Apple has started giving out the iOS 18 operating system to eligible iPhone models worldwide. iOS 18 was previewed earlier this year at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), and it offers various improvements to the user interface as well as several tools and features to help users.
Apple Intelligence is a major highlight of iOS 18, but no new artificial intelligence capabilities have been included in this initial release. Apple stated that these improvements will be accessible on the new iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro devices in subsequent iOS 18 upgrades, beginning with iOS 18.1, which is expected to be released in October.
While Apple Intelligence is not yet available, iOS 18 makes major changes to the entire iPhone experience, including improved customization choices and new utility features like RCS texting support and a separate Passwords app. Here are the top five features of iOS 18, which are currently available in the update:
With iOS 18, Apple introduced the iPhone’s user interface, giving consumers more power over customizing the home screen and power Center layout to their liking. Users may rearrange, resize, and alter the color of app icons and widgets on their home screens, including app icons built particularly for dark mode.
RCS support
After formally announcing it last year, Apple has now brought out Rich Communications Services (RCS) messaging capability on iPhones, allowing for easier text conversation with users across operating systems. RCS compatibility delivers enhanced messaging capabilities that improve interoperability, such as typing indications, delivery and read receipts, better resolution media sharing, and Wi-Fi messaging.
After updating the iPhone to iOS 18, RCS messaging will be enabled by default, and SMS conversations will be automatically upgraded to RCS messaging. Users may turn off RCS texting in Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS texting.
Passwords App
With iOS 18, iPhones now have a separate password management app. Previously part of the Settings app, the new Passwords app organizes passwords and security codes into categories for easy access, such as All, Passkeys, Codes, Wi-Fi, Security, and Deleted. Users can also form a new group to share passwords with family members. The Passwords app is available throughout the whole Apple ecosystem, including Macs and iPads.
iPhone mirroring
The iPhone mirroring capability on Mac devices is a highlight of both iOS 18 and the new macOS Sequoia. This feature allows users to mirror their iPhone’s screen on their Mac and control it from there. When mirroring the iPhone on a Mac, the iPhone display remains turned off or in standby mode. The mirrored screen on the Mac supports trackpad motions and functions in landscape mode.
Photos app redesign
With iOS 18, Apple significantly redesigned the Photos app. The new layout makes it easier to browse and organize memories in your picture collection. Furthermore, new smart features automatically curate and build collections, simplifying media management within the app.
