iOS 18 Hands-On & First Look: Apple Beats Android?
Friends, let’s dive into an exciting journey through the latest iOS 18 update, which has stirred quite a buzz in the tech community. As a long-time iPhone user, I must admit that I often find myself growing a bit bored after a couple of months.
iOS, while undeniably smooth and reliable, can sometimes feel a touch monotonous. However, with the arrival of iOS 18, I believe the gap between Android and iOS has significantly narrowed, and perhaps, even tilted in favour of Apple!
Apple Intelligence
This is the first time in a long while that I feel genuinely excited about using an iPhone, not just for the hardware but for the software as well.
The WWDC event hinted at a focus on AI, which had my anticipation levels soaring. But as we’ll discover, while “Apple Intelligence” is indeed a form of AI, it’s not quite what we expected. Instead, the real stars of the show are the new features that iOS 18 brings to the table. So, let’s explore these features together!
Design Refresh and Home Screen Customisation
The first major highlight of iOS 18 is the refreshing design changes, especially the customisation of the home screen. This feature, which Android users have enjoyed for over a decade, finally makes its way to iOS. Users can now arrange their apps not just on the top but also on the bottom and sides of the screen. Plus, the size of the widgets can be adjusted, and colour tints can be applied to icons, adding a personal touch to the user interface.
The days of a static lock screen with just two icons are long gone. Now, you can replace those icons with ones that matter most to you. The control center has also seen significant updates, with rounded icons and a more streamlined layout. Swiping up now reveals a media center, followed by connectivity options, allowing for a more efficient user experience.
Enhanced Control Centre and Third-Party App Integration
One of the game-changing features is the ability to add third-party app controls directly to the control center. This flexibility is something I never anticipated from Apple, and it opens up a world of possibilities for personalisation. Additionally, the clubbed widgets can be resized, catering to user preferences for connectivity options.
As an Android user, I often wondered when iOS would catch up with certain features, and this update has certainly raised the bar. The introduction of hidden folders is another welcome addition, allowing users to hide apps that they prefer not to see on their home screens. By long-pressing an app, you can now place it in a hidden folder that only appears when your face is unlocked.
Revamped Photos App and Memory Features
Moving on to the photography experience, the Photos app has undergone a significant redesign. With features reminiscent of Google Photos, iOS 18 groups memories and displays photos of individuals based on names, making it easier to relive cherished moments. You can now pin photos to the app, and it’s organised by events and holidays, making navigation a breeze.
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Passwords and Security Updates
Another notable update is the introduction of password managers within iOS 18. This feature has been a staple in Android for years, and its arrival on iOS is a welcome enhancement. The iCloud Keychain has been expanded to store credit card details, addresses, and names, with the added security of Face ID for access. This means you can now save your WiFi passwords and security codes directly within the system.
Calculator and Scheduling Messages
The iPad has finally received a calculator app, and iOS 18 brings maths notes to the iPhone, allowing users to write calculations by hand. This is a practical feature that will undoubtedly appeal to many users. Furthermore, the Messages app has seen exciting updates, allowing users to schedule messages for specific times—perfect for wishing friends a happy birthday at midnight!
Game Mode and T9 Dialer
For the gamers among us, iOS 18 introduces a dedicated game mode that allows for notification control while gaming. This is a fantastic addition that enhances the gaming experience on the device. Additionally, the much-requested T9 Dialer is finally here! No longer will you need to press a button multiple times to make a call; simply type in the T9 code, and the name will pop up, making calling more efficient.
Eye Tracking and Dynamic Island Features
Another striking feature is the eye tracking capability in iOS 18. Users can calibrate their iPhones using their eye movements, allowing for app selection simply by looking at the desired app continuously. This innovative feature adds a new layer of interactivity to the user experience.
The flashlight functionality has also received an upgrade with the Dynamic Island feature, allowing users to adjust the intensity and focus of the flashlight—something that is currently unavailable on Android devices.
AI Features and Apple Intelligence
Now, let’s turn our attention to the much-anticipated AI features. While the term “Apple Intelligence” may suggest a departure from traditional AI, it does incorporate AI elements. Siri has been significantly enhanced with the integration of ChatGPT, allowing for more natural and conversational interactions. Siri will now pause while speaking, making it feel more human-like, and the knowledge base has expanded considerably.
However, it’s important to note that not all iPhones will receive these AI features. Users with iPhone 13 or 14 models may find themselves left out, while the latest iPhone 15 Pro and above will enjoy the full suite of updates. This segmentation raises questions about accessibility and whether it creates a divide among iPhone users.
Genmoji and Image Cleanup Features
Another exciting addition is Genmoji, which allows users to create custom emojis. Coupled with an image playground that generates text prompts and images, this feature adds a fun twist to communication. The Photos app also introduces an image cleanup feature, enabling users to erase unwanted objects from their photos seamlessly.
Conclusion: The Future of iOS and Android
As we wrap up our exploration of iOS 18, it’s evident that Apple has made significant strides in closing the gap with Android. The exciting new features, particularly the incorporation of customisation, enhanced security, and innovative AI elements, have breathed new life into the iOS experience.
However, the competition between Android and iOS is far from over. With Android likely to continue evolving, we can expect a thrilling race ahead.
What do you think about the new features in iOS 18? Are you excited to try them out? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoyed this blog, don’t forget to share it with your friends, especially those using iPhones.