With iOS 18, Apple brings innovative features like eye tracking to the iPhone – here are the biggest highlights from the new update.
Cupertino, California – With iOS18 Apple wants to set new standards in terms of innovation and user-friendliness for smartphones. Whether through the new eye-tracking feature, which allows you to control your iPhone using only eye movements, or practical updates such as locking apps via FaceID and currency conversion in the calculator app – this update has something for everyone. Here are the 14 most useful functions that will make your everyday life with the iPhone even smarter and easier.
What’s new in iOS 18 – What’s in the iPhone update?
Apple updates are known for introducing innovative features. But not every update has been received with equal enthusiasm by users. While some, like Dark Mode or FaceID, revolutionized everyday life, there were also less popular changes. For example, the revised app design in iOS 7 was considered too radical by many, and the initial hype around 3D Touch quickly faded, so Apple eventually discontinued the feature. With iOS 18, however, Apple seems to be back on track by putting practical features at the forefront. Below you’ll find the biggest highlights.
Which devices actually run iOS 18?
The iOS 18 update is available for the following devices: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Maxas well as the models iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max. The previous models iPhone 14, 13 and 12 (including the Mini and Pro versions) are compatible. Devices such as the iPhone11, iPhone XS, XR and that iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) also support iOS 18. Older models such as the iPhone X and iPhone 8 are no longer compatible.
The update iPadOS 18 is available for several iPad models. These include the iPad Pro (M4)the iPad Pro 12.9 inch (3rd generation and later) and that iPad Pro 11 inch (from 1st generation). This also iPad mini (M2) as well as the iPad Air (3rd generation and later) support iPadOS 18. Also compatible are the iPad (from 7th generation) and that iPad mini (5th generation and later)Older models are no longer compatible with the update.
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- 1. Eye-tracking: control with the eyes – An innovative way to control your iPhone without touching it.
- 2. Schedule messages – Write SMS in advance and send it automatically later.
- 3. FaceID for apps – Secure apps with FaceID for extra protection.
- 4. Screen sharing in FaceTime and iMessage – Share content in real time directly via FaceTime or iMessage.
- 5. Mathematical Notes – Write equations and have them solved automatically.
- 6. Customizable Control Center – Customize the Control Center to your liking.
- 7. Currency converter in the calculator app – Switch between different currencies directly in the calculator.
- 8. Set battery charge limit – Set a maximum charge limit for your battery.
- 9. Improved maps app – Apple Maps now provides more details on elevation changes.
- 10. Safari: Hide distracting elements – Hide distracting elements while surfing the web.
- 11. Voice memos with automatic transcription – Have your voice recordings automatically converted into text.
- 12. More emoji reactions and text effects on iMessage – Make your messages more expressive with new options.
- 13. Revised Photos app – Sort your albums individually and customize the view.
- 14. New password app – Save your passwords in a special app.
1. Eye-tracking: control with the eyes
With the new eye-tracking feature, you can control your screen using only your gaze. It was developed to make it easier for people with motor disabilities to use, but also as an alternative control method for everyone.
2. Schedule messages
The scheduled sending feature lets you schedule messages to be sent at a later time. Ideal for birthday greetings or important reminders that you don’t want to miss.
3. FaceID for apps
You can now lock individual apps with FaceID to better protect your data. Whether it’s a banking app or private notes – this function offers an additional level of security and ensures that only you have access.
4. Screen sharing in FaceTime and iMessage
The new screen sharing feature makes it easy to show content like photos or documents during a video call or message. Ideal for collaborative projects, meetings, or just to demonstrate something.
5. Mathematical Notes
This feature allows you to create handwritten calculations in the notes that are solved immediately. A handy tool for quick work on the go or for students taking notes.
6. Customizable Control Center
With iOS 18, you can customize Control Center by moving features around as you like. This gives you quick access to the tools you use most and saves time navigating.
7. Currency converter in the calculator app
The calculator now has a handy currency conversion feature that allows you to convert currencies on the go without additional apps. Simply enter and get the result immediately – perfect for traveling.
8. Set battery charge limit
This feature allows you to decide what percentage your battery should be charged to extend its lifespan. Particularly useful for reducing battery wear and using it more sustainably.
9. Improved maps app
With the new update for Apple Maps, you get more precise information about topography, especially altitude. This makes the app more useful for hikers or cyclists who travel in mountainous regions.
10. Safari: Hide distracting elements
Safari now offers a feature that lets you hide distracting content on websites so you can better focus on the content at hand. This makes for a cleaner and more focused browsing experience.
11. Voice memos with automatic transcription
Voice memos in iOS 18 can now be automatically transcribed. This feature saves time and allows you to capture important notes and thoughts in text form without having to type them manually.
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12. More emoji reactions and text effects on iMessage
iMessage now offers a variety of emoji reactions as well as dramatic text formatting. From text effects to animated fonts, you can add more creativity to your messages and add more expression to your conversation.
13. Revised Photos app
The Photos app has been redesigned with the iOS 18 update. You can now organize albums better, sort them according to your preferences, and make your photo collection more organized so you can find what you’re looking for more quickly.
14. New password app
The new password app offers a secure storage location for all your passwords. This means you have everything in one place and no longer have to rely on notes or other unsafe storage locations. Security is the top priority here.
With iOS 18, Apple is bringing many practical innovations that make the iPhone even more versatile. Whether you like to schedule messages, control your device with a glance, or have more control over your apps and battery – there is something for everyone. Even smaller features, such as the Safari adjustments or the revised Photos app, round out the user experience. Overall, the update offers many useful improvements without pushing itself too much into the foreground.
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