Apple releases iOS 18 with new customization features and app updates

Cupertino: Apple has officially launched iOS 18, the latest version of its iPhone software, marking the company's biggest iPhone update of the year. However, the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence, an artificial intelligence system featured in Apple's new ad campaigns, is not included in this release. Apple Intelligence will debut later this fall in a beta version as part of a separate update.
iOS 18 brings a revamped interface with extensive customization options for users. One of the standout features is the ability to change the color of home screen icons, offering users more control over the look and feel of their devices. The update also introduces the option to rearrange app icons freely on the home screen, allowing users to place apps around the border or center them as they prefer.

Several Apple apps have also undergone significant redesigns. Most notably, the Messages app now supports RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging, which improves SMS texting by enhancing photo quality and adding typing indicators. Additionally, Messages users can now bold or italicize text and react to messages using emojis, expanding beyond the previously limited options like thumbs-up or heart reactions.

The Control Center has also been overhauled, featuring additional pages of shortcuts and options to improve navigation and usability.

New features include satellite texting for supported devices, enabling users to send messages even without Wi-Fi. Another addition is the "Passwords" app, which can securely save and generate strong passwords, enhancing security for users.

The iOS 18 update is available for all iPhones released since 2018 and can be downloaded by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.

Key updates include:
Customizable app icons, with dark mode and colour options.
Freely movable icons on the home screen.
Updated Control Center with more shortcuts.
Enhanced messaging features, including emoji reactions and RCS support.
Satellite text messaging for certain devices.
The new "Passwords" app for managing strong passwords.