers securely. This feature is especially useful for those managing chronic conditions or caring for loved ones.
Apple Intelligence
We've left this one to the end for two reasons. Firstly, it's arguably the one thing many people know about iOS 18. But secondly, it's arguably the most exciting feature coming to your iPhone soon. Learn more about Apple Intelligence here.
Photo via Digital Trends // After 18 versions, it might be easy to pass off iOS 18 as just another Apple iPhone update. But actually, iOS 18 is a significant update to Apple's most popular product
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