Apple held its WWDC in June and revealed the highly anticipated iOS 18, set to launch in late 2024. This update brings exciting new features for iOS users. However, many hidden iOS 18 features often go unnoticed. We’ve highlighted 25 of these lesser-known features below if you’re curious.
List of Hidden iOS 18 Features
The upcoming iOS 18 promises to be a game-changer, packed with innovative features to enhance your Apple experience. While many are buzzing about the headline updates, several mind-blowing and hidden features haven’t taken the spotlight.
These under-the-radar gems are designed to optimize your device’s performance, boost productivity, and offer unique functionalities that you may never have expected.
In this article, we’ll uncover these hidden iOS 18 features that are sure to surprise and delight you, helping you get the most out of your iPhone or iPad like never before.
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1. Power Button Access via Control Center
If you’ve ever struggled to power off your iPhone, the new iOS 18 feature is here to help. Apple has added a Power button to the Control Center, making it easier than ever to turn off your device. Swipe down on your screen and tap the power icon—no need to fumble with buttons. This feature is handy if your power or volume buttons are unresponsive due to a tough mobile case. Restarting your device is now just a tap away, providing a convenient solution for a common problem.
2. Hide App Label
A standout feature in iOS 18 is removing app labels, perfect for those who recognize apps by their icons and want a cleaner, more aesthetic home screen. You’ll enjoy a sleek, minimalistic look with more prominent app logos by hiding the app names below the icons. To enable this setting, tap and hold your home screen for a few seconds, select Edit, then choose Customize. Under the Large tab, you can hide the app labels and transform your home screen’s appearance. This simple customization adds a touch of elegance to your device.
3. T9 Calling
Jealous of Android users who can type a name on their dial pad to find a contact? The T9 dialer feature, long enjoyed by Android users, is finally coming to iOS. With iOS 18, you can now type a name on your iPhone’s dial pad—just like on old-school keypad phones—to quickly search and dial a contact without needing to scroll through your contact list. This addition brings a familiar, efficient feature to iOS, making it easier to find and call contacts directly from your dial pad.
4. Search Call History
Ever accidentally called a contact while searching for a number in your Records? iOS 18 has a solution. The new update introduces a default search bar in the Recents section, allowing you to type a contact’s name or mobile number to find them quickly. This eliminates the need for excessive scrolling and reduces the risk of accidentally dialing someone. This feature makes navigating your call history more efficient and less prone to mistakes.
5. Customizable Flashlight Width
iOS 18 introduces an exciting feature for iPhone 14 Pro and newer models: Adjustable Flashlight width. This allows you to customize the coverage area of your flashlight to suit your needs. To use this feature, open the Dynamic Island and adjust the flashlight beam width using the slider on the right. You can toggle between a focused beam and a broader burst of light, giving you greater control over your illumination.
6. The Rainbow clock on the Home Screen
iOS 18 takes home screen customization to a new level with stunning options. Apple has enhanced its UI/UX to offer more personalized and visually striking elements. One standout feature is the Rainbow-colored clock, which adds a vibrant touch to your home screen. The previously white clock can now be displayed in a dynamic rainbow gradient, creating a colorful contrast against your background and enhancing your device’s visual appeal.
7. Color Option in Notes
If you love using colors to make your notes stand out, iOS 18 has you covered. The update introduces the ability to add colorful text and highlights in your Notes app, making your notes visually appealing and easier to navigate. You can choose from five vibrant colors—purple, pink, orange, blue, and mint—to update your text or emphasize key sections. Open the Notes app and tap the Aa icon to access these color options. This feature allows for enhanced organization and personalization of your notes.
8. Links Preview in iMessages
iOS 18 brings a valuable update to iMessage with link previews. This feature automatically converts plain text URLs into website previews, similar to other messaging apps. You’ll be able to see a snapshot of the linked content once you send it. This applies to links from Safari, social media, and various other sources, enhancing how you share and view web content directly within your messages.
9. Backspace & Unit Conversion Keys in Calculator
iOS 18 introduces two highly anticipated features for the Calculator app. First, a backspace button allows you to correct mistakes without restarting your calculations from scratch. Second, a unit conversion feature, similar to those found on Android devices, is now integrated into the app.
This addition lets you perform quick unit conversions directly within the Calculator, eliminating the need to visit a web page for such tasks. These updates aim to streamline your calculations and enhance the app’s functionality.
10. App Section in Settings
iOS 18 addresses the challenge of finding apps in Settings by introducing a dedicated Apps section. Instead of scrolling through a cluttered list, you’ll find a convenient dropdown at the bottom of the Settings page. This new section organizes your apps, making navigating and locating specific app settings much easier. This update aims to enhance user experience by streamlining access to app-specific options.
11. Pop-Out Bezel Animation
Pressing the power and volume buttons simultaneously on your iOS device expands the bezel—a small but notable update highlighting Apple’s commitment to attention to detail. This subtle enhancement reflects Apple’s focus on refining user interactions and improving the overall experience with thoughtful design tweaks.
12. Customizable Photos App
iOS 18 introduces customization options for your Photos app collections, allowing you to edit and organize items like Memories, Timelines, Trips, and more. This update gives you greater control over how your photo collections are displayed and managed, enhancing your ability to personalize and streamline your photo browsing experience.
13. Audio Recording Notes & Attachment Menu
iOS 18 enhances the Notes app with a new attachment option at the bottom right, allowing you to easily add media to your notes. Additionally, you can record audio notes directly within the app on your iPhone or iPad, making capturing and organizing your thoughts and information more convenient.
14. Rotate Wi-Fi Address
iOS 18 introduces a Wi-Fi Rotate feature to help minimize Wi-Fi tracking on your device. To activate this feature, go to Settings, select Wi-Fi, tap on your connected network, and enable the Change Wi-Fi option. This will help enhance your privacy by periodically rotating your Wi-Fi network’s identifier.
15. Added Charging Limits on Your Device
Previously, the charge limit option on iOS devices allowed setting a maximum charge of 80%. With iOS 18, you now have the flexibility to choose from lower charging limits, offering more precise control over your device’s battery management.
16. Music Haptics
If you enjoy the tactile feedback of haptic sounds while tapping apps or performing actions on your device, iOS 18 introduces Haptics customization. This feature lets you personalize and adjust the haptic feedback settings to suit your preferences, enhancing your overall user experience.
17. Sound Actions
iOS 18 introduces a feature that lets you set keywords for specific actions on your iPhone. For example, you can set a “photo” keyword to automatically open the camera. To activate this, click Settings, tap Accessibility, select Touch, and then choose Sound Actions to configure your preferred keywords.
18. The Weather App Will Have Home & Work Locations
iOS 18 now allows your iPhone to display weather conditions for your home and work locations. This feature helps you plan better, such as deciding whether to carry an umbrella based on the weather at your office. To enable this, go to Settings and select Weather Settings on your iOS device.
19. Share Wi-Fi via QR Codes
iOS 18 introduces a feature similar to Android, allowing you to connect to Wi-Fi networks by scanning a QR code. To use this, go to the Passwords app on your iPhone, select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to and tap Share Network QR to access the QR code. This makes connecting to Wi-Fi networks faster and more convenient.
20. Customized Way to Resize & Add Widgets on the Home Screen
iOS 18 enhances widget customization by allowing you to tap and hold the home screen to add or resize widgets. This feature provides more flexibility, letting you tailor your home screen with widgets of various sizes to fit your needs and preferences.
21. Revamped iCloud Screen in Settings App
iOS 18 has redesigned the iCloud Settings view from a list to a grid layout, making it easier to access and navigate. This update reduces the need for excessive scrolling, allowing you to find and manage your iCloud settings more efficiently.
22. Reminders in Calendar App
iOS 18 introduces the ability to add reminders for upcoming events directly within the Calendar app. This new feature allows you to set alerts and manage tasks more efficiently, integrating seamlessly with your schedule.
23. Remove Icons From Lock Screen
You can now customize your iOS lock screen by removing icons for the camera and flashlight. This option provides a cleaner, more streamlined look for your lock screen.
24. Remote Screen Access
iOS devices now support remote control capabilities, allowing other users to control your device via screen-sharing. This feature facilitates more accessible assistance and collaboration.
25. Emergency SOS Live Video
During an emergency call, you can stream live audio and video to provide detailed information about your location, background, and potential threats. This enhancement improves emergency response by offering more comprehensive situational details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some hidden features in iOS 18?
iOS 18 introduces several hidden features, including customizable haptic feedback, the ability to remove app labels, adjustable flashlight width, and a search bar in the Recents section of the Phone app. These features enhance user experience by offering more personalization and functionality.
How do I customize the haptic feedback on my iOS 18 device?
To customize haptic feedback, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Here, you can adjust the intensity and pattern of haptic responses according to your preferences.
Can I remove app labels from my home screen in iOS 18?
Yes, iOS 18 allows you to remove app labels for a cleaner look. To do this, tap and hold the home screen, select Edit Home Screen, and choose the option to hide app labels under the Large tab.
How can I use the new adjustable flashlight feature in iOS 18?
Open the Dynamic Island and use the slider on the right to adjust the flashlight beam width. You can switch between a focused beam and a broader burst of light.
What is the T9 dialer feature in iOS 18?
The T9 dialer feature lets you type a contact’s name directly on the dial pad to search and dial their number, similar to older keypad phones. This simplifies finding and calling contacts.
How do I activate the Wi-Fi Rotate feature in iOS 18?
To minimize Wi-Fi tracking, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap on the connected network, and enable the Change Wi-Fi option to periodically rotate your Wi-Fi network’s identifier.
What is the new widget customization option in iOS 18?
iOS 18 allows you to customize widgets by tapping and holding the home screen. You can add new widgets and manually adjust their size to fit your home screen layout.
How do I access the QR code for Wi-Fi connection in iOS 18?
To connect to Wi-Fi using a QR code, go to the Passwords app, select the desired Wi-Fi network, and tap Share Network QR to generate the QR code.
Conclusion
iOS 18 brings exciting and innovative features designed to enhance user experience and offer greater customization. From advanced haptic feedback and adjustable flashlight settings to new ways of managing widgets and connecting to Wi-Fi, this update provides valuable tools for personalizing and streamlining your device.
Hidden features such as the T9 dialer and QR code connectivity add convenience, while enhancements like live video streaming during emergency calls ensure more effective responses. IOS 18’s new capabilities reflect Apple’s commitment to improving usability and functionality, making your iPhone or iPad more intuitive and versatile than ever before.