A Guide to iOS 18’s Hidden Features and Smaller Updates

With the release of iOS 18 on September 16, 2024, Apple continues its tradition of delivering groundbreaking updates to its users. While Apple Intelligence and other major features are getting much attention, iOS 18 is also packed with lesser-known gems that can transform the way you use your iPhone. From smart customization to better multimedia handling, there’s a lot to explore. Let’s dive into some of the hidden features and smaller updates in iOS 18 that deserve the spotlight.

Cleaner and Smarter Settings Navigation

One of the subtle but impactful changes in iOS 18 is the revamp of the Settings menu. Instead of cluttering the main page with all your installed apps, Apple introduced a new Apps Menu. This separate section declutters the main Settings page, making it easier to navigate and control your app-specific settings.

Photos App: Organize Like Never Before

The Photos app in iOS 18 has received a slew of updates that make managing your memories much more intuitive. You can now view your photo library without screenshots cluttering the space. Simply toggle off screenshots under the “View Options” to clean up your gallery.

Additionally, Apple has added new content types like documents, receipts, and handwriting to the Utilities collection. This organization makes it easier to sort through thousands of photos and find what you need quickly. And if you love to customize your iPhone’s Home Screen, the Photos app will now automatically suggest suitable wallpaper photos.

Enhance Your Camera Experience

With iOS 18, you can now enjoy a better multimedia experience while using the Camera. Previously, music would pause if you were capturing a photo or video, but not anymore. Music continues to play even when you are snapping away, ensuring your creative moments are uninterrupted.

The Camera app also introduces a new 5-second timer option, offering more flexibility for setting up the perfect shot.

New Control Center: Widgets and Power at Your Fingertips

Customization has taken a front seat in iOS 18, especially with the revamped Control Center. You can now add widgets and buttons to your Control Center, making it easier to access the tools you use the most. A notable addition is the power button in the Control Center, allowing you to turn off your iPhone without holding down the side buttons.

Messages: Add Flair and Fun to Conversations

The Messages app in iOS 18 brings more interactivity with Text Effects. Now, you can animate letters, words, or phrases using effects like Ripple or Explode. On top of that, Apple has improved its emoji game — Tapback responses now support any emoji or sticker, making conversations more engaging.

iMessage also supports sending high-resolution images up to 100MB, perfect for sharing crisp, detailed photos with friends and family.

Safari: Streamlined Browsing Experience

Safari gets a cool new tool in iOS 18 with the ability to remove distractions from a webpage. While it doesn’t block ads, it can hide unnecessary elements like annoying email sign-up prompts, making your browsing experience much smoother.

Plus, Summary Highlights in Safari now allow you to quickly read a summary of an article before committing to the entire piece — ideal for skimming through large amounts of content.

With so many new features in iOS 18, keeping your iPhone clean and optimized is more important than ever. That’s where Smart Transfer steps in. Known for its easy data transfer capabilities, Smart Transfer also offers a free phone cleaner for iPhone. This powerful tool helps you remove unnecessary photos, and duplicate media, ensuring your device runs smoothly and stays clutter-free.

As a third-party free app cleaner, Smart Transfer complements iOS 18’s new features by making it simple to manage your storage space, so you can enjoy all of iOS 18’s upgrades without performance hiccups. Whether you’re managing your photos in the updated Photos app or enjoying Safari’s new features, Smart Transfer keeps your iPhone in peak condition.

Safari: Sleeker Browsing and New Features

Safari’s updates in iOS 18 offer more than just the distraction remover. The browser now provides Summary Highlights, which gives you a quick preview of an article’s key points before diving in. This is great for users who want to quickly scan news or lengthy articles.

In addition, Safari introduces Topographic Maps for avid adventurers. These maps rival popular apps like AllTrails, letting you save and navigate hikes, especially in U.S. national parks. Whether you’re exploring new terrains or just browsing, Safari ensures your digital journey is smoother and smarter.

Notes and Mail: Smarter Productivity

The Notes app in iOS 18 now supports collapsible sections, letting you build structured documents with ease. It also adds support for audio recordings, meaning you can document meetings, lectures, or personal notes right from the app. Additionally, inline PDF search and different color highlights improve the way you interact with documents in Notes.

Similarly, the Mail app receives several upgrades, including a new Transactions category for quick access to receipts, travel confirmations, and more. It also introduces a grouping feature for emails by sender, simplifying inbox management.

Wrap Up

Apple’s iOS 18 update brings both big and small improvements that enhance the overall user experience. From customizable Home and Lock Screens to enhanced multimedia features, this version has something for everyone. Don’t forget to keep your device optimized with Smart Transfer’s free phone cleaner, ensuring your iPhone runs smoothly alongside these powerful updates.