Apple released iOS 18 on September 16, 2024, so “coming later this month” is no longer current. The update’s eight standout features include a more flexible Home Screen and Control Center, new Messages tools, a redesigned Photos app, app locks, a Passwords app, Safari Distraction Control, and Game Mode. They are highlights, not a complete list of what iOS 18 added.
Apple previewed iOS 18 on June 10, 2024, and released it on September 16, 2024. The original MacRumors roundup appeared on September 3, while the update was still forthcoming. Apple’s release announcement confirms the launch date. The following features describe the roundup’s eight selections; availability can depend on the device, software version, carrier, or region.
What are the eight notable iOS 18 features?
1. A customizable Home Screen
iOS 18 lets you place app icons and widgets in open areas of the Home Screen grid rather than filling it from the top left. You can also choose dark or tinted icon styling, or enlarge icons so their labels do not appear. Apple describes these changes in its iOS 18 feature overview.
2. A redesigned Control Center
You can rearrange and resize controls, add more from a control gallery, and organize controls across multiple pages. The result is a Control Center that can be arranged around the settings and shortcuts you use most, rather than remaining a fixed collection.
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- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
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3. More ways to communicate in Messages
Messages adds emoji Tapbacks, animated text effects, text formatting, and scheduled sending. It also supports RCS for conversations with people using non-Apple phones, enabling richer messaging than SMS when the feature is supported. Apple notes that RCS availability depends on carrier support and market.
4. A redesigned Photos app
The Photos app adopts a more unified library view and automatically organized collections. Apple revised elements of the design during the beta after receiving criticism, so the final release should not be confused with every earlier preview.
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- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
5. Locking and hiding apps
You can require Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to open selected apps. You can also hide apps, moving them into a locked folder. These options add a layer of privacy when someone else has access to your phone, though they do not replace securing the device itself.
6. A dedicated Passwords app
The new Passwords app brings password, passkey, and verification-code management into a dedicated place. It makes those credentials easier to find and manage without treating the feature as a separate paid service.
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- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
7. Safari Distraction Control
Safari can hide selected webpage elements, such as signup forms or cookie prompts. It is a tool for reducing visible clutter, not a general-purpose ad blocker: refreshed ad content can reappear.
8. Game Mode
Game Mode reduces background activity to help sustain frame rates, lowers audio latency with AirPods, and improves responsiveness with wireless game controllers, according to Apple. A controller is optional; the feature can be useful without buying one.
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- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
Were all eight features available when iOS 18 launched?
No. Apple Intelligence was not part of the initial iOS 18 release. Apple placed the first Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1 and later updates, with availability tied to supported iPhone models, language settings, and regions. Apple’s iOS 18 update history records subsequent releases and additions; consult it for version-specific details rather than assuming every feature arrived on launch day.
Other capabilities also have conditions. RCS requires carrier support, and Apple’s September 2024 announcement said Messages via satellite was initially available in the United States and Canada. Feature availability can vary by country, carrier, language, and compatible device. Apple’s June 2024 preview and September launch announcement provide the original context and qualifications.
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Do you need a new iPhone to use iOS 18?
Not if you already have an iPhone that supports the update. Check Apple’s compatibility information for your specific model before deciding whether new hardware is necessary. If your phone is ineligible, or you were already planning to replace it, the iPhone 16 was part of the iPhone family associated with the iOS 18 launch; buying a phone is not a requirement for owners of compatible devices.
Are these all the changes in iOS 18?
No. These eight are a selected set spanning personalization, controls, messaging, photos, privacy, credentials, browsing, and gaming. Apple’s iOS 18 feature document and its update history describe a broader collection of changes and later additions.
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