This year’s release of iOS 18 breaks from tradition, making it an unusual update for Apple fans. Typically, new versions of iOS arrive in full, but iOS 18 is rolling out piece by piece. Core updates like RCS messaging support and an overhauled Control Center are here, but its standout feature, Apple Intelligence, remains absent. We may not see the much-anticipated AI features until late 2025, making this an ongoing release for the foreseeable future.
Despite the absence of Apple Intelligence, iOS 18 still brings plenty of new features to the table. Customization takes center stage, allowing iPhone users to personalize their devices like never before. One of the most exciting updates is to the Control Center. It has been redesigned, now offering users the ability to organize controls into customizable pages. Instead of the static layout users have known for years, you can now arrange icons where you want, resize them, and add third-party app controls. It’s a major shift, transforming your phone’s Control Center into a customizable hub.
Another major improvement is the addition of RCS (Rich Communication Services). This messaging feature enhances cross-platform communication, making it easier to text Android users. RCS support offers features like typing indicators, read receipts, and reactions in a streamlined way, significantly improving the experience of texting between iOS and Android devices.
Home screen customization also sees an overhaul. For the first time, users can arrange app icons anywhere on the grid, breaking free from Apple’s traditional uniformity. You can even tint your app icons to match your wallpaper, giving your home screen a fresh and unique look.
The addition of a new Passwords app is another notable feature. Designed for simplicity, this app allows users to save, access, and share passwords across Apple devices, making it especially useful for families.
Though iOS 18’s headline feature—Apple Intelligence—has yet to arrive, its existing updates still make it a significant release. Features like Control Center customization, RCS messaging, and home screen personalization are sure to win over iPhone users. For now, Apple Intelligence remains on the horizon, leaving plenty to look forward to.
