Apple has once again raised the bar for mobile operating systems with the announcement of iOS 18. The latest version promises a host of innovative features and optimizations that will significantly improve the user experience on the iPhone and iPad. Below we take a detailed look at the most exciting new features that iOS 18 brings.
Advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning
One of the outstanding innovations in iOS 18 is the expanded use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, has become significantly more intelligent and can now answer more complex and contextual queries. Thanks to advanced algorithms, Siri recognizes users’ intentions better than before and provides more precise answers. For example, Siri can now understand a request such as “Show me my photos from my last summer vacation” and display the relevant images directly.
The personalized recommendations in various apps have also been optimized. The photo app, for example, can automatically create themed albums based on the most common subjects and locations in users’ pictures. The music app suggests new songs and artists that match personal tastes even more specifically, based on listening habits and preferences.
Revised user interface in iOS 18
The iOS 18 user interface has undergone a comprehensive redesign. With new, smoother animations and transitions, navigation is even smoother and more intuitive. Widgets are more interactive and can be customized even more flexibly. For example, users can add different locations directly from the weather widget or create new appointments from the calendar widget without having to open the app.
The control center has also been redesigned to simplify access to important functions and settings. With an improved layout and new quick access buttons, users can reach their favorite settings even faster.
Extended data protection functions
Apple remains true to its data protection philosophy and introduces the “Privacy Dashboard” with iOS 18. This new function gives users a comprehensive overview of which apps access which data. The dashboard shows in detail how often and when apps have accessed location, camera, microphone and other sensitive data. Users can manage access rights directly and restrict them if necessary.
Apple has also introduced new measures to further increase data security. Apps must now explicitly ask for permission before they can access certain data, and users are regularly reminded to check their privacy settings.
Improved health and fitness functions
iOS 18 brings significant improvements to health and fitness monitoring. New tools for monitoring mental health have been added to the Health app. Users can track their stress levels and receive tips on how to manage stress. A new sleep analysis function helps to monitor the sleep cycle and provide suggestions for improvement.
Fitness+ has also been improved and offers a wider range of workouts and programs that can be customized. Integration with third-party health devices has been optimized so that users can collect and analyze their health data in one central location.
Optimized performance and battery life
Apple has made numerous optimizations in iOS 18 to increase system performance and extend battery life. More efficient use of resources and improved background processes mean that apps run faster and energy consumption is reduced. This ensures noticeably better performance and a longer battery life, especially on older devices.
New AR and VR functions
iOS 18 significantly expands support for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). With new tools and APIs, developers can create even more immersive AR and VR experiences. The ARKit platform has been equipped with improved motion tracking and environment perception features, enabling more realistic interactions. For example, users can place virtual furniture in their own homes and see what it would look like in real time.
Advanced messaging and communication functions
The Messages app has numerous new functions that make communication even more convenient. Enhanced group chat options make it easier to organize chats and search through message histories. Users can now also edit and share media content such as photos and videos directly from the Messages app.
FaceTime is supplemented by “Spatial Audio”, which makes calls even more immersive. This technology makes it appear as if the other person’s voice is coming from the direction they are facing on the screen, providing a more natural call experience. In addition, support for group calls is being expanded so that more participants can communicate with each other at the same time.
New multitasking functions
On the iPad in particular, iOS 18 brings new multitasking functions that make working more efficient. Users can now open several apps in flexible windows and arrange them as they wish. A new “Focus Mode” helps to create workspaces that only display the most important apps and notifications, which minimizes distractions and increases productivity.
Extended security functions in iOS 18
iOS 18 further strengthens data security. “Advanced Data Protection” improves encryption on all devices so that sensitive data is even better protected. A new biometric authentication function makes it possible to securely store and manage passwords and personal information.
Integration of third-party apps and services
iOS 18 significantly improves the integration of third-party apps and services. New APIs and tools allow developers to seamlessly integrate their apps into the system. Widgets can now be designed even more individually and deeper interactions with other apps can be enabled.
Conclusion
With iOS 18, Apple is once again setting new standards in the field of mobile operating systems. The numerous new functions and optimizations ensure an even better experience and offer a wide range of new possibilities for developers and end users. From enhanced AI and privacy features to new AR and VR experiences and improved health and fitness features, iOS 18 shows that Apple continues to deliver innovative and user-friendly solutions. The future of mobile technology looks promising with iOS 18.
Of course, Cortado will support iOS 18 from day 1. So you can rely on secure iOS device management.