Having already got the public betas of iOS 18, I gathered my courage and installed it on my main iPhone. That’s it for science (and my desire to try everything). The fact is that in the last few weeks I was able to test this next version of the iPhone system in depth and, even though the most important thing is still missing, I had very good feelings.
In the absence of Apple Intelligence coming with the promising new Siri, I think this is already a good update. It’s not a “big” update, which it will be when it arrives. However, it’s good enough for improve in small detailsthose that tend to go so unnoticed and end up being vital and the differentiating element of iOS.
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Clarification: This isn’t a complete review of iOS 18, nor is it a compilation of everything new. It’s simply an opinion piece highlighting the most notable elements of the new iPhone operating system. |
This is the control center we deserve
When I talk about small details, I’m referring to changes such as the iOS 18 Control Center, although in this case I have to say that it doesn’t seem to me to be objectively a minor change. Furthermore, I would dare to say that This is one of the best news that we have had in recent years.
The iPhone Control Center was born to add quick access to certain functions and the music or video player. However, it did not take long for it to fail and it was in iOS 11 when it was redesigned adding more options. However, was still very limited. Until now.
With iOS 18, we finally have the ability to edit it extensively and even add infinite sections have not one, but as many control centers as we want. The shape of the icons is now rounded and allows for size changes, as well as the ability to place them at any position on the grid.
However, what stands out most from these new developments in the control center is that add new quick settings. From the ability to individually adjust commands such as airplane mode or mobile data to the ability to have full access to the control of home automation accessories. And all this without forgetting the shortcuts, because this opens up a world of possibilities so that, with a simple touch on the control center, we can execute any of them.
Tasks are finally seen and marked in “Calendar”
The only setting in the “Calendar” app to show scheduled tasks in “Reminders”
When iOS 18 was not yet official, the union of the “Calendar” and “Reminders” applications for iPhone had already leaked. Finally, it has arrived and it is not that any of them disappear, but that These are still independent applications, but with some communication. Basically, they integrate what apps like “Fantastical” already had for years.
It’s a question of power view scheduled tasks in “Reminders” in the “Calendar” appand can even mark them as completed from there. This is a novelty also available on iPadOS and macOS that is very simple, but very useful and especially on iPhone, where with a single calendar widget we can now see all our tasks and events unified.
The controversy over tinted icons
How can I forget to change the color of iOS 18 icons. This new option for. customize app icons by giving them a uniform color. By default we see them as always, but now we can also configure a dark mode that automatically applies to each of them and even set a custom color that we choose.
The idea is that you can combine the wallpaper with the icons and have everything look uniform, although as expected, Controversy has erupted over the gruesome combinations that can be achieved. So much so that at Applesfera we asked the opinion of design and branding experts, so that they could give their vision on this historic change. Because yes, you will like it more or less, but it is historic.
From my humble point of view, as an iPhone user, I have to say that My opinion lies somewhere in between.. I haven’t customized the icon colors other than for dark mode and frankly I doubt I’ll change them in the future. However, as with the arrival of alternative stores to the App Store, I applaud the variety of options.
And this is the conclusion I wanted to leave at this point, that even if many of us are not attracted by the idea of customizing icons and there are even those who find it a sacrilege to Steve Jobs’ philosophy, in the end no one is forcing us to use these options and It is possible to continue with the same iPhone design So far. And for the rest, I respect whoever wants to customize it. Even if it’s in very bad taste.
In addition to the tinted icons, they are also free
Some of the examples Apple showed of tinted and spaced icons in iOS 18
Another customization option added, and it was about time, is the ability to put icons anywhere on the grid. It seems incredible, but we can finally have a free icon alignment. Always respecting the grid in the sense that we cannot overlap, but we can leave free spaces where we want.
This means that we no longer need to resort to strange tricks to get out of the classic grid. And also, a new possibility is added see icons larger and without the name label. Personally I really liked this and it gives another different touch to the iPhone.
Apple Intelligence’s Great Promise, an Unpaid Debt
The big new feature in iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, the Apple Artificial Intelligence Model Set which promises new functions among which a new and powerful Siri stands out. However, there are several “buts” about it.
The most obvious is that I haven’t been able to try it yet.. And not for lack of desire, but because it is only available in a limited way for developers in the United States with the beta 1 of iOS 18.1. Moreover, only in English and for the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
Furthermore, It can take a long time to get to Europe. Apple’s intention is that it will be available in more languages and on the European continent by 2025, but the limitations of European laws make this difficult. And although from Europe they seem to be building bridges with Apple so that their AI arrives, for now we have nothing.
Therefore, I reserve my opinion on these changes, because in the end, they could be the same as those of everyone still using iOS 17. They are very promising changes and whose practical examples demonstrate a real revolution for the iPhone assistant. All the more so if we know that outside of its own models, Siri will be able to easily connect to ChatGPT. However, I insist on reserving my opinion so that, once I have tried it thoroughly, I will know if in the end my good feelings come true or if it ends up being a disappointment. Anything can happen.
What I miss most about iOS 18
Beyond artificial intelligence, which I do not consider to be lost, I must say that I am satisfied and lack few things.. I have been very critical of Apple for the lack of new features in previous versions. And while I understand that iOS is a very mature system that needs big changes, I have always believed that there is room for ingenuity.
I miss a profound change like the move from iOS 6 to iOS 7 (Image: OS X Daily)
Therefore, even if this year my reviews are not great, it does not mean that I do not miss elements such as a major change in the aesthetics of the system. Yes, I know it’s something minor and the added customization is already a relevant change.
However, it is irremediable for me missing an iOS 7-style “revolution”which completely changed Apple’s design language. I have nothing against the current one, and as subjective as it is, I think many of us will agree on that. However, I think that taking a new turn in aesthetics can be a great incentive to feel like you have something new in your hands.
In any case, knowing what it means to develop something like Apple Intelligence, I must say that I understand that, if there was a profound aesthetic change in iOS, it would not be this one. Apple preferred to associate itself with this other task because it considers it more urgent, which is perfectly understandable.
For a beta version, it doesn’t behave like a beta version, even though it is a beta version
Yes, it sounds like a tongue twister, but there is an explanation. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to analyze the beta from an experiential perspective in terms of performance, bugs and battery consumptionelements that, once the final version arrives, should not pose a problem and will therefore be somewhat minor for the moment.
However, as I know that many Applesfera readers are regulars in installing beta versions, I also want to address those who have doubts about their reliability. And in these, I must say that everything is going well. Obviously I found some specific bugs like the control center changing the customization I had given it or the disappearance of widgets. However, very punctual and always reported in the ‘Feedback’ application (betas are useful for something).
He overall performance is good and battery consumptionTo my surprise, it is not excessive. I notice that it consumes me a little more than iOS 17, but it is not excessive either. The same thing happens with the heating of the iPhone, because despite a tendency to heat up, it does not ultimately reach dangerous levels. In addition, it is summer, so even outside of betas it would tend to be hot.
Having said this, I do not recommend installing it. I know this sounds contradictory, but ultimately I have to clarify that this is still my personal experience and it could be completely different in other cases. Ultimately, betas are also a bit hit and miss in that sense. Therefore, unless you are a certified developer or have a spare iPhone to install it on, I do not recommend trying iOS 18 until its final version arrives in September.
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