Apple hosted WWDC in June and unveiled the highly anticipated release of the year, Hidden iOS 18. The latest version is set to launch in late 2024, promising exciting new functionalities for iOS users. Alongside significant updates, Apple consistently introduces numerous hidden features with each release, which are often overlooked by many. Below, we explore twenty-five of these lesser-known iOS 18 features.
Power Button Access via Control Center
Activating the power-off mode on an iPhone can be confusing. iOS 18 simplifies this by adding a power button to the Control Center. Scroll down and tap the power icon to turn off your device. This feature is handy if your physical power or volume buttons are unresponsive due to a bulky case.
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Hide App Label
iOS 18 introduces a feature to remove app labels for a cleaner look. If you prefer recognizing apps by their icons alone, you can hide the app names beneath them. To activate this, hold down your home screen, select “Edit,” then “Customize,” and choose the “Large” tab to hide labels.
T9 Calling
Envy Android’s T9 dialer? iOS 18 now allows you to type a contact’s name on the dial pad to find their number, similar to older keypad phones. This feature streamlines dialing and searching for contacts.
Search Call History
iOS 18 adds a search bar to the Recents section, enabling you to search for contact names or numbers directly. This reduces the need for endless scrolling and prevents accidental calls.
Customizable Flashlight Width
With iOS 18, available on iPhone 14 Pro and later models, you can adjust the flashlight’s beam width. You can also use the Dynamic Island to control the flashlight’s intensity, from a narrow beam to a wide burst.
Rainbow Clock on Home Screen
Customize your home screen with a rainbow-colored clock, adding a vibrant touch contrasting your background. This feature enhances your device’s visual appeal.
Color Options in Notes
iOS 18 introduces color options for text in Notes. Highlight essential parts with colors like purple, pink, orange, blue, and mint. Access these options by tapping the Aa icon in the Notes app.
Links Preview in iMessages
iMessage will preview links as website snapshots, similar to other messaging apps. This feature works for Safari and social media links, enhancing link visibility in your messages.
Backspace & Unit Conversion in Calculator
iOS 18 adds a backspace button to the Calculator app, allowing you to correct mistakes without starting over. Additionally, a unit conversion feature is now available offline, eliminating needing external tools for quick conversions.
App Section in Settings
A new dedicated Apps section in Settings makes finding and managing apps easier. This dropdown menu at the bottom of the Settings page organizes your apps more efficiently.
Pop-Out Bezel Animation
Pressing the power and volume buttons simultaneously expands the bezel, reflecting Apple’s attention to detail. This subtle animation adds a refined touch to the interface.
Customizable Photos App
iOS 18 allows you to customize and edit your Photos app collections, including memories and timelines, for a more personalized experience.
Audio Recording & Attachment in Notes
The Notes app now supports audio recordings and attachments. For enhanced note-taking capabilities, you can add media files and record audio notes directly within the app.
Rotate Wi-Fi Address
To enhance privacy, iOS 18 introduces a Wi-Fi Rotate feature. Enable this by going to Settings > Wi-Fi and selecting “Change Wi-Fi” to minimize tracking.
Charging Limits
iOS 18 offers customizable charging limits, allowing you to set thresholds below 80% to protect battery health.
Music Haptics
Customize haptic feedback for music and other activities with iOS 18, adding a tactile element to your interactions.
Sound Actions
With Sound Actions, you can set specific keywords to trigger actions on your iPhone. For example, saying “photo” can automatically open the camera. Enable this in Settings under Accessibility > Touch > Sound Actions.
Weather App Home & Work Locations
The Weather app now supports displaying weather conditions for home and work locations, helping you plan your day better. Set this up in the Weather Settings.
Share Wi-Fi via QR Codes
Share your Wi-Fi network by generating a QR code. Access this feature in the Passwords app by selecting the network and tapping “Share Network QR.”
Customizable Widgets on the Home Screen
iOS 18 allows you to resize and add widgets by tapping and holding your home screen, giving you greater control over your home screen layout.
Revamped iCloud Screen in Settings
iCloud Settings now appear in a grid layout, making navigating and accessing your iCloud features easier without excessive scrolling.
Reminders in the Calendar App
Add reminders to your Calendar events with iOS 18, integrating task management directly into your scheduling app.
Remove Icons from the Lock Screen
iOS 18 lets you remove camera and flashlight icons from your lock screen for a sleeker appearance. Customize this in your lock screen settings.
Access to Someone’s Screen
Share your screen for remote control access with iOS 18, allowing others to control your device remotely through screen-sharing capabilities.
Emergency SOS Live Video
During an emergency call, you can stream live audio and video to provide additional details about your situation, enhancing the effectiveness of emergency responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some notable new features in iOS 18?
iOS 18 introduces several exciting features, including Power Button access via the Control Center, customizable flashlight width, a rainbow-colored clock on the home screen, and the ability to hide app labels.
How can I access the Power Button in the Control Center?
To access the Power Button in Control Center, scroll down to the power icon on your screen and tap it to turn off your device.
Can I hide app labels on my home screen?
IOS 18 allows you to hide app labels for a cleaner look. Hold down your home screen, tap “Edit,” select “Customize,” and choose the “Large” tab to hide app names.
What is the T9 calling feature?
The T9 calling feature, similar to older keypad phones, enables you to type a contact’s name on the dial pad to find their number.
How do I use the search bar in Call History?
iOS 18 adds a search bar in the Recents section of the Phone app. Use it to search for contact names or numbers directly, reducing scrolling and preventing accidental calls.
What does the Adjustable Flashlight width feature do?
This feature allows you to adjust the flashlight’s width from a narrow beam to a wide burst. It is available on iPhone 14 Pro and later models.
How can I customize the clock on my home screen?
iOS 18 introduces a rainbow-colored clock option. Customize this in the home screen settings to add a vibrant touch contrasting your background.
Can I add color to my notes in the Notes app?
Yes, you can now add colorful text and highlights in the Notes app. Tap the Aa icon to choose from colors like purple, pink, orange, blue, and mint.
Conclusion
iOS 18 brings many innovative features that enhance functionality and user experience. These updates cater to various preferences and needs, from the new Power Button access in the Control Center to customizable flashlight options and the ability to hide app labels.
The addition of features like T9 calling, search functionality in call history, and customizable widgets further enriches the iOS experience, making everyday tasks more accessible and more intuitive.
