Now that iOS 18 is out in the wild, you may be wondering how to use all the useful new features you’ve been hearing about.
These include scheduling messages, closing apps behind FaceID, changing the colors and size of your apps, and more.
Don’t expect Apple to hold your hand through new updates; you are on your own to work.
What about Apple Intelligence? That’s not out until October and won’t work on all but the newest iPhones (and last year’s Pro models). But, who needs AI when you can change the beam on the flashlight?
These are the biggest new iOS 18 features you need to know about — and a simple step-by-step guide on how to use them. Once you get your head around these tricks, you’ll feel like a true Apple genius.
iOS 18 will be available on the latest range of iPhone 16 and older models dating back to XS and XR.
Apple
Of course, you need iOS 18 to use these new features. The software update landed on September 16 for iPhone models dating back to the XS and XR.
Now, you should have received a notification to download it. But, in case you don’t have it, here’s how to get it:
Head to the Settings area, then select General. Tap Update Software and follow the on-screen prompts to download and install iOS 18.
How to schedule messages to send later
There are a lot of reasons you might want to set messages to send later. Maybe you’re playing coy with a crush, texting someone in a different time zone, or timing a heartfelt message for a friend’s birthday.
Before you start scheduling messages as a hired project manager, it’s important to note that the feature only applies to blue bubbles, not green. This means that you cannot use it for SMS and RCS messages to Android users.
Scheduled messages are easy to spot on your iPhone
Apple
To use the new perk, open the Messages app, tap the plus icon, then tap “send later.” Now, tap the time to open the scheduler and select when you want to send the message. Write your message and tap send.
The message border will now show a dashed line, with the expected time above it. Now, it will send at that time even if you are offline.
You can also replay the message by clicking edit next to the time listed. And, you can edit its content or delete it by long pressing the message and selecting the corresponding option.
How to change the color and size of app icons
We are creative. Gone are the days when you had to stick to rigid grids for apps in their stodgy, trademark colors. With iOS 18, you can inflate those rounded squares, change their shades, and place them wherever you want. Watching them change from their default colors to a bright red also looks pretty cool in real time.
Changing the color of your apps to match your background is bound to catch people’s attention
Apple
Start by tapping and holding the bottom of the screen until the apps shake. Select “edit” at the top left and then “customize” from the menu.
Now, you can use self-explanatory controls to make app icons bigger (deleting their names in the process), choose a light or dark theme for apps and widgets, and change their colors by choosing “tinta” and using the slider. You can also tap the eyedropper icon to use a color from your current wallpaper.
How to edit the control center
However, you can have more customization by changing the buttons in the control center. With it, you can quickly launch a curated set of features or add more than ever.
Start by swiping from the top right of the screen to tap the control center. Now, long press the display below the controls to start cutting, rearranging and changing. You can remove the existing controls (including the connectivity or music panels), tap on the white circles to add new instruments or move individually.
You can search and search from a long list of tools to add to the new control center
Apple
Low power mode, fast notes and dark mode are all good to add. In all, there are over 70 controls to choose from. If the main screen fills up, you can scroll through the pages to add more, similar to how you do with applications.
How to change the lock screen controls
You can never use the flashlight of the iPhone or your camera is mapped to the action button again. Well, now you can change the default controls on the lock screen to the ones you need.
Start by tapping the side button to close the screen, then tap and hold anywhere on the screen, and select “customize.” Now, you can customize both the lock screen and the home screen. Select the first one, and remove the controls on each side of the display at the bottom.
You can swap the default lock screen buttons for new ones like quick notes
Apple
Now, tap the white circles and choose from a wealth of new options, including stopwatch, clock, connection controls, dark mode, and much more.
With the Shortcuts feature, you can add your saved tasks for even more adaptability, from generating reminders to your mom quickly.
How to adjust the beam and brightness of the flashlight
If you use the iPhone’s flashlight instead of accidentally turning it on all the time, this update is for you. You can now adjust the beam width and strength of the iPhone flashlight.
This can be done by opening the flashlight from the lock screen or from the control center. Now, you will see a new menu for the flashlight that allows you to adjust its intensity and enlarge its beam by moving your finger up and down and from side to side.
Unfortunately, the new feature is only supported on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 Pro versions – and the upcoming iPhone 16 range.
How to mirror your iPhone on your Mac
Okay, this also requires installing the latest Mac software update, MacOS Sequoia. But, it’s worth it – especially since it’s the easiest way to access your iPhone on your MacBook. You can control everything from a virtual iPhone on your desktop, from apps to settings, and more.
The only drawback is that the view cannot be changed from vertical to horizontal. However, it’s great to use your phone at work. Or, to quickly access notifications and respond to messages without frequently switching between your Mac and iPhone.
Apple has made it easier than ever to control your iPhone from your Mac, allowing you to access apps and more
Apple / Saqib Shah
To make it work, make sure both devices are signed into the same Apple ID and have Bluetooth and WiFi enabled.
With both devices next to each other, open the iPhone Mirroring app on your Mac (it should be in the Dock). Click continue and unlock your iPhone when prompted. On your Mac, click “start” and choose whether to authenticate automatically or be prompted each time. Now, unlock the feature with your Mac password or Touch ID on the keyboard.
Once connected, you should be able to interact with the virtual iPhone using your mouse or trackpad. You can also click or use shortcuts including Cmd + 1 for the home screen, Cmd + 2 to open the app switcher, or Cmd + 3 to open Spotlight Search. The audio from your iPhone will play through your Mac speakers and the iPhone screen will display a “phone in use” message while mirroring.
How to use the new calculator
Apple gave the Calculator app a bumper update with iOS 18. As a result, you can now use a converter for coins, angles, lengths and more. You can also solve math equations in notes by writing them. Additionally, the scientific calculator is now available in portrait mode.
All these new tricks can be accessed from the calculator button at the bottom left of the app. If you select “Math Notes”, you can start writing equations. Meanwhile, the activation of the conversion will automatically default to the currency conversion, although it can be changed to another metric by touching the arrow icons next to the numbers.
How to close apps behind Face ID
This is super easy to install, but it can make you look like you have something to hide. Start thinking of a good excuse for when your partner inevitably asks why your Instagram is closed. If you are worried, you can hide everything.
Installing the new feature involves holding down the app you want to close and selecting “require Face ID” from the pop-up menu. Now, the app will take a split second longer to open when you see an alert saying that Face ID is required to unlock it.
Locking and hiding apps is a great way to prevent friends and family from seeing sensitive photos and texts
Apple
To disable the setting, long press the app again and select “don’t need Face ID”.
For added privacy, you can also hide apps on your home screen. To do that, long press the app you want to hide, tap “require Face ID”, and then “hide and require Face ID”. Now, the app will only be available by scrolling down to the bottom of your home screen in the app library and scrolling down to a folder hidden in the background (which can only be accessed with Face ID). You won’t find it by searching in Spotlight, while it will disappear from your home screen.
This trick doesn’t work for Apple apps that come pre-installed with iOS 18, only those downloaded from the App Store.
How to use the new Passwords app
With so many passwords to remember, anyone trying to stay sane has probably adopted one of two solutions: using a password manager or constantly checking passwords saved on their phone, laptop or web browser.
Apple introduced a new Passwords app with iOS 18 to make life easier. You will find it on your iPhone as soon as you install the latest software update, which means that you no longer need to consult your settings to see or manage your passwords.
Find saved passwords, share them, and add new ones with the iOS 18 Passwords app
Apple
You can also use it to share passwords with others in your contacts. Open the app, select “new group” under “shared groups” and start inviting people you know. The saved passwords are also in categories including security, WiFi, passkeys, and “all”.
A search bar at the top lets you find them quickly, while the bottom-left icon lets you add new ones manually, with the app suggesting a strong password to save time.
How to use eye tracking to control your phone
Buried deep in your settings is a new accessibility control that allows you to use your iPhone with your eyes. It is intended for people with visual impairments or low vision, but anyone can theoretically use it.
However, when we tried it, it didn’t work as expected. First, you have to do a quick eye scanning test, during which you direct your gaze to the points around the iPhone screen.
But, even after completing the configuration, we found that the movement was too sensitive and stopped working. It could be because we didn’t have the iPhone at the right distance from our face (one meter). It should also be placed on a flat surface.
However, if you want to test it yourself, go into your settings, tap accessibility, and then choose “eye tracking” and turn it on. This will start the activation process including testing.