When does iOS 18 come out?

After nearly three months of beta testing, iOS 18 is gearing up for its official release, promising to bring significant improvements for iPhone users. Apple is expected to announce the specific release date for iOS 18 during the upcoming September 9 event, with a likely launch date on Monday, September 16.

Here are the eight most notable features of iOS 18 that you can look forward to:

1. Customizable Home Screen

iOS 18 introduces unprecedented customization options for the home screen. You can move app icons anywhere on the home screen grid and choose between two new customization options: "Dark" and "Color" to change the appearance of icons. Additionally, you can enlarge app icons and hide text labels underneath them, creating a cleaner, more modern interface.

2. Redesigned Control Center

The Control Center in iOS 18 has been completely redesigned, offering greater customization. You can now rearrange and resize controls and even add more controls from a new control library. This allows users to create a Control Center tailored to their personal needs, optimizing their user experience.

3. Enhanced iMessage

iMessage on iOS 18 has been upgraded with a host of new features. You can use any emoji as a Tapback reaction, add text effects like "Shake" and "Explode," along with text formatting options such as bold and underline. iMessage also supports RCS, improving messaging with Android devices. Another noteworthy feature is the ability to schedule messages for later, helping you manage your messages more effectively.

4. Redesigned Photos App

Apple claims that the Photos app on iOS 18 has undergone the most significant redesign ever. Instead of traditional tabs, the app now uses an all-in-one layout, providing a more seamless experience. Although these changes initially sparked controversy, Apple adjusted the design throughout the iOS 18 beta testing phase to address user feedback.

5. App Lock with Face ID

A new security feature in iOS 18 is the ability to lock any app using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. This feature enhances privacy and security for users. You can also hide apps and move them to a locked hidden folder, ensuring that personal information remains secure.

6. Password App

iOS 18 introduces a brand-new Password app, integrating features previously available through iCloud Keychain. This app makes it easier and more efficient for users to manage passwords, passkeys, and two-factor authentication codes.

7. Distraction Control

Integrated into Safari, the new Distraction Control feature allows you to hide distracting elements on websites, such as newsletter sign-up forms and cookie consent prompts. However, Apple emphasizes that this feature is not designed to block ads. If you hide an ad banner, it will reappear when the ad content is refreshed.

8. Game Mode

First introduced on Macs, Game Mode is now available on iPhone with iOS 18. This feature minimizes background activity to maintain consistently high frame rates while gaming, significantly reduces audio latency with AirPods, and enhances the responsiveness of wireless game controllers.

While these features have generated excitement among users, it’s important to note that Apple Intelligence will only be available in the iOS 18.1 update. This means users will have to wait a little longer to experience this much-anticipated AI feature.

With iOS 18, Apple continues to affirm its position in delivering fresh and superior experiences to users. Get ready for the official release and enjoy these fantastic features on your iPhone!