Apple released iOS 18 on Monday, September 16, and it’s packed with exciting new features and design enhancements that make using your iPhone even more enjoyable. Every year, Apple strives to refine user experience, and this update does just that.
iOS 18 came with several standout features. One of the most anticipated is Live Voicemail, which allows you to see a live transcription of voicemail messages as they are being left. Users can now decide on the spot whether to pick up, based on what the caller says. Apple also introduced interactive widgets, which can now be used without opening their respective apps. Want to change a song or check a reminder? Simply tap your widget.
In design, iOS 18 brings a brand-new look without straying too far from what Apple fans love. The new Control Center is sleeker and more intuitive, making it easier to access your most-used settings. One of the biggest design changes is the flashlight. Users are now able to control the amount of light their iPhone produces and how wide its span is. The design evolution Apple brought with iOS 18 is a partial overhaul, which is smart for Apple since many users love the overall look.
The Photos app was also reworked. Users are now able to see their library while also being prompted to take a look at other features. Some include Recent Days, People and Pets, Pinned Collections, Memories, Trips, Featured Photos, Media Types, Utilities, Albums, Shared Albums, and Wallpaper Suggestions. In the photos app users can customize and reorder their collections from the main screen. This brings brand-new customization to Apple users.
Customization has leveled up with iOS 18. Users can change their lock screen more extensively, with new fonts, colors, and layouts for time and notifications. You can even set different wallpapers for different Focus Modes, allowing for a personalized experience based on your current activity. Apple introduced the ability to create custom app icons and shortcuts with iOS 18. This lets users personalize their Apple devices. This is a feature many Apple users have been looking for—so kudos to Apple for listening to their users.
Overall, iOS 18 is a well-rounded update that enhances the iPhone experience without completely reinventing it. The new features, especially Live Voicemail and Interactive Widgets, make everyday tasks smoother. The design improvements are subtle yet effective, giving the interface a fresh feel without losing that signature Apple look we all know and love. Customization options are a step in the right direction. While I feel Apple is a little shy about full customization, what they have added with iOS 18 allows users to make their iPhones feel more like theirs. Of course, there are always things to improve. As much as I love the new features, I can’t help but wish for even more flexibility in customization—maybe some deeper themes or even more widget options down the line. But for now, iOS 18 is a solid update that keeps the iPhone experience fresh and exciting.
