# iOS 18 Review: Launch of a New Era Postponed
After more than two months of beta trials, Apple is ready to unveil iOS 18, the newest operating system update for the iPhone. This update introduces a wide array of enhancements, including an updated Home Screen, Control Center, and Lock Screen, along with improved privacy measures. Nevertheless, despite these noteworthy alterations, the highly awaited Apple Intelligence platform remains absent. In this review, we will examine the advantages and drawbacks of iOS 18, investigate its new features, and consider whether the upgrade is worthwhile.
## The Most Significant Design Overhaul Since iOS 7
A standout transformation in iOS 18 is its comprehensive design revamp. For the first time, Apple has modernized the Home Screen, Control Center, and Lock Screen simultaneously. Users now have the ability to arrange apps to their liking, facilitating easier access to frequently employed apps or personalizing the screen with widgets and larger app icons. The Lock Screen also presents new widget options, replacing the traditional Flashlight and Camera shortcuts.
The Control Center has experienced a notable enhancement, enabling users to form new groups of widgets for Home controls, connectivity, and music. This personalization is a welcomed improvement for those wanting more influence over their iPhone’s interface. Despite these updates, users who favor the previous design may opt to retain it, making iOS 18 a versatile upgrade.
## Improved Privacy Features
Apple has consistently prioritized user privacy, and iOS 18 elevates this commitment. A key feature is the option to hide and lock apps using Face ID. Previously, users resorted to third-party applications or Screen Time to achieve this level of security. Now, apps can be safeguarded with biometric authentication or concealed within a hidden folder in the App Library.
Moreover, Apple has transformed the former Passwords section into a standalone application. While it still lacks features such as credit card storage, it offers easy access to passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi credentials, and verification codes. The Contacts app also receives a privacy enhancement, enabling users to share specific contact information without revealing their entire address book.
## iMessage Receives Enhancements
iMessage has consistently been a favorite feature among iPhone users, and iOS 18 introduces even greater functionality. New text effects enable users to highlight letters, words, or emojis with dynamic animations. Messages can also be customized with formatting options like bold, underline, italics, and strikethrough. Additionally, Tapbacks now accommodate any emoji or sticker, enriching conversations.
A particularly beneficial new feature is the message scheduling capability. This is especially useful for sending reminders or time-sensitive information. iOS 18 also brings satellite messaging, permitting users to send and receive texts even when cellular and Wi-Fi connections are unavailable.
## Photos App Restructured
In iOS 18, the Photos app has been redesigned once again. Apple has shifted away from the sidebar layout in favor of a single-view display. New collections help users browse photos thematically, and favorite collections can be pinned for convenient access. While the adjustments may seem daunting initially, they ultimately enhance the app’s intuitiveness and user-friendliness.
## Where is Apple Intelligence?
Among the most eagerly awaited features of iOS 18 was Apple Intelligence, Apple’s response to AI platforms such as Google Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Unfortunately, Apple Intelligence will not be available at launch. The platform is expected to debut in a beta version later this fall, but even then, it won’t encompass all the features users anticipated.
Apple has been slow to embrace AI functionalities, and even with the anticipated iOS 18.1 update, it remains uncertain how much of Apple Intelligence will be accessible. This postponement is a major downside for users who were excited about Apple’s entrance into the AI space.
## Other Remarkable Features
While the primary updates take center stage, iOS 18 also incorporates several smaller features that enhance the overall user experience:
– **Game Mode**: Initially introduced in macOS Sonoma, Game Mode arrives on the iPhone, delivering more stable frame rates for a more fluid gaming experience.
– **SharePlay with Apple Music**: This feature permits multiple users to manage music playback from HomePod, Apple TV, or Bluetooth speakers, making group listening more engaging.
– **Math Notes in the Notes App**: Equations and formulas are resolved instantly as you type, making the Notes app even more adaptable.
– **Journal App**: The new insights view aids users in monitoring their journaling objectives, while enhanced search functionality simplifies revisiting past entries.
– **Calendar and Reminders Integration**: The Calendar app now showcases both events and tasks from the Reminders app, streamlining task management.
## Device Compatibility
iOS 18 maintains compatibility with the same devices as iOS 17, allowing users with older iPhones to
