iOS 18: Features, release date, beta, download, Apple Intelligence

iOS 18 is Apple‘s current operating system for iPhone models, including the new iPhone 16. Previewed during the WWDC 2024 keynote, this software update offers a Home Screen redesign, more privacy features, and, soon, Apple Intelligence.

Release Date

iOS 18 has been available since September 16, 2024. Its first beta was released on June 10, with a public beta made available the following month.

Features

iOS 18 is full of new features for iPhone users. BGR has compiled the most important ones here for you.

iOS 18 is Apple‘s current operating system for iPhone models, including the new iPhone 16. Previewed during the WWDC 2024 keynote, this software update offers a Home Screen redesign, more privacy features, and, soon, Apple Intelligence.

Release Date

iOS 18 has been available since September 16, 2024. Its first beta was released on June 10, with a public beta made available the following month.

Features

iOS 18 is full of new features for iPhone users. BGR has compiled the most important ones here for you.

App icons and widgets can take on a new look with a dark or tinted effect, and users can make apps appear larger to create the perfect experience. In the Lock Screen, it’s possible to choose new widgets instead of the Flashlight and Camera options.

Finally, the Control Center has been redesigned. Users can create new groups of widgets for Home controls, connectivity, and music listening and reorganize the widgets’ locations. The new controls gallery displays the full set of available options, and users can customize how the controls are laid out, including adjusting them to the ideal size and creating entirely new groups. Here’s how to customize the iPhone’s Control Center in iOS 18.

There’s even an over-the-top new interactive flashlight widget. However, with all of these changes, adding a new wallpaper seems more confusing than ever.

Apple has an ambitious plan for iOS 18’s Photos app. With its redesign, Apple wants to make it easier for users to find and relive special moments. With a single-view display, it offers new collections to help users browse by themes without having to organize content into albums.

Collections can be pinned to keep favorites easily accessible. While there was a new carousel view, Apple removed it during the beta test in favor of a more simplified experience. Apple says that auto-playing content throughout the app brings libraries to life “so past moments can be enjoyed while browsing.”

If you disliked the new look, there’s a way to almost bring back the old design. Here’s how to fix the iOS 18 Photos app.

With iOS 18, Apple is adding even more features to Messages. These are the top new functions:

• All-new text effects: You can amplify any letter, word, phrase, or emoji with dynamic, animated appearances

• Personalize messages: Users can better express tone by adding formatting like bold, underline, italics, and strikethrough;

• Tapbacks: Includes any emoji or sticker;

• Schedule messages: Over the iMessage menu, you can schedule a message to send later;

• Messages via satellite: When cellular and Wi-Fi connections aren’t available, you can send and receive texts, emojis, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS.

Building on the foundation of Keychain, the new Passwords app makes it easy for users to access their passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes.In addition, Apple has released new features that let users lock and hide apps. When an app is locked or hidden, content like messages or emails inside the app is hidden from search, notifications, and other places across the system. Users can only unlock it with Face ID and Touch ID. BGR teaches you how to hide and lock iPhone apps in iOS 18.

Event Tickets with Apple Wallet: The new Tickets in Wallet feature improves event information with venue and parking details, in-seat food delivery, and even recommended playlists from Apple Music. It all depends on the promoter.Music Haptics: Apple Music has a breakthrough feature coming with iOS 18, but it’s likely not for you. With Music Haptics, Apple brings a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to experience music on iPhone. The company explains: “With this feature enabled, the Taptic Engine in iPhone plays taps, textures, and refined vibrations to the audio of the music.”

UI tweaks: Apple has tweaked the Shuffle, Repeat, and Autoplay icons with bigger buttons.