What features other than AI will come to iPhones with iOS 18?

Apple's big event WWDC24 is just days away. Especially the iOS 18 update is curious. Well, what features other than artificial intelligence will come to iPhones with the new iOS version?

Although artificial intelligence features will attract attention at the WWDC 2024 event, there are other changes Apple has planned for iOS 18. We will see new home screen customisation options, design changes and more.

Home screen customisations

With iOS 18, Apple will for the first time allow users to freely place app icons and widgets on the home screen. This means that iPhone users will get rid of the current fixed aligned grid and can create gaps between widgets and app icons. iPad currently allows users to place widgets anywhere on the home screen.

The other change coming to the iOS 18 home screen is the ability to personalise app icons. The new feature will allow users to change the colour of app icons across the system for the first time. For example; social networks can be arranged in one colour, banking apps in another colour, games in another colour.
 

Changes to Control Centre and Settings

With iOS 18, we will also see minor changes in Control Centre. The new design will include an updated music widget, as well as improvements to HomeKit integration. iOS currently randomly selects up to six accessories in the Home section of Control Centre. The update will give users additional customisation.

Apple will introduce a new version of the Settings app with the iOS 18 update. More frequently needed iPhone settings are expected to be moved to the top and the search function is expected to be improved.

New features to the Messages application

There are also innovations that concern iMessage users. Cross-platform messaging standard RCS support, AI-supported suggested responses, emoji creation, new Tapback icons and various effects are among the new features rumoured to come to the Messages app with iOS 18.

Map custom route creation

Apple is bringing custom route creation to its Maps app. iPhone users will now be able to create their own custom routes instead of choosing one of the routes suggested by Apple Maps. Maps currently offers several route options to the destination, but with iOS 18, it will offer full control over the details of the journey.

When will iOS 18 be introduced?

Apple will show off the new features coming to iPhones with iOS 18 at WWDC 2024, which starts at 20:00 on 10 June. As always, Apple will stream the event on YouTube, the Apple site, Apple TV, and the Apple Developer app.