Discover What’s New in iOS 18: A Sneak Peek into Apple’s Latest Update

Bianca Patrick
4 min readJul 26, 2024

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Curious about what Apple’s iOS 18 has in store?

With the first public beta now available, adventurous iPhone users can get an early look at the exciting new features coming this fall.

But be warned — this is beta software, and not everything works perfectly just yet.

If you’re up for a little adventure and have a compatible iPhone (iPhone XR or newer), here’s a preview of the top features to check out.

Satellite Texting: Stay Connected Anywhere

Ever found yourself without cell service and needing to send a message? iOS 18 introduces a groundbreaking feature for iPhone 14 and newer models: the ability to send texts and iMessages via satellite.

This means you can stay connected even when you’re off the grid, as long as you have a clear view of the sky.

While initially designed for emergencies, this feature can also be used for everyday communication in remote areas.

Just remember, it’s still in beta, so don’t rely on it for critical situations just yet.

RCS Support: Bridging the iOS-Android Gap

Apple is taking a significant step towards seamless communication between iPhone and Android users by introducing RCS (Rich Communication Services) support.

This upgrade means you can enjoy modern messaging features like typing indicators, read receipts, and high-quality media sharing, even when texting Android users.

While it’s not quite iMessage for Android, it’s a major improvement for cross-platform conversations.

Lock Your Apps with Face ID

Privacy is a top priority for many smartphone users, and iOS 18 enhances your control over app security.

You can now lock individual apps with Face ID, ensuring that only you can access sensitive information.

To enable this, simply long-press on the app icon and select “Require Face ID.”

It’s a handy feature for those moments when you need to hand your phone to someone else but want to keep certain apps private.

Visual Motion Cues: A Help for Motion Sickness

For those who get queasy reading their phones in moving vehicles, iOS 18 offers a new solution: Visual Motion Cues.

This feature uses subtle dots around the screen’s edge that move in sync with the vehicle’s motion, helping to align your senses and potentially reduce motion sickness.

While it might not be a cure-all, it’s a thoughtful addition that could make travel more comfortable for some users.

Customize Your Home Screen Like Never Before

Your home screen is your iPhone’s front door, and iOS 18 gives you more ways to personalize it.

You can resize app icons, match them with your wallpaper or Dark Mode, and even move them to any position on the screen.

Want easier access to your most-used apps? You can now rearrange them closer to the bottom of the screen.

Plus, the lock screen shortcuts can be customized to launch specific apps or features, adding another layer of convenience.

Transcribe Audio for Effortless Note-Taking

If you’re a fan of voice memos, iOS 18’s transcription feature is a game-changer. This tool can quickly transcribe your recordings, making it easy to search through and review your notes.

Whether you’re in a meeting, lecture, or just brainstorming, having your spoken words converted to text can save time and help keep your thoughts organized.

While the transcription accuracy might not be perfect yet, it’s a promising feature for anyone who relies on audio notes.

Switching to a new device, especially across different platforms, can be daunting. This is where Smart Transfer, a third-party phone transfer app, comes in handy.

If you’re considering moving from Android to iPhone, Smart Transfer simplifies the process by seamlessly transferring your data — contacts, photos, and more.

It’s designed to make your transition as smooth as possible, ensuring that you don’t lose any important information in the switch.

Whether you’re upgrading to enjoy the new features of iOS 18 or just curious about Apple’s ecosystem, Smart Transfer makes it easy.

Summing Up

iOS 18 is packed with innovative features and thoughtful improvements that enhance the iPhone experience.

Whether you’re exploring satellite texting, enjoying the new customization options, or ensuring your privacy with Face ID app locks, there’s plenty to look forward to.

And if you’re thinking about making the switch to iPhone, Smart Transfer is there to help you every step of the way.

Stay tuned for more updates as iOS 18 continues to evolve and bring new possibilities to your fingertips!

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Bianca Patrick
Bianca Patrick

Written by Bianca Patrick

Bianca is a content creator & a passionate blogger. She is a professional tech blogger & an avid reader. She loves to explore topics related to tech.

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