Get ready, iPhone users! Apple’s brand new operating system, iOS 18, is coming later this year, and it brings a bunch of exciting new features. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect, explained in easy-to-understand terms.
Making Your Phone Your Own
- Home Screen Shuffle: Ever get tired of the same old app layout? With iOS 18, you can finally move your apps and widgets around freely on your home screen. Put your most-used apps right where you can find them, and tuck away the ones you don’t use as often.
- Lock Screen Love: Want to personalize your lock screen too? iOS 18 lets you choose which buttons appear at the bottom, so you can have quick access to the things you use most, like the flashlight or camera.
- App Makeover: App icons are getting a sleek new dark look, and you can even tint them to match your wallpaper! Plus, you can make them bigger or smaller for easier tapping.
Keeping Things Organized
- Smarter Inbox: Feeling overwhelmed by emails? iOS 18 might be your hero. The Mail app is getting an upgrade that automatically sorts your messages into categories, making it easier to find what you’re looking for. (This feature is expected to arrive later this year, not right away with the first update.)
Express Yourself in New Ways
Say Cheese (or Draw!): The Photos app is in for a big change. Your photos will be automatically organized in a single view, making it easier to find that perfect picture. Plus, there are new tools to create fun images based on your own photos or even just your ideas!
The Emoji Whisperer: Ever wished you could have an emoji that perfectly captures how you’re feeling? Well, iOS 18 might have the answer. With a new feature called Genmoji, you can use your iPhone to create custom emojis that reflect your personality. (This feature is expected as a preview with the first update.)
Getting Smarter with Apple Intelligence (Available on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max only)
Apple is introducing a brand new feature called Apple Intelligence, but only for the latest iPhone 15 Pro models. This uses artificial intelligence (AI), a kind of super-smart computer program, to learn about how you use your phone and give you suggestions and help that’s tailored just for you.
Here are some examples of what Apple Intelligence might do:
- Writing Wizard: Need help with your writing? Apple Intelligence can suggest improvements to your grammar and style, or even summarize long articles for you.
- Focus Friend: Feeling overwhelmed by notifications? Apple Intelligence can help you prioritize the ones that are most important and filter out the rest.
- Memory Lane Made Easy: Want to relive a special moment? Apple Intelligence can automatically create short videos based on your photos and videos.
When Can I Get It?
Most of the features mentioned above are expected to be available with the initial release of iOS 18 later this year. However, some features, like the new Mail organization and Genmoji might come as a preview first, with a full release coming in early 2025.
Is My iPhone Compatible?
Apple usually releases new iOS versions for iPhones that are a few years old. You can check if your iPhone is compatible by visiting Apple’s website closer to the release date.
So there you have it! iOS 18 is packed with exciting new features that will make your iPhone even more personal and powerful. With a more customizable look, smarter organization, and fun new ways to express yourself, this update is sure to be a game-changer.