Apple officially unveiled the long-awaited iOS 18 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 on Monday, June 10. According to the company, iOS 18 is a big release. As widely expected, iOS 18 will introduce new customization features, allowing users to adjust the color shade of all app icons. iOS can also suggest colors based on the color scheme of the user's wallpaper.
In addition to customizing wallpapers, widgets, and icons, iOS now lets iPhone users arrange apps and widgets to match their wallpaper, place them to the side or just above the dock for easier access, and it also gives Dark Mode a new look.
Privacy in iOS 18
With a focus on privacy, iOS 18 users will be able to lock apps and require a PIN or Face ID to access them. Data from locked apps will not be visible in searches or in other apps. Additionally, users will be able to hide apps, such as dating apps, in a secure hidden folder that is also locked, the tech giant said at the conference.
Currently, allowing an app to access your contacts means sharing your entire list, but in iOS 18, users will be able to choose specific contacts to share, plus developers will have access to new, more privacy-friendly ways to pair accessories.
With iOS 18, iPhones will support SMS messaging over satellite.
Photo app's “biggest overhaul”
According to Apple's Federighi, the Photos app will receive its “biggest redesign ever.” The new update will help users organize their libraries and make it easier to find photos. The new update also brings Game Mode to iPhone, minimizing background activity to keep performance high. The tech giant said it will also improve the responsiveness of AirPods and game controllers.
Tapbacks added to messages
iOS 18 brings a big update to Messages tapbacks, allowing users to react to messages with colored emojis and stickers, just like in other messaging apps, plus the ability to schedule messages and format text (underline, strikethrough, etc.).
Apple is also rolling out RCS support in iOS 18, which was previously announced with an unclear timeline.
