The biggest iOS update ever was released today. What are the key features to expect?

After months of reports that Apple was working on the biggest iOS update ever, it’s finally here. Yes, iOS 18 is rolling out today to millions of iPhone models worldwide. But what are the key features you should be looking forward to, and is your iPhone even eligible?

The update will be available on the iPhone XS and every iPhone after that. In short, if your phone is already running iOS 17, you will receive iOS18 also. So let’s take a look at the main features that will appear on your phone.

Ability to change the layout of application icons

Image Source – PhoneArena

Apple has finally done it. It took the company a decade to get to this point, but iPhone users will now finally be able to arrange their home screen the way they want. But that’s not all, Apple has spoiled its user base by even letting them customize the look of their app icons. It took a lot of courage, but now you have a customizable home screen on the iPhone. Fingers crossed for the next universal gesture comeback.

Apps can be hidden and blocked

Jokes aside, this is a very welcome addition indeed. Now you will be able to hide and even lock apps on your iPhone. Similar to the hidden apps on Android 15, iOS18 it will also silence notifications from hidden apps and prevent them from appearing in search results. Locked apps can be set to ask for Face ID, Touch ID, or a password to allow access. Good job.

Redesigned Photos app

Image Source – PhoneArena

Apple has made massive changes to the Photos app, many of which were designed to be made easier by Apple Intelligence. However, due to negative feedback during beta testing iOS18the company also rolled back some changes and improved the app even further. We’ll soon find out how Photos works in iOS18.

Game mode

Android phones I’ve used in the past have had various versions of this feature, and now Apple is bringing its own Game Mode to the iPhone. In simple terms, Game Mode will reduce or completely stop background activity. This will allow games to run at higher frame rates. The phone will also change Bluetooth sampling to reduce lag if you’re using wireless audio and controllers.

RCS and satellite message support

Image Source – Apple

From RCS (Rich communication services) iPhone support, text messaging with Android users will have a significant improvement in quality. There will still be a green and blue bubble, but the media quality will be greatly improved. In addition, you will also be able to see writing and reading confirmations when sending text messages to someone who is not using an iPhone.

More interesting, at least for me, is satellite news. It keeps you in touch with the world even when there is no mobile network coverage, even on a plane.

Apple Intelligence

Video Source – Apple

And, lest we forget, Apple Intelligence. The most advertised feature of the new iPhone 16, even more so than the camera button. Apple Intelligence is not being implemented today, though. The company was unable to get it ready in time iPhone 16 launch. Instead, we expect a public release of Apple’s AI next month.

Apple Intelligence also won’t launch with all the features advertised. According to Bloomberg Apple insider Mark Gurman, the full rollout of Apple Intelligence will take until next year. Gurman also says that Apple Intelligence is disappointing compared to Gemini, so you’re better off buying the Pixel 9 if you want a phone just for AI.

Finally, Apple Intelligence will not be available on every iPhone that supports the technology. iOS18. Apple says this is because older models do not have the required amount of RAM. As such, the iPhone 15 Pro models are the only ones to get AI outside of iPhone 16 composition.

Of course, this is just the beginning of a full list of changes to come. iOS18. These are just the major changes that you, as the end user, will notice the most. There are reportedly over 250 new features in iOS 18.

But will they be enough to increase sales? iPhone 16 Will most people wait until the next version?