8 Must-Try Features in iOS 18 | NRPSPACE Online TooL

As an iPhone user since its inception, I've witnessed the evolution of iOS firsthand. With iOS 18.3, Apple has introduced a plethora of features that enhance customization, security, and usability. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new options, you're not alone. But don't worry—I've curated a list of eight must-try features that showcase the best of what iOS 18 has to offer.

Customize Your iPhone's Lock Screen Buttons

The lock screen is the gateway to your iPhone, and iOS 18 finally allows you to customize its corner buttons. Previously, these spots were reserved for the flashlight and camera, but now you can replace them with other functions like Shazam, Dark Mode, or Wallet. This is a game-changer for users who frequently activate the flashlight by accident or prefer quick access to other tools.

To customize your lock screen buttons, follow these steps:

  1. Touch and hold the lock screen until the Customize button appears.
  2. Tap Customize, then select Lock Screen.
  3. Remove an existing button by tapping the – icon or replace it with a new function.
  4. Tap Done to save your changes.

Unlock the Action Button's Full Potential

The Action Button, available on iPhone 15 Pro and later models, has been upgraded in iOS 18. While it still serves as a mute switch by default, you can now configure it to perform other actions, like opening the Camera app or enabling a focus mode. Better yet, you can bypass Control Center entirely and assign specific controls to the button. For instance, you can set it to open the Remote app for navigating Apple TV or use Shazam to identify a song.

To configure the Action Button:

  1. Go to Settings > Action Button.
  2. Swipe through the available actions and tap to select one.
  3. For Controls, Shortcut, or Accessibility options, tap Choose to select a specific action.

Revamp Your Home Screen with Free Icon Placement

For the first time in iOS history, you can place app icons anywhere on the home screen. This breaking from Apple didn't necessarily mean you could have freedom to do whatever you wanted to do. This flexibility allows you to highlight your wallpaper or create a more personalized layout. Additionally, iOS 18 extends Dark Mode to the home screen, providing a consistent dark theme across the interface.

To rearrange app icons:

  1. Touch and hold the home screen to enter jiggle mode.
  2. Drag icons to new positions.
  3. To enable Dark Mode, tap Edit > Customize > Dark.

Expand Apps into Interactive Widgets

Some apps in iOS 18 can be expanded into larger widgets, providing more information and interactivity. For example, the Maps app can display a map of your current location with quick access to nearby places. This feature is ideal for users who prefer visual and interactive shortcuts over traditional app icons.

To expand an app into a widget:

  1. Touch and hold the app icon.
  2. Look for resize buttons in the menu that appears.
  3. Drag the handle in the bottom-right corner to resize the widget.

Secure Your Sensitive Apps with Lock and Hide Features

iOS 18 introduces the ability to lock individual apps with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. This adds an extra layer of security for apps containing sensitive information, such as Notes or Reminders. You can also hide sensitive apps in a secure folder within the App Library, ensuring they are only accessible after authentication.

To lock or hide an app:

  1. Touch and hold the app icon.
  2. Choose Require Face ID (or similar) from the menu.
  3. To hide the app, select Require Face ID and then tap Hide and Require Face ID.

Enhance Dialogue in Movies and TV Shows

The TV app in iOS 18 includes a feature to enhance dialogue in movies and TV shows, making it easier to hear spoken words over background noise. This is particularly useful for users who struggle with unclear dialogue or prefer a more immersive viewing experience.

To enable dialogue enhancement:

  1. While watching a video in the TV app, tap the More (…) button.
  2. Expand the Audio heading and tap Enhance Dialogue.
  3. Choose Enhance or Boost to adjust the audio settings.

Explore New Calendar Views for Better Scheduling

The Calendar app in iOS 18 introduces pinch-to-zoom in the Month view, allowing you to see more or fewer details depending on your preference. Additionally, the new Multi Day view displays two consecutive days, providing better context for upcoming events without switching to landscape mode.

To use the new Calendar views:

  1. In the Month view, pinch with two fingers to zoom in or out.
  2. To switch to Multi Day view, tap the View button and select Multi Day.

Disable Loop Videos in the Photos App

If you find looping videos annoying, iOS 18 allows you to turn off the auto-replay feature in the Photos app. This ensures that videos play once and stop, giving you more control over playback.

To disable loop videos:

  1. Go to Settings > Photos.
  2. Turn off Loop Videos.