What’s new in iOS 18: improved messaging, customization, and other features

The new tools include customizable app icons and controls, expanded messaging options, and call transcriptions.

iPhone users with smartphones starting with iPhone X and later, as well as the second generation iPhone SE, can now use iOS 18, first announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference this June.

iOS 18 will be rolled out automatically for those who have enabled automatic updates. Others can install it by going to Settings, selecting General, and selecting Software Update.

New iOS 18 tools include customization, more options to reply to messages, enhanced privacy tools, and the Passwords app. Let’s take a look at the new features iOS 18 is bringing to iPhones.

Customizable apps and control center

Android users have been able to move their apps across their device screen window for years, while Apple users were restricted. With iOS 18, Apple is finally lifting those restrictions and allowing users to place app icons and widgets freely on the screen.

In addition, users can control how app icons and widgets are presented by choosing light, dark, and colored tints and making app icons appear larger.

Control Center customization options include adding quick access to controls such as media playback, favorites, home controls and connectivity, and a new controls gallery featuring controls from third-party apps.

Controls from the Lock Screen can also be changed, or entirely removed.

Easier ways to reply to messages

With the new OS update, iPhone owners can now use the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard, which allows them to see typing indicators and whether the message was delivered when texting Android users.

In addition to RCS, iOS 18 brings formatting options to messages which include bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough along with animated text effects with emoji and sticker tapbacks.

Messages can also be scheduled to be sent later. Users can send messages via satellite when cellular and W-Fi networks aren’t available.

Meanwhile, phone calls can now be recorded and transcribed. Call participants will be notified before the recording begins, and all transcribed calls will be saved in the Notes app.

Photos app

With iOS 18, the Photos app is getting what Apple calls the “biggest ever” update, which brings a slightly simplified layout.

Photos app will also feature new customization. According to Apple, the new customizable layout will reflect on memories while users will be able to pin them.

On-device will categorize pictures into collections such as Recent Days, People & Pets, and Trips, making easier to find relevant ones.

Apple Intelligence

In addition to these updates, users who have the latest iPhone 16 smartphones announced last week or iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, will be able to try out some of Apple Intelligence features starting October.

These include categorizing mail messages into separate folders, similar to Gmail. Apple will categorize messages into those of primary importance, transactions, updates, and promotions.

A few AI based tools are also comming to Safari, such as summaries about webpage content, additional information and location’s address.

Withe the October update, Safari Reader will offer streamlined view, a summary, and a table of contents for longer articles, while distraction control feature will enable users to hide banners or other content that they find disruptive.

Some of the Apple’s AI tools, such as Siri updates, will be rollout gradually with iOS updates and stretch to the next year.