iOS 18 launched this week, introducing significant customization options for the home screen and Control Center, while its flagship feature, Apple Intelligence, remains on the horizon. This update focuses on enhancing user flexibility and efficiency, particularly for power users, amidst rising costs of iPhone Pro models.
The revamped Control Center, while not the most glamorous aspect of iOS, now offers a more usable interface with added functionality. Accessed by swiping down, it retains its familiar layout but is now paginated, allowing for greater customization and the inclusion of third-party app controls for the first time. Users can also add Shortcuts, enhancing the tool’s utility.
Control Center features a “+” sign for customization, enabling users to reorder and resize controls easily. The right side showcases three icons representing different pages: the first for classic controls, the second for a “Now Playing” widget, and the third for connectivity toggles like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Users can add additional pages as needed.
The customization process is intuitive; users can access it directly from Control Center rather than through the Settings app. A grid layout allows for easy rearranging of controls, which can now include both Apple and third-party options. Users can adjust control sizes, although many controls do not benefit significantly from increased size.
In addition to Control Center improvements, iOS 18 also introduces enhancements to the Files app. A new “Keep Downloaded” option allows users to retain specific files on their devices, improving file management. External drive support has also been expanded, with options to format drives directly in the app.
The iCloud management panel has been redesigned for better readability, making it easier for users to manage what is being synced. While these changes may not be groundbreaking, they contribute to a more efficient user experience, particularly for those who rely on file management.
Another noteworthy addition is the ability to lock or hide apps, providing an extra layer of security for sensitive data. Users can set Face ID authentication to access these locked apps, ensuring privacy even when sharing devices. Hidden apps are stored in a special folder that requires authentication to view.
This feature, while niche, addresses specific user needs for privacy. Users can easily manage app visibility directly from the home screen, streamlining the process of keeping certain apps discreet. It adds to the overall customization capabilities of iOS 18.
Overall, the new Control Center interface is a highlight, showcasing an effective grid-based design that could have benefited the home screen as well. While third-party control options are currently limited, their potential for enhancing user efficiency is promising.
While iOS 18 may not represent the most substantial update for power users, it does offer notable enhancements that improve functionality. Alongside new features for messaging and emojis, the update is appealing to a broad audience, even before the anticipated Apple Intelligence rollout.
iOS 18 makes significant strides in customization and efficiency, particularly with its updated Control Center and app management features. Users are encouraged to download the update, anticipating more third-party controls as developers adapt to the new capabilities.
