# iOS 18: An In-Depth Look at the Enhanced Control Center and Advanced Features for Power Users
iOS 18 has officially been released, and although the highly awaited **Apple Intelligence** feature is still forthcoming, the update introduces notable improvements in customization, especially within the **home screen** and **Control Center**. This article will highlight the enhanced **Control Center** along with other power-user functionalities, including advancements in **iCloud**, **Files**, and the capability to lock or conceal apps.
While iOS 18 may not have unveiled revolutionary features like **Shortcuts** or the **Files app** from earlier updates, it nonetheless provides an array of new capabilities that empower users to customize their iPhones to a greater extent. Let’s explore these new functionalities.
## Enhanced Control Center
The **Control Center** has always been a fundamental aspect of iOS, allowing users quick access to key functionalities with just a swipe. In iOS 18, Apple has elevated its capabilities by integrating customization options, controls for third-party apps, and a paginated layout.
### Significant Updates in Control Center:
– **Customization**: Users now have the option to reorder, resize, and incorporate additional controls directly from the Control Center, eliminating the need to access the Settings app.
– **Third-party app controls**: For the first time, third-party applications can present their own controls within the Control Center, unlocking new avenues for quick app functionalities.
– **Shortcuts integration**: You’re able to add **Shortcuts** to the Control Center, enhancing automation and rapid actions even further.
### New Interface Features:
When you swipe down from the top-right corner of the display to engage the Control Center, you’ll observe some new additions:
– **A “+” symbol in the top-left corner**: This opens the customization menu, letting you reorder and resize controls.
– **A power icon in the top-right corner**: Pressing and holding this brings up the swipe-to-power-off interface.
– **Three icons along the right side of the display**: These signify the three default pages in the newly paginated Control Center.
### Paginated Control Center
The Control Center is now segmented into multiple pages, each indicated by an icon on the right side of the screen:
1. **First page (Heart icon)**: This page retains all the controls from the previous version of Control Center, with ample opportunities for customization.
2. **Second page (Music icon)**: This page features a substantial “Now Playing” widget for music and audio along with **AirPlay** controls.
3. **Third page (Connectivity icon)**: Dedicated to connectivity options, this page includes toggles for **Wi-Fi**, **Bluetooth**, **AirDrop**, **Cellular**, and **VPN**.
Users can swipe vertically to navigate between these pages, and they have the option to add or remove pages by customizing the controls.
### Customizing Pages and Controls
The customization process has become more straightforward and user-friendly. You can activate customization mode by tapping the **“+”** icon or long-pressing any empty area in the Control Center. In this mode, a grid appears, enabling you to add, remove, and rearrange controls.
– **Adding controls**: Click “Add a control” at the bottom of the display to pull up a searchable list of available controls, including those from third-party applications.
– **Resizing controls**: Controls can be resized by moving a marker located at the bottom-right corner of each control. However, most controls lack substantial additional features when resized, which could be seen as a missed opportunity.
### Third-Party App Controls
While there is currently a limited selection of third-party app controls, the potential for this feature is immense. Given that the Control Center can be accessed anytime in iOS, the inclusion of third-party app controls could significantly enhance workflows and make the iPhone even more effective for power users.
## iCloud, Files, and External Drives
In addition to the Control Center, iOS 18 introduces several smaller yet valuable updates in the **Files app** and **iCloud**.
### Files App Improvements:
– **Keep Downloaded**: You can now mark specific files to stay downloaded on your device, preventing iOS from automatically offloading them to the cloud when storage is low.
– **External Drive Compatibility**: iOS 18 adds support for formatting external drives connected via USB-C in **APFS**, **exFAT**, or **MS-DOS (FAT32)** formats. You can also erase drives directly from the Files app, though this function is only available on USB-C enabled iPhones.
### iCloud Management:
– **Redesigned iCloud panel**: The iCloud management panel within the Settings app has been overhauled for improved readability and easier navigation.
