Hidden features of iOS 18 that you need to try…
Apple’s iOS 18 is here, packed with exciting updates that make your iPhone and iPad even better. There are plenty of hidden gems that can make your everyday tech experience smoother, smarter, and more fun. Let’s explore some of these features and how they can make your life easier!
Some features that use Apple Intelligence are only available on iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max, and iPads with the A17 Pro chip or the M1 chip or later. Many of these features are also available in Mac OS 15.1 or later on Mac models with M1 or later chips.
Redesigned Notes and Reminders Apps
Notes and Reminders (two of my favorite apps) just got a big upgrade. Using smart folders, tags, and locations-based reminders makes life so much easier when you have an enormous amount of notes and reminders like I do.
Try this:
Use tags in Notes to organize ideas by topic. For example, tag recipes with “#DinnerIdeas.”
Set location-based reminders like, “Pick up milk” when you’re near the grocery store.
Why it’s cool:
These small updates make staying organized a breeze!
Enhanced ways to customize Focus Modes
Focus Mode just got smarter. In iOS 18, Apple uses machine learning to suggest apps and notifications based on your habits and context. Setting a schedule can now include your Focus Mode turning on automatically at a set time, location, or while using a certain app.
Pro Tip:
Create a custom Focus profile for travel that automatically activates when you’re near an airport. Use it to allow travel apps like Flighty and TripIt while silencing other notifications.
Why it’s cool:
You can stay focused on what matters, no more digging through notifications!
Interactive Widgets Everywhere
Interactive widgets are now on your Home Screen, Lock Screen, and even within apps! You can mark tasks complete, adjust smart devices, or check live updates—right from the widget.
Try this:
Add the Home widget to your Lock Screen to control your smart lights or thermostat without unlocking your phone.
Use the Calendar widget to RSVP to events in seconds.
Why it’s cool:
Everything you need is just a tap away.
Siri is faster and smarter
Apple intends to make Siri more human, and to do that, it needs to be able to communicate better with humans through natural language. iOS 18.1 introduced that change with big improvements to its understanding of language. Siri can now do more with your voice, even offline! (Some of the more complex requests are only available on devices that support Apple Intelligence)
Give it a go:
Say, “Hey Siri, text Sarah that I’m running late, then play my workout playlist.”
Use offline Siri commands like, “Set a timer for 10 minutes,” even without Wi-Fi.
You can stumble over your words, and it won’t trip Siri up.
Siri is a lot more forgiving of normal, every day language flubs in iOS 18.1. Does a real assistant ever misunderstand you when you course-correct or change your mind mid-sentence? Neither will Siri.
Practical examples: “Siri, call my—actually, FaceTime my daughter,” or, “Set a reminder for—oh wait no, set an alarm for 5 minutes. Actually, make that 10.”
You can make requests that assume the context of prior requests.
In iOS 18.1 Apple says Siri can “maintain context from one request to the next.”
Practical examples: “Turn on the bedroom light,” followed by, “Oh and dim it to 50%”
Why it’s cool:
You can stay productive while keeping your hands free.
Better photo editing and natural language search in Photos
If you have an iPhone or iPad that supports Apple Intelligence the new Clean Up tool can be used to remove distracting objects in the background of a photo or video.
Notice the random person in the background of the first picture. While in edit mode I just brushed across his body and the chair and pouf he was gone! Now I can print and enjoy that photo. The tool is simple to use and incredibly powerful.
Apple also made big changes to the Photos search feature:
It should be able to find what you’re looking for much quicker. This is all due to the new Natural Language search feature, which is able to understand more complex search requests.
That means you don’t have to stick to individual words and a complicated selection of filters to find the photos you want. For example to find this photo I just searched for “Ellen and Stuart in Cabo San Lucas”.
Try it out:
Search for “flowers in front of a house” if you are searching for pictures you took of cool planters.
Or try naming a person in your Photo Library followed by “with a dog” if you are looking for pictures with your dog.
Why it’s cool:
With thousands of photos in our libraries any easier way to search for one is a win!
iOS 18 is a treasure trove of features that go beyond the headline announcements. Take some time to explore these features, and you might just discover a new favorite way to use your device. Which hidden feature are you most excited about? Let me know if you would like some personalized help learning this year’s new software.