New Features in Apple’s iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 You Need to Know

Apple’s Latest Innovations: iOS 18 and iPadOS 18

Apple often touts its new hardware and software as the “best” or “biggest” ever, but the reality doesn’t always match the hype. However, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 might just live up to those lofty descriptions. These updates bring a host of quality-of-life improvements, including a significant upgrade to Siri, the biggest since its debut 13 years ago.

Supported Devices

iPhones

If you own an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or any newer model, you can download and run iOS 18. To check your iPhone model, go to the Settings app, tap on General > About, and look at the Model Name. Note that some features require more modern processors and are exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models.

iPads

For iPads, the naming scheme depends on the hardware generation. Some older iPads are no longer supported. To find out which model you have, check the Settings app before installing a beta version of iPadOS 18.

Apple Intelligence

Siri is getting an AI boost.

Every major tech company has been integrating artificial intelligence into their hardware and software.

In the Notes and Phone app, you can hit the record button to get an audio recording with a transcript. Apple Intelligence can then create a summary of that transcript. In states requiring two-party consent for recordings, the other person will be notified.

Siri will also understand context better, so you won’t need to repeat yourself if you make a mistake mid-sentence. Additionally, Siri can use ChatGPT for tasks like analyzing photos or documents and generating original images and text from a query.

New Features in iOS 18

Redesigned Photos App

Photos gets an organizational overhaul.

The Photos app has been redesigned with a photo grid at the top and collections like Recent Days, Trips, and People & Pets below. Apple Intelligence powers features like Clean Up, which erases unwanted objects in the background, and enhanced search capabilities.

RCS and Satellite Messaging

Apple’s new native Passwords app supports end-to-end encryption and will become the primary way to manage passwords and ID verification codes across all Apple devices and even Windows.

iPhone Mirroring

This feature allows you to mirror your iPhone screen on other devices, enhancing multitasking capabilities.

Smart Script

Smart Script re-creates your handwriting, making it more legible while retaining your style. You can also convert typed text into your handwriting and erase text by scratching it off.

The Calculator App

The Calculator app is now available on the iPad, featuring Math Notes with Apple Pencil. This allows you to write equations, and the app will solve them as soon as you draw an equals sign.

Other New Features Worth Noting

• Mail: The Mail app now sorts your email by Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.
• Safari Highlights: This feature surfaces key information on a webpage, like contact details, reducing the need to click through multiple tabs.
• Apple Maps: Now includes topographic maps with trail networks and hikes, which can be saved for offline use.
• Apple Wallet: You can now send cash by tapping two iPhones together, eliminating the need to share phone numbers or email addresses.
• Game Mode: Boosts frame rates and reduces audio latency and input lag while gaming.
• AirPods Pro: Voice Isolation improves voice quality by eliminating background noise. Hands-free Siri interactions allow you to nod or shake your head to respond to Siri.
• Notes: Now supports live audio transcriptions, collapsible section headers, and text highlighting.
• Apple TV: InSight provides more details about who is on the screen and the music playing.
• SharePlay: Allows remote control of someone else’s screen or drawing on their screen to show them how to do something.
• Accessibility: Eye Tracking mode lets users control their iPhone or iPad with their eyes.