iOS 18, released in 2024, introduced an array of powerful features aimed at enhancing the user experience on your iPhone. Apple’s focus on artificial intelligence has brought about significant improvements, but there are also several lesser-known settings that can make a huge difference in how you use your device. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most useful, yet often overlooked features in iOS 18, and provide tips for optimizing your iPhone for maximum convenience, security, and efficiency.
Table of Contents
1. Customize the Control Center
The Control Center on your iPhone is more customizable than ever with iOS 18. To access the customization options, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. From here, you can tap the plus icon or press and hold an empty space to modify the layout. Add or remove shortcuts and arrange widgets to your preference for a more streamlined experience. You can even customize app icons and their size on your home screen.
2. Change Your Lock Screen Buttons
By default, the lock screen on your iPhone has shortcuts for the flashlight and camera. But you don’t have to stick with these options. Press and hold an empty space on the lock screen and tap “Customize” to rearrange the shortcuts, change the widgets, and modify the font, color, and wallpaper for the time display.
3. Extend Screen Time-Out
The default screen time-out setting is designed to save battery, but it can be frustrating when the screen goes dark too quickly. To extend the time, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock, and choose a time interval or set it to “Never” if you prefer manual control.
4. Turn Off Keyboard Sounds
Typing sounds on the iPhone keyboard can be distracting, especially in quiet settings. To turn off the keyboard clicks, navigate to Settings > Sound & Haptics and toggle off the “Keyboard Feedback” sound. While you’re there, consider disabling the “Lock Sound” as well.
5. Enable Dark Mode
Dark Mode not only reduces eye strain but also helps save battery life on OLED screens. To enable it, go to Settings > Display & Brightness and tap “Dark.” You can set it to switch automatically based on the time of day or keep it on at all times.
6. Adjust Battery Charge Levels
To preserve the long-term health of your battery, consider limiting your iPhone’s charge level. The “Optimized Battery Charging” setting helps your battery maintain peak health by charging up to 80% and then waiting until you’re about to use your phone. To manually set this limit, go to Settings > Battery > Charging, and choose the 80% cap.
7. Set Up the Action Button
The iPhone 15 Pro and newer models have replaced the traditional mute switch with an Action Button. You can customize its function by going to Settings > Action Button. Options include shortcuts, camera settings, and more. If you’re unfamiliar with the Shortcuts app, consider exploring how to automate tasks for a more personalized experience.
8. Disable Apple Intelligence
Apple’s AI, including Siri, has made substantial progress, but if you prefer to disable certain features, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri. From here, you can turn off specific features or the entire system if you prefer a more manual approach to your iPhone.
9. Hide Sensitive Apps
To protect your privacy, you can hide apps like games or private files from prying eyes. Tap and hold an app icon, then select “Require Face ID” to lock it behind biometric security, or opt to “Hide” the app entirely from the App Library.
10. Stop Videos from Autoplaying
Autoplaying videos can quickly drain your battery and data. To stop this behavior in the Photos app, go to Settings > Apps > Photos and disable Auto-Play Motion and Loop Videos.
11. Enhance Speech in Movies and TV Shows
For better clarity in movies or TV shows, iOS 18 offers an enhancement to dialogue. While watching a video, tap the screen and select the audio icon to adjust the Enhance Dialogue setting to make voices more prominent and easier to hear.
12. Set Up Do Not Disturb
iOS 18 provides powerful options for managing distractions. To set up Do Not Disturb, go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb, where you can schedule downtime or allow specific contacts and apps to send notifications while others are muted.
13. Change Your Default Apps
If you prefer using apps other than Apple’s defaults, iOS 18 allows you to change your default email, browser, and messaging apps. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Default Apps to choose your preferred alternatives.
14. Keep iCloud Files Local
If you need offline access to your iCloud files, you can download them directly to your device. In the Files app, tap and hold on a folder or file stored in iCloud and select “Keep Downloaded.”
15. Limit App Permissions
Reviewing app permissions is an essential privacy measure. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security to manage which apps have access to location, contacts, photos, and more. You can reduce permissions for apps that don’t require precise data.
16. Change Siri’s Voice
Siri now offers several voice options across different accents. To customize this, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Voice, and choose from American, Australian, British, Indian, Irish, or South African voices.
17. Set a Shortcut for Your Email Address
To save time, you can set up a text shortcut for frequently typed information like your email address. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard and select Text Replacement. Add a shortcut such as “eml” for your full email address.
18. Show Notifications on the Lock Screen
If you want to see notifications on the lock screen without unlocking your iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications and select Show Previews. You can set it to Always or When Unlocked based on your preferences.
19. Create AI Art with Image Playground
With iOS 18.2, Apple introduced an innovative feature called the Image Playground, allowing you to generate AI-assisted art. Explore this fun feature by opening the Playground app, where you can create custom images based on various prompts and themes.
20. Reduce Car Sickness
For those prone to motion sickness while using their iPhone in the car, iOS 18 offers a solution. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and toggle on “Show Vehicle Motion Cues.” This feature helps reduce discomfort during travel.
For more in-depth guides and the latest tips on optimizing your tech, visit Trenzest.com for expert advice and tutorials.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your iPhone experience or grow your business with the power of automation, Trenzest provides the insights you need to stay ahead in the fast-paced tech landscape. Don’t forget to explore our additional resources and tools that help you make the most of your technology.
