July 6, 2024: Apple’s iOS 18 has officially been released, bringing new features that enhance the iPhone experience. Whether you have recently upgraded your device or are planning to, learning how to use these new features can help you get the most out of iOS 18. This guide will walk you through the key features of iOS 18 and explain how to use them in simple steps.
Let’s dive into what makes iOS 18 special and how to use its latest features effectively.
1. Interactive Widgets
One of the most exciting features in iOS 18 is the introduction of interactive widgets. In previous versions, widgets provided information but didn’t allow users to interact with them directly. Now, you can do things like control music, check off tasks, or even play mini-games, all from the home screen widget.
How to Use Interactive Widgets:
Press and hold an empty space on your home screen until the apps start to wiggle.
Tap the “+” icon in the top-left corner to open the widget gallery.
Choose a widget from the list that supports interactivity, such as Music, Notes, or Reminders.
Add the widget to your home screen.
Once the widget is added, you can interact with it directly, like playing or pausing music or marking tasks as complete.
2. Customizable Lock Screen Updates
iOS 18 takes lock screen customization to a new level. Now, you can personalize your lock screen with live wallpapers, different fonts, and colors. You can also set different lock screens for specific modes, like “Do Not Disturb” or “Focus.”
How to Customize Your Lock Screen:
Go to Settings > Wallpaper.
Choose Add New Wallpaper to explore the available live wallpapers or create your own.
Customize the font and color of the clock and other text elements by tapping on the screen during setup.
Link different lock screens with modes by selecting a Focus mode (e.g., Sleep, Work) and setting up a specific lock screen for each mode.
3. Live Voicemail
Live Voicemail is another helpful feature in iOS 18. It lets you see a real-time transcription of voicemail messages as they are being recorded. This feature allows you to decide whether you want to pick up the call or ignore it based on the voicemail content.
How to Use Live Voicemail:
When someone leaves you a voicemail, the live transcription will appear on your screen as the person speaks.
You can either tap to answer the call or let it go to voicemail.
If the message is important, you can call the person back right away.
4. Health App Enhancements
The Health app has seen major upgrades in iOS 18. Apple has introduced mental health tracking, which allows users to monitor their mood and mental well-being over time. This feature uses surveys and data from other apps to give users a holistic view of their mental health.
How to Use the Health App’s New Features:
Open the Health app on your iPhone.
Tap on the new Mental Health section.
Answer the daily survey questions about your mood, energy levels, and stress.
The app will provide insights into your mental health trends and offer tips for improving your well-being.
5. Improved Siri Capabilities
Siri in iOS 18 has become smarter and more conversational. You no longer need to say “Hey Siri” before giving a command. Instead, you can simply say “Siri” followed by your request. Siri can now handle more complex tasks, such as managing your smart home devices or making restaurant reservations.
How to Use the New Siri:
Just say “Siri” and follow with your command, like “Set a reminder for tomorrow” or “Turn off the living room lights.”
You can also ask Siri follow-up questions without repeating her name.
Siri will now offer improved suggestions based on your daily habits, like sending a message to frequent contacts at specific times.
6. StandBy Mode
iOS 18 introduces StandBy mode, a new feature that turns your iPhone into a useful display when it’s charging in landscape mode. When your phone is in StandBy mode, it shows the time, widgets, photos, or calendar events on the screen.
How to Use StandBy Mode:
Place your iPhone on a charger while it’s in landscape mode.
The StandBy mode will automatically activate, displaying customizable information.
Swipe left or right to switch between different views, such as your calendar, favorite photos, or live widgets.
7. Focus Mode Improvements
Focus Mode, introduced in iOS 15, has been improved in iOS 18. You can now create custom Focus filters that let you control which apps and notifications can interrupt you during certain times. For example, you can allow messages from specific contacts during work hours and block social media notifications.
How to Set Up Focus Mode:
Go to Settings > Focus.
Create a new Focus mode or customize an existing one.
Choose which apps and people can notify you while the Focus mode is active.
Set up a schedule or automate Focus modes based on time, location, or app usage.
8. FaceTime Video Messages
iOS 18 allows you to leave a video message when someone doesn’t answer your FaceTime call. This feature works similarly to voicemail but with video, allowing you to leave a more personal message.
How to Leave a FaceTime Video Message:
If the person you’re calling doesn’t answer, the option to leave a video message will appear on the screen.
Record your message and send it, just like you would with a voicemail.