New mobile operating system The 10 coolest features that iOS 18 offers for the iPhone

Even if you haven't bought or pre-ordered a new iPhone 16: You can still look forward to it. Because with the new iOS 18 operating system that Apple recently launched, even your existing iPhone will suddenly feel "like new". The major, free software update not only brings with it numerous new functions - but also a new look.

The annual Apple keynote, at which new devices (iPhones, but usually also Apple Watches and more) are usually presented, is not only interesting for those who want to equip themselves with the latest hardware in the near future. The start of fall is just as exciting when Apple updates its iOS operating system. Sometimes there are minor, sometimes major innovations. Fortunately, iOS 18 is another pretty big hit. We'll tell you what the biggest changes or innovations are - and why it's particularly worth switching to the new operating system. Of course, some things are a matter of taste ... But that's always the case.

1. no more uniformity

HOMESCREENS & WIDGETS - Some don't need it, others have been longing for it: iOS 18 gives you completely new (and for Apple users unusual) freedom to design your home screen. Arrange app icons and widgets completely freely - even gaps are now possible, similar to Android! You can also change the color of your icons to match your wallpaper, hide the name of the apps and activate a dark mode for the icons, which can also be set automatically so that the apps go dark at a certain time in the evening - and light up again at the start of the day.

How it works: Simply press and hold the home screen, select "Edit" and then "Customize".

2. control, control, even more control

QUICK ACCESS - The already very practical Control Center has been redesigned in iOS 18 and now offers you even more options. Compared to before, you can now also integrate numerous third-party app shortcuts into the Control Center and thus always have quick access to everything that is important to you in everyday life.

This is how it works: Simply swipe down from the top right corner and press and hold the display to customize the individual controls to your needs.

3rd APPsolutely intelligent password manager

PASSWORD APP - Bad news for "1Password", "LastPass", "Dashlane" and co. - good news for you: Apple's already very good, reliable password manager, which until now has only done its job in the background, is now getting its own app with iOS 18. It manages all your passwords and warns you if passwords are weak or used twice. The app also automatically suggests secure passwords and stores them reliably (and encrypted). Of course, it is still possible to automatically fill in login details or forms on websites for you. A real plus in convenience and security.

This is how it works: Simply use the Face ID-protected (and pre-installed) app directly for all settings and views.

4. welcome game of hide and seek

HIDDEN APPS - One of the coolest features with the new update: With the "Hide and Face ID required" function, you can lock apps on your screen or even hide them completely - and thus protect them from unauthorized access (or simply from prying eyes). Either you can only access the application via Face ID - or you can't see it at all. Who needs to know which dating app you're using ...?

Here's how it works: Simply press and hold the desired app, select the corresponding option and the app becomes invisible without triggering notifications. The hidden apps are stored in a separate (naturally protected) folder.

5. nod, shake - keep your hands free

CONTROL - Strictly speaking, this is not a new feature of the operating system itself, but of the AirPods - but still at the start with iOS 18: With the newly launched AirPods 4 (version with and without Active Noise Cancelling), but also with the existing AirPods Pro 2, you can now respond to Siri questions or control functions by nodding or shaking your head. For example, if you have your hands full and someone calls you, you can accept the call with a nod or reject it with a shake of the head. A small but cool thing.

How it works: You can activate the function directly in the AirPods (Bluetooth) menu or via the Control Center.

6. what am I listening to?

SHAZAM PER CLICK - The action button now offers even more action with the update to iOS 18. It can now be assigned a whole range of additional functions. For example, as a little free tip: with Shazam. So wherever you're listening to a great song, you can simply tap the action button a little longer without having to unlock your iPhone and you'll know which song by which artist is currently playing.

How it works: As before, you can find the new user-defined actions under "Settings" under "Action button" and select/assign them there.

7. faster handling with Bluetooth & WLAN

DIRECT ACCESS - Only a small innovation, but a practical one: Where you could previously only switch Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on and off, you now have the option of making more detailed settings (such as changing a network) directly in the Control Center. This is practical and saves time in everyday life.

How it works: Simply hold down the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon in the Control Center for a little longer and the corresponding options will be displayed directly.

8. bye-bye, pocket lights

NEW FIX - Have you often accidentally activated the flashlight icon on the lock screen and then walked around with the flashlight switched on in your pocket? You're in good company ... This is now a thing of the past with the update: iOS 18 offers you the option of deactivating the previously fixed flashlight shortcut or replacing it with another app that you use more frequently.

How it works: Simply press and hold on the lock screen of your iPhone, then select "Customize" and "Lock screen".

Speaking of the flashlight, it still comes in handy in certain situations - and now offers an additional feature. While it is on, you can now individually adjust the light beam (wider or more centered).

9. the best timing ever

DELAYED SENDING - The Messages app (iMessage) now has a function that many people will already know and appreciate from their mail program: the "Send later" function. Do you want to send someone a (first!) happy birthday at exactly midnight, but don't want to stay up that late? No problem: just pre-write the text, send it and go to bed. Your iPhone will only send the message at the time you have set.

How it works: Press the "+" next to the message, then "send later" and enter your time.

Speaking of messages: In iMessage you can now format individual words or sentences even more extensively, i.e. not only display them in bold, italics or strikethrough, but also make them tremble, explode, rotate or shake. Cool gimmick - but of course only works if the recipient of the message is also on iMessage (and the new iOS 18).

10. photos app: Better - or better not ...?

INTELLIGENT SORTING - This "innovation" has caused some controversy so far: the Photos app has been completely overhauled with iOS 18. Some love the new approach that Apple has chosen here - others find it difficult and want the old version back, but this is not possible once you have switched to iOS 18. One thing is certain: It's not just the display and organization that have changed (you'll get used to that) - there's also a new AI-supported sorting function, which independently (and automatically) groups your pictures into folders/collections. This "intelligent organization", as Apple calls it, annoys some users because they still want to manage their albums themselves and not have the system create them for them. So if you want full manual control over your pictures, you won't be very enthusiastic about this new feature. On the other hand, those who appreciate the fact that an AI brings some order to their own photo clutter will perhaps enjoy it.

Whether you have already updated to iOS 18 or are waiting a little longer: We wish you - now or later - lots of fun discovering the new possibilities on your Apple smartphone. By the way: The new mobile operating system is available for all devices from iPhone 12 and newer. Do you still have an older iPhone in your pocket and want to immerse yourself in Apple's new software world? Click here for the iPhones in the Swisscom Shop - and many attractive offers.

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