9 Hidden iOS 18 Features That Will Improve Your iPhone Experience
Apple’s iOS 18 has arrived, packed with a variety of exciting updates and hidden features that can drastically enhance your iPhone experience. While many users focus on headline features like new widgets or the redesigned control center, there are some lesser-known gems hidden within the software. These subtle tweaks and hidden functionalities can make a world of difference in how you use your iPhone daily. Here’s a look at nine hidden iOS 18 features that will improve your iPhone experience.
1. Enhanced Battery Health Management
iOS 18 introduces an improved battery health feature that allows users to manage their iPhone’s battery life more effectively. Under the battery settings, you can now find detailed insights into which apps consume the most power and customize power-saving modes to optimize battery usage based on your habits. Apple’s smarter algorithms also suggest when to enable low-power mode based on your daily schedule, ensuring your phone lasts longer when you need it the most.
2. Live Text in Video
Following up on the successful Live Text feature introduced in iOS 15, iOS 18 takes it up a notch by allowing users to extract text from videos. Now, you can pause any video and interact with the text displayed in it, whether it's copying, translating, or sharing it. This is particularly useful for educational videos, tutorials, or even grabbing information like phone numbers or addresses on the go.
3. Enhanced Do Not Disturb with App-Specific Filters
The “Do Not Disturb” mode has been further enhanced in iOS 18 with app-specific filters. Instead of blocking all notifications, you can now allow certain apps to bypass Do Not Disturb while silencing others. This means you can still receive critical work-related notifications without being interrupted by social media or other distractions during important meetings or events.
4. Safari Gesture Shortcuts
Browsing with Safari just got more intuitive in iOS 18. Apple has introduced new gesture-based shortcuts that make it easier to navigate through tabs and manage open windows. Swipe gestures now allow you to quickly switch between tabs, close multiple tabs at once, or open new ones with a single finger movement. This greatly enhances productivity, especially when multitasking or dealing with multiple web pages.
5. Customizable Lock Screen Widgets
The lock screen has received a major upgrade in iOS 18 with the introduction of customizable widgets. Not only can you now choose which widgets to display on your lock screen, but iOS 18 also allows for dynamic widgets that change based on your location or activity. For example, weather updates will be more detailed when you're outdoors, or calendar events will pop up when you’re approaching an appointment.
6. Smarter Siri Shortcuts
Siri Shortcuts has become more intuitive in iOS 18, with Apple’s AI making better suggestions based on your usage patterns. Siri can now suggest multi-step routines without needing to set them up manually. For instance, if you routinely set your alarm and turn on your playlist at night, Siri will prompt you to automate the process, streamlining your daily routines.
7. FaceTime Audio Enhancements
iOS 18 improves FaceTime audio quality with the introduction of spatial audio technology and voice isolation. This means during FaceTime calls, you can experience a more immersive sound experience, making it feel like you're in the same room as the other person. The voice isolation feature ensures that your voice is clear, even in noisy environments, making it perfect for important calls on the go.
8. Privacy Dashboard
Privacy has always been a priority for Apple, and iOS 18 continues that trend with the introduction of a new Privacy Dashboard. This feature gives you a detailed overview of how apps are accessing your data, including location, microphone, and camera usage. You can easily revoke permissions for any app that you feel is overstepping its bounds, ensuring greater control over your personal information.
9. Universal Clipboard Improvements
The Universal Clipboard feature, which allows you to copy and paste across Apple devices, has been refined in iOS 18. Now, the feature works faster and more seamlessly between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, making it easier to transfer text, images, and even entire files between your Apple ecosystem. This is particularly useful for those who frequently switch between devices for work or personal use.
Conclusion: Hidden Gems in iOS 18
While iOS 18 brings many headline features, it’s these hidden functionalities that truly improve your iPhone experience. Whether it’s extending battery life, improving privacy, or making multitasking easier, these lesser-known features make the iPhone even more powerful. Be sure to explore these features in your settings to take full advantage of iOS 18’s potential.