Ah, iOS 18—Apple’s latest software update, which rolled out with all the fanfare of a blockbuster movie premiere. While most of the attention’s on Apple Intelligence and the newly redesigned Control Center, there’s a treasure trove of little gems scattered throughout the OS that might not make the headlines but are certainly worth your time. So, let’s dive into the nooks and crannies of iOS 18, where some of the most delightful and useful features are lurking.
Settings: The Marie Kondo Moment
You know that moment when you’re trying to adjust something in an app, and you’re stuck scrolling for eternity through the Settings menu? Well, Apple had an epiphany—why not create an “Apps” menu to centralize all those app-specific settings? Voilà! Now, you won’t need to dig through endless lists to tweak your apps. It’s like decluttering your digital junk drawer, and it sparks a lot more joy.
Photos: Your Screenshot Dumpster’s Been Emptied
Screenshots are great—until they aren’t. Ever tried finding a photo in your library, only to be bombarded with random snapshots of your screen? Now, you can hide screenshots with a quick toggle in the Photos app. And while you’re at it, Photos also automatically organizes your travels and even suggests photos that would make killer wallpapers. Plus, you can now copy photo edits like a pro, which means one perfectly cropped image can lead the way for the rest. It’s like giving your library a personal assistant.
Camera: Snap a Pic, Keep the Vibes
Gone are the days when taking a quick photo kills the mood by cutting off your music. iOS 18 lets your jams keep playing while you take a picture or video. It’s as if Apple realized no one should have to choose between capturing memories and staying in the zone. Also, say hello to the 5-second timer—for when 3 seconds just isn’t enough time to nail that perfect selfie.
Control Center: Power at Your Fingertips
The power button in the Control Center is a game-changer. No more awkward thumb gymnastics trying to simultaneously press volume down and the side button to shut down your phone. Now you can slide into the Control Center and tap away. And while you’re there, customize it with widgets to your heart’s content. It’s like Apple finally gave Control Center its own personal stylist.
Messages: A Playground of Text Effects
Texts are no longer confined to the dull limits of words. You can now animate letters with effects like Explode or Ripple—think of it as emojis on steroids. You can even schedule texts to send later, though this feature is tucked away like a secret hidden in the + menu (because why make it easy?). And let’s not forget full-resolution image sending—up to 100MB, no less. Now you can finally send that crystal-clear cat photo without compression turning it into a pixelated mess.
Safari: Cleaner Browsing, Summarized
Ever visited a webpage only to be greeted by an obnoxious email sign-up popup? Now, Safari’s content cleaner lets you brush that aside, along with other distracting elements. Plus, you can get article summaries before diving in, which is like having the CliffNotes of the internet at your disposal.
Weather: Feels Like… Right in Your Face
Weather just got more user-friendly, merging Feels Like temperatures with the actual temp right in the detailed view. It’s a small touch, but when you’re trying to decide whether to grab that extra sweater, it can feel pretty essential.
Siri: Nods and Shakes, Oh My!
For AirPods users, this one’s subtle but brilliant—nodding or shaking your head can now accept or reject calls via Siri. It’s like giving your AirPods the power of telepathy.
Maps: Become a Hike Hero
Topographic maps and offline hikes are now integrated into Maps, making it feel more like an outdoor adventure guide than a navigation app. Finally, you can plan that wilderness escape with more than just a vague idea of which way is north.
Notes: Where Math and Audio Meet
The Notes app is stepping up its game, supporting math equations and letting you record audio directly within your notes. You can even highlight PDFs like you’re back in college, making this a multitasker’s dream tool.
Utilities and Keyboard: One Language, Many Emojis
Your keyboard now supports multiple languages simultaneously, meaning no more flipping back and forth between language keyboards. You can even search emojis and stickers without scrolling through pages of tiny icons—because, honestly, who has time for that?
Journal: Your Mindfulness Coach
The Journal app isn’t just a blank page anymore. It tracks your time spent writing, nudges you with prompts, and even logs your “mindful minutes.” It’s like having a pocket therapist, minus the bill.
Apple TV: Info at Your Fingertips
The new InSight feature on the Apple TV app gives you all the background info you could want on the cast and music of a show, right as you watch. It’s Amazon Prime Video’s X-Ray, but in Apple’s sleek wrapper.
Accessibility: All Eyes on You
For those who need it, eye tracking is now a reality, letting users control the interface by just looking at it. And for everyone prone to motion sickness in cars, iOS 18’s motion cues add a subtle hint of vehicle movement to help you feel more grounded. It’s like having a digital ginger ale.
That’s the scoop on iOS 18’s best-kept secrets. Sure, the big features steal the spotlight, but these smaller updates are the unsung heroes that make your phone feel that much smarter. So, go on, dive in, and explore—you might just find a new favorite feature.
