Apple iOS 18 update to bring drastic changes to Photos, Mail and Messages

With the upcoming iOS 18 update, users will be able to send or receive messages over satellite

Apple iOS 18 update to bring drastic changes to Photos, Mail and Messages | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Apple on Monday showcased the iOS 18 update during the WWDC 2024 event, as the new release promises to bring more customisations in Photos, Messages, and Mail.

With the upcoming iOS 18 update, users will be able to send or receive messages over satellite in no network areas. Like the SOS over satellite feature, it may not be available in every region including India.

As with any new update, the iOS 18 release is going to give an option to customise the Home screen, icons, and change their size and colours. It works in dark mode as well.

Users will be able to arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the Home Screen, customise buttons at the bottom of the Lock Screen, and quickly access more controls in Control Center.

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Users can now switch the controls at the bottom of the Lock Screen, including choosing from options available in the controls gallery or removing them entirely. With the Action button, users can invoke controls available in the gallery.

Photos will have a new single view option with collections listed at the bottom. There will be labels like months, years in it. It will also arrange screenshots for you. People and group, trips and adventures labels included as well.

Mail simplifies the inbox by sorting email into categories using on-device intelligence, and all-new text effects will come to iMessage.

iMessage can now amplify any letter, word, phrase, or emoji with dynamic, animated appearances. Users can do formatting like bold text, underlining, italics, and strikethrough. Tapbacks expand to include any emoji or sticker, and now one can compose a message and schedule to send it at a later time.

Messages app now supports RCS as well.

Apple is going to replace the Keychain with the new Passwords app to access passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes.

With iOS 18, users will have option to hide and lock any app.

There will be a Game Mode to enhance the gaming experience with more consistent frame rates, and make wireless accessories like AirPods and game controllers more responsive.

Apple AirPods Pro users can now simply nod their head yes or gently shake their head no to respond to Siri announcements.

The developer beta of iOS 18 is available through the Apple Developer Program, and a public beta from next month.

iOS 18 will be available this fall as a free software update for iPhone Xs and later.