iOS 18: Over 250 New Features and Changes Are Coming, Apple Says

In the wake of the iPhone 16 launch event on Monday, Apple has released a comprehensive PDF on its website outlining the array of new features and updates coming with iOS 18. The 9,000-word document provides details on over 250 changes, including major feature announcements, smaller tweaks, and some surprises.

Major Updates Highlighted by Apple

Some of the most anticipated changes in iOS 18 include:

• Apple Intelligence: This AI-driven feature offers smarter suggestions and on-device processing. However, it's worth noting that the first iteration of Apple Intelligence will only arrive with iOS 18.1, expected to release in October. It will be exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models. Initially, it will only support U.S. English, but Apple promises broader language support over the next year.
• Home Screen and Control Center Customization: New options to personalize the iPhone's interface.
• Revamped Photos App: A redesigned Photos app that brings improvements to organization, search functionality, and editing tools.
• Messages Enhancements: Expanded features within the Messages app to foster deeper connections and streamline communication.
• New Passwords App: A dedicated app for managing passwords across Apple devices.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Features

While most of the headline features were covered during the keynote, Apple quietly slipped in some smaller, but significant updates. These include:

1. CarPlay with Spatial Audio: CarPlay now supports Spatial Audio in compatible vehicles, a feature that will work with Apple Music and select third-party apps.
2. AirPlay Updates: Spatial Audio is also enabled when streaming to a HomePod or other AirPlay-compatible devices.
3. Matter Integration in Home App: Users can now add and control Wi-Fi-based Matter accessories directly in the Home app without the need for a home hub. This is a move that signals Apple's growing interest in smart home technology.
4. Live Voicemail Expansion: iOS 18 brings Live Voicemail to more languages and regions. This includes:

• English (U.K., Australia, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Puerto Rico)
• Spanish (U.S., Mexico, Spain, Puerto Rico)
• French (France)
• German (Germany)
• Japanese (Japan)
• Mandarin (China, Taiwan, Macao)
• Cantonese (China, Hong Kong, Macao)
• Portuguese (Brazil)

Migration Made Easy

One under-the-radar feature is Apple's new Cabled Migration tool. As described in the document, users can now connect their old iPhone to a new one using a USB-C or USB-C to Lightning cable to speed up the data transfer process. This direct connection bypasses the need for wireless transfers, ensuring faster and more reliable migrations.

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 Release Date

Apple has confirmed that both iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will be available to the public on Monday, September 16, 2024. As with most major software releases, Apple tends to stagger certain features across updates, meaning that users will have to wait for iOS 18.1 for some of the more advanced functionality, particularly those tied to Apple Intelligence.

Apple has also released a similar document for iPadOS 18, with a focus on features specifically designed for the iPad experience. Both documents are available for download on Apple's website (linked below).

Commentary

While Apple’s list of 250+ features paints a picture of a robust and feature-rich iOS update, some might feel the explanations in the PDF are overly brief. For instance, the feature titled "SharePlay on more devices" offers little detail beyond the fact that SharePlay is expanding to HomePod, Apple TV, and Bluetooth speakers. The lack of granular information might leave users wondering exactly how these features will integrate into their daily routines.

On the whole, though, the sheer volume of updates ensures that iOS 18 will offer plenty for everyone, from power users to casual iPhone owners. However, as always, the real test will come when the software is released to the public, and we see how these new features perform in the real world.

Key Takeaways

1. Over 250 new features coming in iOS 18.
2. Major updates include Apple Intelligence, a redesigned Photos app, and enhanced Messages.
3. Features like CarPlay Spatial Audio, Matter integration, and Live Voicemail are expanding.
4. Some features, such as Apple Intelligence, won’t arrive until iOS 18.1 in October.

For a more detailed look at what’s coming, users can download the full iOS 18 feature list from Apple’s website.

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Oliver West

Journalist

With 5 years of experience in tech journalism, Oliver West focuses on creating detailed how-to guides, list articles, and practical tips for optimizing the Apple experience. Whether you're troubleshooting a device or exploring hidden features, Oliver’s guides are trusted by Apple users around the world.