iOS 18 Hands-On: Top 5 Features!

• All right, it’s mid-2024, so you know what that means: another new version of iOS coming to an iPhone near you. I’ve been testing the newest version of iOS 18 on my iPhone for the past couple weeks now. It’s been in beta, and now that the public beta’s out, you too can test it on an iPhone before it officially releases in September.

This version brings some interesting updates. Last year, almost every new feature was heavily tied to the Apple ecosystem. This time, though, it’s the opposite. The new features stand on their own, enhancing the iPhone experience independently. I’m excited to share these with you.

Before we dive into the top five features, I want to mention that I’m leaving out the Apple Intelligence updates. These are significant but require their own deep dive. I’ll cover them in a separate video once they’re fully testable. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss that.

Number Five: The New Control Center

• The new Control Center is more colorful and now has three pages. The second and third pages offer a full-page visualizer for media and a list of connectivity toggles. While I might not use those pages often, the first page is quite handy.
• When you hit the plus button, a grid appears, allowing you to customize the size and placement of controls. Apple app controls are predominant, but third-party apps will soon be able to build in controls. Imagine a one-touch control to turn on your car’s AC or open a barcode scanner in your favorite app.
• A new flashlight control lets you adjust intensity and beam width. Plus, a new button allows you to turn off your phone directly from the Control Center, similar to Android. You can now customize lock screen controls, moving beyond the default flashlight and camera options.

Number Four: The Passwords App

• iOS 18 introduces a standalone Passwords app, consolidating all the password tools previously buried in settings. This app is user-friendly, supports two-factor authentication and passkeys, and allows password sharing within trusted contacts.
• The app defaults to Face ID for logging in, eliminating the need for a master password. Although there’s no Android version, it’s available on Mac and as a Chrome extension. If you’re entirely within the Apple ecosystem, this might replace your current password manager.

Number Three: Home Screen Customization

• iPhone users can now place icons anywhere on their home screens. Everything still snaps to the grid, but you have more freedom to arrange icons for better accessibility.
• Holding down on the home screen brings up customization options, including dark mode, light mode, and larger icons without text. A new tinting feature lets you match icon colors to your wallpaper, though it’s hit-or-miss. Some icons look great, while others, especially third-party apps, may need updates for better legibility.

Number Two: The Little Things

• There are numerous small updates that enhance the overall experience. Game mode gives CPU priority to games and minimizes Bluetooth latency. The Photos app’s smart search now works much better, making it easier to find specific images.
• Shortcuts to Shazam are now integrated throughout the OS, including an Action button preset. And, RCS support is finally here, enabling high-quality media sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts between iPhone and Android devices.

Number One: The Calculator

• The Calculator app now includes a scientific calculator and a new feature called Math Notes. This turns your calculator into a powerful tool for handwriting equations, solving them in real-time, and syncing across devices.
• Math Notes recognizes handwriting, solves equations, and keeps everything searchable and indexable. It’s a game-changer for students and professionals alike, making math-related tasks easier and more intuitive.

There you have it, the top five features of iOS 18. Don’t forget to subscribe to catch my upcoming video on Apple Intelligence. And before I go, a quick shoutout to Gadget Kings PRS. They’re the best phone repair shop around. If you ever need any repairs or accessories, check them out at Gadget Kings PRS.

Thanks for watching. Catch you in the next one. Peace.