Discover the latest iOS 18 features and unlock the full potential of your iPhone with our comprehensive guide. Let’s learn more about this topic below with Level Devil as we explore the top tips and tricks to enhance your iPhone experience. From hidden shortcuts to power-user techniques, this article will help you make the most of your device.
For those who are new to the iPhone or have recently upgraded to iOS 18, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the fundamental features that make this operating system stand out. iOS 18 brings a host of improvements and new functionalities that can significantly enhance your daily smartphone experience. Let’s dive into some of the essential features that every new user should know about.
One of the most notable additions in iOS 18 is the redesigned Home Screen. Apple has introduced a more customizable and intuitive layout, allowing users to organize their apps and widgets with greater flexibility. You can now create custom app libraries, making it easier to find and access your most-used applications. To take advantage of this feature, simply press and hold on an empty area of your Home Screen, then tap the “+” icon to add widgets or create new app folders.
Another key feature for new users is the enhanced Focus mode. This tool helps you minimize distractions by allowing you to create custom profiles for different scenarios, such as work, personal time, or sleep. To set up a Focus mode, go to Settings > Focus and tap the “+” icon to create a new profile. You can then choose which apps and contacts are allowed to send notifications during that specific Focus period.
iOS 18 also introduces improvements to the Messages app, making communication more engaging and interactive. Users can now edit or unsend messages within a short time frame after sending them, providing a safety net for those moments when you spot a typo or change your mind about a message. To use this feature, simply long-press on a sent message and select “Edit” or “Unsend” from the pop-up menu.
For long-time iPhone users looking to optimize their experience, iOS 18 offers a plethora of advanced features and hidden tricks that can take your usage to the next level. These power-user techniques will help you streamline your workflow, enhance productivity, and discover new ways to interact with your device.
One of the most powerful yet underutilized features in iOS 18 is the Shortcuts app. This tool allows you to create custom automations and workflows, saving you time and effort on repetitive tasks. For example, you can create a shortcut that automatically turns on Do Not Disturb mode, sets a timer, and opens your preferred meditation app when you say “Hey Siri, time to meditate.” To explore the world of shortcuts, open the Shortcuts app and tap the “+” icon to create a new automation or browse the gallery for pre-made options.
Another advanced feature that seasoned users will appreciate is the enhanced Live Text functionality. iOS 18 expands on this capability, allowing you to interact with text in images across more apps and scenarios. You can now copy, translate, or look up information from text in photos, screenshots, or even paused video frames. To use Live Text, simply long-press on any text in an image, and a context menu will appear with relevant actions.
For users who frequently multitask, iOS 18 introduces improvements to the Split View and Slide Over features on compatible iPad models. These enhancements make it easier to work with multiple apps simultaneously, increasing productivity and efficiency. To activate Split View, open an app, then swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Dock. Drag another app from the Dock to the left or right side of the screen to enter Split View mode.
iOS 18 brings enhanced support for external keyboards, including a wider range of keyboard shortcuts that can significantly speed up your workflow. To view available shortcuts in any app, simply hold down the Command key on your external keyboard. This will display a list of app-specific shortcuts, allowing you to navigate and perform actions more efficiently.
Text replacement is another powerful feature that can save you time and effort when typing frequently used phrases or complex terms. To set up text replacement, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. Tap the “+” icon to add a new shortcut, entering the phrase you want to replace and the shortcut you’ll type to trigger it. For example, you could set up “omw” to expand to “On my way!” automatically.
For users who are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, iOS 18 offers unprecedented levels of integration across devices, creating a seamless and unified experience. Whether you own an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or any combination of these devices, there are numerous ways to leverage this integration to enhance your productivity and convenience.
One of the standout features for ecosystem users is the improved Handoff functionality. Handoff allows you to start a task on one device and seamlessly continue it on another. In iOS 18, this feature has been expanded to support more apps and scenarios. For example, you can now start composing an email on your iPhone and pick up right where you left off on your Mac or iPad. To use Handoff, ensure that your devices are signed in to the same Apple ID and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
Another powerful integration feature is Universal Control, which allows you to use a single keyboard and mouse or trackpad across multiple Apple devices. This feature is particularly useful for users who work with both a Mac and an iPad. To set up Universal Control, go to System Preferences on your Mac and select “Displays.” Check the box next to “Allow your cursor and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad.”
AirDrop has also received enhancements in iOS 18, making it easier than ever to share files, photos, and links between Apple devices. The new “AirDrop Everyone” option allows you to receive content from nearby devices without having to add them to your contacts first. To use this feature, go to Settings > General > AirDrop and select “Everyone for 10 Minutes” to temporarily allow anyone nearby to send you files.
iOS 18 introduces new features for iCloud+ subscribers, offering enhanced privacy and storage options. One of the standout additions is Private Relay, which encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, providing an extra layer of privacy when browsing the web. To enable Private Relay, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Private Relay and toggle the feature on.
Another useful iCloud+ feature is Hide My Email, which allows you to create unique, random email addresses that forward to your personal inbox. This is particularly useful when signing up for services or newsletters, as it helps protect your primary email address from spam and potential data breaches. To use Hide My Email, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Hide My Email and tap “Create New Address.”
For those who love to explore and discover hidden features, iOS 18 is a treasure trove of lesser-known functionalities that can enhance your iPhone experience in unexpected ways. These hidden gems often go unnoticed by casual users but can provide significant benefits when incorporated into your daily routine.
One such feature is the ability to create custom vibration patterns for specific contacts or notifications. This can be particularly useful for those who want to discreetly identify incoming calls or messages without looking at their phone. To create a custom vibration pattern, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone > Vibration > Create New Vibration. You can then tap the screen to create your unique pattern.
Another hidden feature that curious users will appreciate is the ability to use your iPhone as a magnifying glass. This built-in accessibility feature can be incredibly useful for reading small print or examining details up close. To enable the Magnifier, go to Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier and toggle it on. You can then triple-click the side button (or home button on older models) to activate the Magnifier.
iOS 18 also introduces improvements to the Voice Memos app, including the ability to intelligently reduce background noise in your recordings. This feature, called “Enhance Recording,” can be particularly useful for recording lectures, interviews, or voice notes in noisy environments.