iOS 18 Will Extend Dark Mode to Home Screen Since iOS 13, Dark Mode has been a popular feature, turning system elements and built-in apps dark for easier viewing at night. With iOS 18, Apple is taking it a step further. App icons for Apple’s apps will automatically switch to a darker look when Dark…
iOS 18 Will Extend Dark Mode to Home Screen
Since iOS 13, Dark Mode has been a popular feature, turning system elements and built-in apps dark for easier viewing at night. With iOS 18, Apple is taking it a step further. App icons for Apple’s apps will automatically switch to a darker look when Dark Mode is enabled.
This aligns with rumors from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who suggested iOS 18 might allow customization of app icon colors. The ability to darken icons seems to be part of this larger feature.
Get ready to see iOS 18 unveiled at Apple’s WWDC keynote this coming Monday. Developers can likely expect an early beta right after, with a wider release expected in September.
iOS 18 Will Let You Lock Apps Behind Face ID
Boost your iPhone’s security with app locking in iOS 18
Get ready for an extra layer of privacy on your iPhone! iOS 18 introduces app locking, letting you secure built-in apps like Mail, Messages, Photos, and even Settings with Face ID. This means you’ll need your facial recognition to unlock these apps, even if your iPhone is already unlocked. Touch ID and your passcode are likely to be supported as well.
While Apple already lets you lock specific content within apps (like notes or hidden photos), iOS 18 takes it a step further. Now you can lock the entire app itself. This provides peace of mind, knowing prying eyes can’t access these sensitive areas, even if they have your phone in hand.
For those who’ve used workarounds like Screen Time or Shortcuts for app locking in the past, iOS 18 offers a more streamlined solution. Apple will officially unveil iOS 18 at its WWDC keynote this Monday. Expect to see an early beta for developers shortly after, with a wider release planned for September.
iOS 18 Will Finally Let You React to iMessages With Any Emoji
Get ready to react with flair in Messages with iOS 18:
Remember those little thumbs up and hearts you tap to react to messages? Those are Tapbacks, and they’re getting a major upgrade in iOS 18.
First, say goodbye to their basic designs! Apple is giving Tapbacks a splash of color to make them more visually appealing. But the real game-changer is the ability to use any emoji as a Tapback reaction. This means hundreds of new ways to express yourself, finally catching up to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Finally reacting with that perfect emoji? Yes, please! And the fun doesn’t stop there. iOS 18 is also rumored to bring the ability to schedule messages, a feature many users have been requesting for a long time.
Don’t miss Apple’s WWDC keynote on June 10th to see these new Messages features, along with other exciting updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You can watch the live stream on the Apple Events website, YouTube, Apple TV app, or Apple Developer app.
Apple to Launch Standalone ‘Passwords’ App in iOS 18 and macOS 15
Apple gets serious about passwords with a dedicated app in iOS 18
While Apple already offers password management tucked away in Settings, it’s not exactly user-friendly. This changes with iOS 18! Apple is introducing a brand new, dedicated Passwords app to make managing your logins a breeze.
This app will be built on iCloud Keychain, the same system that currently syncs your passwords across Apple devices. So, expect all the existing features like storing logins, one-time codes, and password generation to be readily available. But there’s more! The Passwords app will also work on the Vision Pro headset and surprisingly, even Windows PCs.
The app goes beyond websites – it’ll manage Wi-Fi passwords and even Passkeys, a new feature that lets you ditch passwords entirely and use Face ID or Touch ID for secure logins. Plus, the app can automatically fill in your login details when needed, saving you time and frustration.
This move signifies Apple’s commitment to password security. They want users to create strong, unique passwords and the Passwords app will be a big step towards that goal. They’re also taking on established password managers like 1Password by allowing you to import your existing passwords from other services.
iOS 18 Rumor: Redesigned Control Center With Customizable Layout
Forget hunting through menus! iOS 18 might bring a whole new way to customize your Control Center. Leaks suggest a drag-and-drop interface, letting you rearrange controls directly on the screen. This is a huge leap from the current system where you can only tweak a few basic options hidden in Settings.
Imagine putting the flashlight toggle right next to the Wi-Fi button for easy access! This would be the biggest Control Center overhaul since iOS 11 in 2017. (For iPhone X and later, Control Center appears with a swipe down from the top right corner, offering shortcuts to functions like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and brightness.)
The wait to see this potential redesign is almost over. Apple will unveil iOS 18 at WWDC on June 10th.
More Features coming on iOS 18
Apple Intelligence (AI)
Improved Siri
Siri has undergone significant improvements to enhance its responsiveness, accuracy, and range of functionalities. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, Siri can now understand and execute more complex commands and respond in a more natural, human-like manner. This includes better contextual understanding, allowing it to remember previous interactions and provide more relevant answers. Additionally, Siri now supports more languages and regional accents, making it accessible to a broader audience.
More Customizable Home Screen
The home screen is now more flexible and personalizable than ever before. Users can choose from a wider variety of widgets and place them in different sizes anywhere on the screen. The home screen customization options include dynamic widgets that can change throughout the day based on usage patterns and preferences.
Place Icons Anywhere on Home Screen
Users are no longer constrained by a grid layout. Icons can be placed freely anywhere on the home screen, allowing for a more personalized and organized layout. This means you can create spaces and gaps between apps, grouping them in ways that make sense for your workflow and aesthetic preferences.
Change App Icon Color
You can now customize the color of app icons without needing third-party applications. This feature allows you to create a unique and cohesive look for your home screen. Whether for aesthetic purposes or to create a color-coded organization system, changing app icon colors can make navigating your device more intuitive and enjoyable.
Overhaul to Built-in Apps
Apple has revamped its suite of built-in apps to enhance their functionality and user experience. Key changes include improved interfaces, faster performance, and added features. Apps like Mail, Calendar, and Notes now offer more robust tools for productivity, better integration with other services, and a more streamlined user experience.
RCS Support in Messages
Rich Communication Services (RCS) support in the Messages app introduces enhanced messaging features that go beyond traditional SMS and MMS. Users can now enjoy features such as high-resolution photo and video sharing, read receipts, typing indicators, and more robust group chats, providing a more enriched and modern messaging experience.
Schedule a Message
The Messages app now allows users to schedule messages to be sent at a later time. This feature is perfect for ensuring timely communication without the need to remember to send a message manually. You can compose a message and set a specific date and time for it to be sent, making it easier to manage reminders, birthday wishes, and other time-sensitive communications.
Text Effects in iMessage
iMessage has been enhanced with new text effects, allowing users to add a layer of fun and personalization to their messages. These effects can include animations, custom fonts, and more, making conversations more engaging and visually appealing.
Auto-generated AI Emoji
Leveraging artificial intelligence, the system can now create personalized emojis that reflect the user’s appearance and expressions. This feature uses facial recognition and machine learning to generate emojis that can be used across messaging platforms, adding a personalized touch to your digital communications.
Major Changes to Safari
Safari has been updated with significant enhancements to improve speed, security, and user experience. The browser now features a more streamlined interface, improved tab management, and better integration with other Apple services. Security updates include stronger privacy protections and new tools for managing website permissions.
Smart Song Transitions in Apple Music
Apple Music now features smart song transitions, which use AI to create seamless transitions between songs. This feature analyzes the tempo, mood, and key of the songs to ensure a smooth and cohesive listening experience, akin to having a professional DJ mix your playlists.
Auto-generated Playlists in Apple Music
The new auto-generated playlists in Apple Music use advanced algorithms to curate playlists based on your listening habits. These playlists update regularly, providing a personalized music experience that evolves with your tastes. The system takes into account your favorite genres, artists, and even the time of day to deliver the perfect soundtrack for any moment.
Passwords App
A dedicated Passwords app consolidates all your passwords in one secure location. This app offers robust password management features, including password generation, autofill, and breach alerts. It integrates seamlessly with iCloud Keychain, ensuring your passwords are synchronized across all your Apple devices and protected with strong encryption.
Revamped Calculator App
The Calculator app has been redesigned to include new functionalities and a more intuitive interface. It now offers advanced scientific calculations, unit conversions, and a history log for past calculations. The new design ensures easier access to frequently used features and a more user-friendly experience.
New UI in the Settings App
The Settings app has received a user interface overhaul to make navigation more intuitive. Key settings are now easier to find, and a new search function helps users locate specific options quickly. The layout is more organized, with better categorization and clearer descriptions, enhancing overall usability.
Custom Routes in Apple Maps
Apple Maps now supports the creation of custom routes, allowing users to plan trips with multiple stops and preferred paths. This feature is particularly useful for road trips, deliveries, or any travel that requires precise planning. Users can save and share these routes, making it easier to coordinate travel plans with others.
Redesigned Control Center
The Control Center has been redesigned for easier access and more customization options. Users can now add, remove, and rearrange controls to suit their needs. The new layout provides quicker access to frequently used settings and functions, improving overall efficiency and user experience.
Hearing Aid Mode for AirPods Pro
A new Hearing Aid mode for AirPods Pro enhances the listening experience for users with hearing impairments. This mode amplifies environmental sounds, reduces background noise, and provides customizable audio settings to improve clarity and comprehension during conversations and media playback.
Next-gen CarPlay
The latest version of CarPlay offers enhanced integration with vehicle systems, providing a more seamless and powerful in-car experience. New features include improved dashboard interfaces, better support for multiple screens, and deeper integration with vehicle controls. Users can now access more apps and features directly from their car’s display, enhancing both convenience and safety on the road.