Tue Sep 17 16:45:26 UTC 2024: ## iOS 18: New Customisation and Privacy Features Launch, Apple Intelligence Delayed

**New Delhi:** Apple’s highly anticipated iOS 18 has officially launched, bringing a slew of new features and enhancements to the iPhone experience. While the much-hyped AI feature, Apple Intelligence, has been delayed to a future iOS 18.1 update, the current release boasts impressive customisation options, privacy improvements, and redesigned apps.

**Customisation Takes Center Stage:**

Users can now enjoy enhanced flexibility in personalizing their Home Screens, with the ability to rearrange apps and widgets in more dynamic layouts. Widgets can be resized, and a new dark tint for app icons complements Dark Mode, giving the screen a sleek modern feel. Users can also add coloured tints to app icons to match their wallpaper, adding another layer of personalization.

**Messaging Gets a Boost:**

The Messages app now offers features like scheduled texts, allowing users to set reminders or send birthday wishes at a specific time. The Tapback feature has also been upgraded, enabling reactions to messages using any emoji. Link previews are enhanced with background colors matching the content, making them more visually appealing.

**Control Centre Revamped:**

Control Centre is now more customizable than ever, allowing users to rearrange elements, resize buttons, and even split it into multiple screens for better organization. Third-party apps can integrate their controls, further expanding its functionality.

**Privacy Enhancements:**

iOS 18 prioritizes user privacy with new features like app-specific Face ID or Touch ID authentication. This ensures that even when the phone is unlocked, sensitive apps like Photos or Messages require additional verification. Users can also hide apps completely, keeping them tucked away in a hidden folder. Additionally, apps requesting access to contacts can now be granted permission for specific contacts only, preventing the sharing of entire contact lists.

**Photos App Gets a Makeover:**

The Photos app introduces a new Collections feature, automatically organizing pictures into groups based on trips, people, pets, and more. The app’s redesign also simplifies picture navigation through tabs like ‘Recent Days’, ‘People’, ‘Memories’, ‘Trips’, and more, which can be reordered according to user preferences.

**Lock Screen Buttons Get Customizable:**

The annoying issue of accidentally activating the camera or flashlight from the Lock Screen can now be addressed. Users can swap or remove these buttons by long-pressing the Lock Screen, tapping Customize, and selecting Lock Screen. From there, they can add or remove icons, replacing them with shortcuts like Dark Mode, Voice Memos, or even third-party controls.

**Safari’s Distraction Control:**

Safari now includes a Distraction Control feature, which hides distracting elements on webpages like cookie popups, newsletter banners, and sign-in windows. This creates a cleaner browsing experience, though it does not block ads.

**Overall, iOS 18 delivers a significant upgrade to the iPhone experience, offering a blend of enhanced customisation, improved privacy, and streamlined functionality. While the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence feature is yet to be unveiled, the current release offers a compelling set of features that will undoubtedly excite users.**

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