iOS 18 is here! It brings many new features for your iPhone. You might know about some big updates, like changing app icon colors and scheduling texts. But there are also hidden features that are exciting. You don’t need the latest iPhone 16 to try them. iOS 18 works on iPhone XR, XS, and newer models.
Here’s a list of 11 hidden features in iOS 18 for you to explore!
1. Share Wi-Fi with a QR Code
You can share your Wi-Fi password easily now. Instead of typing it out, you can create a QR code. Open the Passwords app, choose your Wi-Fi network, and tap Show Network QR Code. Your friends can scan this code with their phone’s camera. It’s very helpful, especially for Android users.
2. Share Podcasts from a Specific Timestamp
Now you can share a podcast from a specific moment. When you listen, pause at the part you want to share. Then scrub to that moment and tap Share Episode. This way, your friends won’t have to listen to the whole episode.
3. Find Songs with the Action Button
If you hear a great song at a party, you can find out what it is quickly. The Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 lets you recognize music. Just hold the button, and it will identify the song for you. This feature works quietly, so you can impress your friends!
4. Restart Your Phone Without Buttons
iOS 18 lets you restart your iPhone without using buttons. Swipe down to open Control Center. Hold the power icon and slide to turn off your phone. You still need to press a button to turn it back on, but this is much easier.
5. Customize Your Lock Screen Buttons
Are you tired of opening the camera or flashlight by accident? Now you can replace or remove these buttons. You can swap them for actions like setting an alarm or turning on Airplane Mode. If you don’t need them, you can remove the buttons completely.
6. Remove App Names for a Cleaner Home Screen
Do you want a cleaner home screen? You can now hide app names. This makes the app icons look bigger and reduces clutter. Just hold your home screen until the apps wiggle. Tap Edit and select Large to hide the app names.
7. Turn Apps into Widgets
You can turn an app into a widget right from the home screen. If an app has widgets, hold the app icon. You’ll see up to three widget options. Tap one to change the app into a widget. If you want to switch back, hold the widget and tap the app icon.
8. Search Your Voice Memos
Do you have many voice recordings? iOS 18 lets you convert them to text. This let you search for specific words or phrases. Open your Voice Memos app, tap a recording, and hit the Transcribe button to start.
9. Use a 5-Second Camera Timer
Is the 3-second camera timer too short for you? The 10-second timer might be too long. iOS 18 adds a 5-second option. This is perfect for group photos when you need more time to get ready.
10. Pause and Continue Video Recordings
You can now pause video recordings and pick up where you left off. This feature helps you pause without making multiple clips. You’ll have one continuous video, no matter how many times you pause.
11. Listen to Music While Taking Photos
In the past, opening the camera app would stop your music. Now, with iOS 18, you can listen to music while taking photos or videos. You can even record videos with music playing in the background, though the sound quality may not be great.
These are just some hidden features in iOS 18. Apple packed many useful tools into this update. Take time to explore them. Let me know which feature you like the most, and try them out on your iPhone!