What to Expect from iOS 18: The Good, the Great, and the Not So Great

The Headlining Feature: Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is the most talked-about feature of iOS 18, and for good reason. This AI-powered platform promises to revolutionize the way your iPhone works. With Apple Intelligence, your Siri will be smarter than ever, providing more personalized responses to your queries. You’ll also get enhanced notification summaries and powerful writing tools to help you express yourself more effectively.

But here’s the catch: Apple Intelligence is only available on new iPhones, specifically the iPhone 16 lineup and last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models. If you’ve got an older iPhone, you won’t be getting these fancy new features, at least not initially. And even then, not all Apple Intelligence abilities will be available at launch.

A Bunch of Other Good Stuff for Older iPhones

Don’t worry, though – older iPhones aren’t completely left out in the cold. iOS 18 brings a host of other exciting features and improvements to the table. For instance, you’ll see major overhauls to the Mail and Photos apps, a new Passwords app for keeping your login credentials organized, and a much-improved Game Mode.

Home Screen and Control Center Customization

One of the most significant changes in iOS 18 is the expanded customization options for your iPhone’s Home Screen and Control Center. With the “Edit” option, accessible by long-pressing your Home Screen, you’ll have almost complete control over rearranging your app icons, creating folders, and even hiding apps.

My Favorites from the Public Beta

I’ve been testing the public beta of iOS 18 for a few weeks now, and I’ve got a few favorite features to share. Here are the top ones that have caught my attention:

• The redesigned Mail app, which includes a cleaner interface and enhanced search functionality
• The new Photos app, with improved organization and editing features
• The Passwords app, which makes managing your login credentials a breeze
• The enhanced Game Mode, which promises improved performance and reduced lag
• The expanded customization options for the Home Screen and Control Center

What’s Coming Soon?

Mark your calendars – iOS 18 is set to launch on September 16th, which is just a few days away. Be sure to check your compatible iPhone for the update on that day.