With each new iOS release, Apple introduces a host of exciting features and improvements, but some of the most useful upgrades often go unnoticed. iOS 18 is no exception, bringing a plethora of hidden features that can significantly enhance your iPhone experience. While some of these features are subtle, others can make your device more efficient, secure, and enjoyable to use.
In this blog post, we’ll uncover 25 hidden iOS 18 features that you must know. From enhancing privacy settings to improving your productivity, these features are designed to help you get the most out of your iPhone or iPad. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking to fine-tune your device, these tips will help you unlock the full potential of iOS 18.
1. Interactive Widgets
With iOS 18, Apple has taken widgets to the next level. You can now interact with widgets directly from the home screen. Whether it’s adjusting the volume of music, toggling a smart home device, or checking your to-do list, you no longer need to open an app to perform these tasks. Simply tap and hold the widget to start interacting with it.
2. Live Voicemail Transcription
Gone are the days of letting voicemail messages pile up. iOS 18 introduces live voicemail transcription, which transcribes voicemail messages in real time as they are being left. This allows you to screen calls more effectively and decide if you want to pick up before the message is even finished.
3. App Clips Enhanced
App Clips have received some key enhancements in iOS 18, making them even more useful. App Clips are now more interactive, offering a smoother user experience and quicker access to specific features without the need to download a full app. For example, you can now use App Clips to pay for parking, order food, or unlock doors with just a quick scan of a QR code or NFC tag.
4. Advanced Focus Modes
Focus mode, which was first introduced in iOS 15, has been significantly improved in iOS 18. Now, you can create custom Focus profiles for specific activities, like work, sleep, or reading. Each profile can have unique settings for notifications, home screen layouts, and app access. You can even set up Focus Mode to activate automatically based on location or time of day.
5. Improved iMessage Filters
iOS 18 allows you to filter your messages in the Messages app more effectively. Now, you can apply custom filters to sort messages by categories such as “Verified Contacts,” “Unread,” or “VIP Contacts.” This makes it easier to keep track of important conversations without getting distracted by less relevant messages.
6. Siri Voice Customization
Apple has enhanced Siri’s capabilities by allowing users to customize Siri’s voice. You can choose from a variety of different voice options, including gender and accent preferences, giving Siri a more personalized touch. This makes interacting with Siri feel more natural and suited to your own preferences.
7. Contact Poster
With iOS 18, Apple has introduced the Contact Poster feature, allowing users to create a custom photo or graphic that represents them. This visual identity is displayed when you make calls, helping people identify you more easily, especially when you’re calling from unknown numbers.
8. Health App Enhancements
The Health app has been enhanced in iOS 18, offering new features to help you track your wellness more effectively. Medication tracking has been added, allowing you to log and remind yourself about your medication schedule. Additionally, there’s improved integration with third-party health devices, enabling a more comprehensive view of your health data.
9. Safari Profiles
In iOS 18, Safari now includes the ability to set up multiple profiles. This allows you to separate work-related browsing from personal browsing, with custom settings for bookmarks, history, and even passwords. Each profile offers a different experience, making it easier to organize and manage your browsing habits.
10. Offline Maps in Apple Maps
One of the most requested features, offline maps, has finally arrived in iOS 18. You can now download maps for specific areas and use them offline when you’re traveling in areas with no internet access. This is a game-changer for frequent travelers or anyone navigating in remote areas.
11. Live Activities for Sports Scores
iOS 18 introduces Live Activities, which allow you to keep track of live events, such as sports scores, directly from your lock screen. Whether you’re following a game, a concert, or a live broadcast, you can get real-time updates without unlocking your phone.
12. Mac Style Multi-Tasking on iPad
Although this feature is primarily for iPads, iOS 18 brings Mac-like multitasking to iPads. You can now run multiple apps in different windows and seamlessly switch between them, similar to how you would on a MacBook or desktop. This makes the iPad much more powerful as a productivity tool.
13. QuickNote on iPhone
QuickNote, which was first introduced on iPad, is now available on the iPhone. You can quickly jot down notes from any app by swiping down from the top-right corner. This is perfect for quick thoughts, reminders, or ideas that you need to capture on the go.
14. Airdrop Over the Internet
iOS 18 allows users to AirDrop files over the internet. This means you can send files to someone, even if they’re not nearby, as long as both parties are connected to the internet. This feature is incredibly useful for large file transfers when you’re away from home.
15. Auto-Correction and Text Predictions
Apple’s auto-correction has been improved in iOS 18, and it now offers better text predictions while typing. The system learns from your writing style, offering more accurate suggestions and reducing errors. You can also customize your autocorrect settings to make it more suited to your writing habits.
16. Background Sounds for Focus
In iOS 18, the Background Sounds feature has been expanded. Now, you can play soothing sounds like white noise or rain to help you concentrate during work or study sessions. This feature is especially useful for people working in noisy environments or for those who find background noise helps them focus.
17. More Customizable Lock Screen Widgets
Apple has expanded the customizability of lock screen widgets in iOS 18. Now, you can add more widgets to your lock screen, giving you even more control over what information you see at a glance, such as weather, battery status, or upcoming events.
18. Improved Privacy Features
iOS 18 continues Apple’s commitment to privacy with new features such as Privacy Checkup, which lets you review app permissions and settings in one place. The update also enhances App Privacy Reports, allowing you to track how often apps access your data and sensors.
19. Enhanced AirTags Features
AirTags get some useful updates in iOS 18, including the ability to track AirTags in low-power mode for extended periods of time. Additionally, if you’re nearby, you can now use the Find My app to see more accurate locations in real time.
20. Camera App Enhancements
The Camera app now offers improved low-light performance and enhanced portrait mode, making it easier to capture stunning photos even in challenging lighting conditions. There are also new filters and editing tools that allow for more control over your images.
21. Game Center Improvements
iOS 18 improves the Game Center, making it easier to discover and track your achievements, friends’ scores, and multiplayer stats. The redesigned interface makes it simpler to see your progress and connect with other gamers.
22. FaceTime Message Leave a Video Message
In iOS 18, you can leave a FaceTime video message if the person you’re trying to reach is unavailable. Similar to voicemail, this allows you to record a video message that the recipient can view at their convenience.
23. Visual Look Up Enhancements
Apple’s Visual Look Up feature now supports more objects, allowing you to identify more things through your camera or photos. Whether you’re looking at a painting, plant, or even a product, you can now get more information than ever.
24. Apple Music Collaborative Playlists
With iOS 18, Apple Music has introduced the ability to create collaborative playlists, allowing you and your friends to add and edit tracks in real time. This is perfect for creating shared playlists for events, parties, or road trips.
25. CarPlay Customization
iOS 18 brings expanded CarPlay features that let you customize the interface to suit your preferences. You can adjust the layout, choose apps for quick access, and even control more in-car settings from within CarPlay.
FAQs
1. How do I enable live voicemail transcription in iOS 18?
To enable live voicemail transcription, go to Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail and toggle the feature on.
2. Can I use Siri’s voice customization on my iPhone?
Yes, you can customize Siri’s voice by going to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice.
3. How do I set up custom Focus modes in iOS 18?
Go to Settings > Focus and tap the plus sign to create a new Focus profile. You can customize notifications, home screen layout, and app access for each Focus mode.
4. How can I use the new App Clips feature in iOS 18?
Simply scan a QR code or NFC tag linked to an App Clip, and it will open instantly without needing to download the full app.
5. Is there a way to use offline maps in Apple Maps?
Yes, you can download maps by going to Apple Maps and selecting the “Offline Maps” option in the settings.
Conclusion
iOS 18 is packed with powerful new features, many of which remain hidden or underutilized by everyday users. From enhanced privacy features to custom Focus modes, these 25 hidden gems will help you make the most of your iPhone or iPad. Whether you’re trying to streamline your workflow, enhance your privacy, or simply have fun with new features, iOS 18 has something for everyone. So, dive into these settings and unlock the full potential of your device today!
