5 Hidden iOS 18 Features Every iPhone User Should Try Now

Unless you’re updated to iOS 18 already, then you’re already behind. The latest iPhone update from Apple is jam packed with features that are just begging to be played with. iOS 18 has fewer bugs than previous versions and while some users do experience battery problems, which will decrease as performance is optimised. And there are also some worthy hidden tricks, too, which make this update worth it alone.

iOS 18’s advanced customization and time saving shortcuts change how we interact with our iPhones. Check out 5 must try features that will uplift the experience of your iPhone.

ios 18 logo

1. Customize Your Icons.

The home screen customization in iOS 18 takes home screen customization to a whole new level. Personalize your device by following these steps:

  1. Just press and hold anywhere on home screen.
  2. Tap Edit from the top right.
  3. Go down to “Customize” and play with various color options: Light, Dark, or Tinted.
  4. Click “Large icons” to adjust icon size.

The total control over how your iPhone looks and how it feels is perfect for making your device look uniquely yours.

2. Scroll Through Photos Faster

Your photo gallery now browses faster. With the iOS 18 Photos app, you now able to zoom in and zoom out to see larger thumbnails of your pictures. You’ll swipe up or down through your gallery just as you would with Instagram. Navigating hundreds of photos is therefore very easy.

3. Directly access Apps from your Lock Screen.

Just unlock your phone and from the lock screen immediately launch your favourite apps, with iOS 18 adding onto its previous lock screen customizations to allow any apps to be added as shortcuts. To set it up:

  1. Customize open lock screen.
  2. Tap the “Shortcuts” section.
  3. Hit “Open app”, and choose the app you want to launch.

Forget flipping through menus or treading that tired trail of icons back and forth—get to your WhatsApp, Instagram, or any other app in one tap.

4. Texts and Emojis can also be added with Fun Effects.

With iOS 18, you can make your messages into cool text and emoji with cool animations like shaking, bouncing, zooming and more. To try it out:

  1. To animate some text or emoji, long press the text or emoji.
  2. Then just tap the “A” button with three lines above it.
  3. Then, choose between the available effects such as “zoom in” or “bounce.”

This is a nice way to make your conversations livelier.

5. Shopping List Prices in Notes can be Instantly Calculated

The Notes app has gone Supercharged on iOS 18, and can now calculate your shopping list in realtime. Here’s how:

  1. Start with the product names and then add the price to it, say, “Apples = 2.50.”
  2. Use a “+” symbol to separate items.
  3. Finish with an “=” and your total is instantly displayed.

The Notes app just does the math for you, no need for a calculator when grocery shopping.

Here are the hidden gems of iOS 18, which clearly mean that you are not waiting to update, skip. This update has something for everyone, whether you’re into personalization, faster navigation, or handy shortcuts. So, why wait? iOS 18 is available to download, and you can start using these game changing features today!