iOS 18 to Bring Not Only AI Boost but Also Major Home Screen Revamp and Other Core Experience Upgrades

Highlights

• Customizable home screen layout with freely placeable app icons and widgets
• Personalized app icon colours for added personality
• Custom route creation in Apple Maps for better navigation control
• Revamped Settings app with improved organization and search functionality

As Apple prepares to unveil its latest software updates at WWDC next week, much of the attention will surely be on the company’s big push into artificial intelligence.

But iOS 18 will also bring some major changes to the core iPhone experience beyond AI.

Let’s jump into some of the big non-AI rumoured features coming to iOS 18 this year, thanks to a list compiled by 9to5Mac.

Home Screen Flexibility

One of the biggest changes to come is more ability to customize the home screen of an iPhone.

Users are said to be able to freely place app icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen in iOS 18, finally moving away from the strict aligned grid system.

This is flexibility rivalled only by the customization possibilities offered on Android and, of course, on iPads, which allow users to place widgets anywhere on the home screen.

Personalized App Icons

Taking home screen personalization even further, iOS 18 might allow users to change the colour of app icons throughout the system.

The details are still quite thin, but this may potentially allow a user to put all of their social media app icons in one colour, or their financial apps in another, for a bit of personality.

Enhanced Navigation

The default Apple Maps app could receive a significant update in iOS 18, according to rumours, by adding the ability to create custom routes.

This means that users will get an opportunity to design their own specific routes, rather than relying simply on the pre-calculated options that the app allows.

This is going to be a game-changer for the folks who like to have control over the routes they take.

Control Center Refinements

The Control Center, which is one of the most frequently used features, is also said to be receiving some refinements.

Changes are said to include a refreshed music widget and controls for HomeKit accessories.

For now, iOS automatically displays a few of the HomeKit accessories, and so more user-controlled settings could be a welcomed addition in this respect.

Novel Messaging Effects

iOS 18 will bring text effects support to the iOS Messages app, which will allow users to animate individual words within messages.

This could add a fun way of executing a whole new experience with messaging on iOS.

Revamped Settings App

Finally, one of the most mundane yet crucial system apps, Settings, is expected to receive a visual overhaul and improved organization in iOS 18.

It should also have a stronger search function, which should help in locating specific settings in the sea of options.

While AI is sure to take center stage at WWDC, these likely iOS 18 features show that Apple is hellbent on not sitting back and resting on its laurels when it comes to constantly improving and perfecting the core iPhone experience.

With an increase in home screen flexibility, smarter navigation, and messaging enhancements, iOS 18 may bring a fresh wave of personalization and user-friendly improvements to the world’s most popular mobile operating system.

FAQs

What are the major changes coming to the home screen in iOS 18?

iOS 18 will allow users to freely place app icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen, moving away from the strict aligned grid system.

Additionally, users may be able to change the color of app icons throughout the system, adding a personal touch to their device.

How will iOS 18 improve navigation capabilities?

The Apple Maps app is rumoured to receive a significant update in iOS 18, introducing the ability to create custom routes.

This will enable users to design their own specific routes rather than relying solely on the pre-calculated options provided by the app.

What improvements are expected for the Messages app in iOS 18?

iOS 18 is set to bring text effects support to the Messages app, allowing users to animate individual words within messages.

How will the Control Center change in iOS 18?

The Control Center, one of the most frequently used features, is said to be receiving refinements in iOS 18.

These changes may include a refreshed music widget and improved controls for HomeKit accessories, providing more user-controlled settings.

What changes are expected for the Settings app in iOS 18?

The Settings app is expected to receive a visual overhaul and improved organization in iOS 18.

It should also have a stronger search function, making it easier to locate specific settings within the app’s vast array of options.

Also Read: WWDC 2024 Expectations and Announcement Timeline: All You Need to Know

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Also Read: Apple’s iOS 18 Is Likely to Be Its Most Ambitious Update Yet: Mark Gurman