Apple held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10, 2024, where they announced several new features coming to their iOS and iPadOS operating systems. One of the most anticipated updates is iOS 18 for iPhones and iPadOS 18 for iPads.
Firstly, users will have more control over their Home Screen with the ability to place app icons anywhere, as well as a dark tint option for app icons. This feature was first reported by MacRumors and allows blank spaces, rows, and columns between app icons to reveal more of the wallpaper.
Another significant privacy improvement is the ability to lock and hide apps with a passcode or Face ID. This feature is not available for all apps but can be implemented by developers for their third-party apps. When someone tries to open a locked app, they will see a popup that says it cannot be accessed without secondary authentication.
Apple also announced several other features across various applications such as Messages, Mail, Safari, and the Passwords app. For instance, in the Messages app, users can now schedule messages and use text effects and emoji tapbacks. In the Mail app, organization is improved with sections for personal emails, transactions, updates and promotions.
In addition to these features for iPhones and iPads, Apple also announced iPadOS 18 which includes several enhancements such as Apple Intelligence's ability to use personal context to provide relevant information. The Apple Pencil can be used in new ways for work and creativity, with Smart Script smoothing out handwritten text and Handwriting with Smart Script converting handwritten text into digital text. Freeform allows apps on iPad to be placed anywhere on the screen, unconfined by the app grid.
AirPods now have improved responsiveness and can respond with head nods or shakes. Eye Tracking enables people to control iPad and iPhone with just their eyes, while Vocal Shortcuts help those with severe atypical speech record sounds for specific actions. Reminders can be created, viewed, edited, and completed directly within the Calendar app.
Detailed topographic maps are available in the Maps app for hiking trails and custom routes can be created for offline access. InSight provides real-time actor and music information for Apple Original movies and shows in the Apple TV app. New Electricity Usage and Rates features allow users to easily understand their home electricity usage through the Home app.
iOS 18 is set to be released later this year as a free download for iPhone Xs and later, while iPadOS 18 will be available for iPad Pro and iPad Air models with M1 and later. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting new features.
