iOS 18 Brings Personalisation and Capability
iOS 18 is now available to download, offering iPhone users around the globe an array of new features designed to enhance personalisation and usability. This update brings deeper customisation options for the Home Screen and Control Center, the most significant redesign of the Photos app, and the introduction of Apple Intelligence, set to transform how users interact with their devices.
More Customisation Than Ever
With iOS 18, users can tailor their Home Screen like never before. The update allows for flexible arrangements of app icons and widgets, enabling a personalised layout that enhances the wallpaper. Users can choose from light, dark, or tinted presentations for app icons and even increase their size for a more streamlined look.
The redesigned Control Center now features powerful groups of controls, including favourites, media playback, and Home controls, which can be organised for easy access. Notably, users can customise controls on the Lock Screen or opt to remove them entirely.
The Biggest Photos Redesign
The Photos app has received its most substantial update yet, simplifying the way users find and relive special moments. A new layout combines the library into a unified view with automatic organisation through intelligent collections like Recent Days, People & Pets, and Trips. Users can further personalise their experience by pinning favourite collections for quick access.
Enhanced Messaging & Phone Experience
Messages has seen significant updates, including new formatting options such as bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough to convey tone more effectively. All-new text effects add vibrancy to conversations, while the introduction of satellite messaging enables users to send texts even without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. For messaging contacts using non-Apple devices, support for RCS provides richer media sharing.
The Phone app now allows users to record and transcribe live calls, with transcripts saved directly to the Notes app for easy reference.
Intelligent Categorisation In Mail
Launching later this year, Mail will introduce categorisation to help users manage their inboxes. Categories like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions will organise messages for a streamlined user experience, making it easier to focus on important communications.
Distraction-Free Browsing With Safari
iOS 18 enhances Safari, the world’s fastest browser, with features like Highlights, which intelligently surface key information post-page load. The redesigned Reader offers a summary and table of contents for longer articles, while Distraction Control allows users to hide disruptive elements on web pages.
A Brand-New Passwords App
The new Passwords app integrates with Keychain, enabling easy access to all credentials, including passwords, passcodes, and verification codes. Users will benefit from enhanced security measures, including alerts for weak or reused passwords and potential data breaches.
Privacy Features Designed To Empower Users
iOS 18 introduces robust privacy tools, allowing users to manage app visibility, contact sharing, and accessory connections. Apps can now be locked or hidden to protect sensitive information, ensuring a more secure experience.
The First Set Of Apple Intelligence Available In December
Apple Intelligence, launching next month in U.S. English, harnesses the power of Apple silicon to provide intelligent assistance across apps. Users can refine their writing with new tools, create personalised Memories in Photos, and enjoy advanced search capabilities. Apple Intelligence will launch in December in Australian English and to other countries around the world.
Siri has been redesigned to enhance user interaction, offering richer language understanding and the ability to switch between text and voice seamlessly.
Additional Features
Apple Maps introduces a new hiking feature, allowing users to browse thousands of trails across national parks and create custom walking routes accessible offline.
Availability
iOS 18 is a free software update available for iPhone Xs and later. For more information on how to install iOS 18, learn more here. Some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPhone models. For feature availability details, visit apple.com/au/ios/feature-availability.
With these updates, iOS 18 redefines the iPhone experience, making it more personal and capable than ever before.