A must-see for iPhone users: These top 5 iOS 18 highlights may be difficult to experience with older models

Mobile China

2024-06-27 16:56

　　As a leader in the smartphone market, Apple's iOS system has touched the hearts of users every time it is updated. Later this year, iOS 18 is expected to be officially released and support for all new iPhone XS and later models is announced. This undoubtedly brings good news for those users who have not yet upgraded to the latest iPhone, but at the same time, some features may not be fully experienced on older iPhones due to hardware differences.

Advanced home screen customization

　　iOS 18 has made significant improvements in the interface design. Users now have more freedom to customize their home screen, repositioning apps to the bottom or side of the screen, giving more space for those looking to personalize their wallpaper. At the same time, the new dark mode app icon, color gradient, and hide app name and other functions make the home screen more concise and beautiful.

Redesigned control center

　　The control center is one of the features frequently used by iPhone users in their daily operations. iOS 18 redesigned the Control Center, allowing users to divide the Control Center into different feature groups, such as Media and Home, and can resize the Control Center widgets. In addition, users can edit which Control Center widgets appear on the lock screen, making it even more convenient.

　　In addition to customizing the layout, the Now Playing interface in iOS 18 will also be significantly improved. According to reports, the new interface will be larger, and the album art and music playback progress bar will be displayed by default. This change will provide users with richer information about music playback from within the Control Center, improving the user experience.

App lock for ID verification

　　Privacy and security have always been a key focus for Apple. In iOS 18, Apple has given users stricter privacy protections. By adding Face ID (or password) verification to apps that don't want to be snooped on, users can ensure that their privacy isn't violated. At the same time, users can also hide these apps in a new "Hidden Apps" folder, further increasing security.

　　This means that in the iOS 18 ecosystem, personal privacy and sensitive information will be protected to a new level, whether it is business communication, private notes, or personal photos. In addition to Face ID, the feature may also be used in conjunction with Touch ID fingerprint recognition or traditional iPhone passcode to provide users with a variety of secure unlocking methods.

Apple Passwords应用

　　In iOS 18, Apple launched its own password app, Apple Passwords. The app will make it easier for users to manage their account passwords, verification codes, keys, and other important credentials. Users no longer have to worry about forgetting or revealing passwords, and they can enjoy a more secure account management experience.

　　It is understood that the Passwords app will use a similar classification method to its competitors, breaking down passwords into different categories such as accounts, WiFi networks, and keys, and support importing passwords from other password managers. The app also has an auto-fill password feature that automatically fills in when the device detects that a user is logging in to a website or app.

　　It's worth mentioning that the Passwords app will also be supported on Apple's high-end headset, Vision Pro, with two-factor authentication codes, similar to services like Google Authenticator and Authy, to further enhance account security.

Limitations of older iPhones

Send messages via satellite

　　iOS 18 expands Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite feature, allowing users to send text messages via satellite. However, this feature is limited to the iPhone 14 series and later. For older iPhone users, they may not be able to enjoy this convenient way of emergency communication.

　　New additions include Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Find My, and the addition of iMessages (text and emoji). Users can use these services to connect with their set emergency contacts or designated family members at any time. However, it should be noted that non-emergency contacts need the other party to send the first text message via satellite before they can communicate with each other, and there is a certain time limit for the other party to reply.

　　For now, the new satellite service on iOS 18 is still only available in the US market, but Apple will roll it out to other countries and regions in the future.

Transcription of audio in memos

　　iOS 18 allows users to record and transcribe phone calls on any compatible iPhone, and start audio recording directly from the Notes app. In addition, the memo app will also introduce advanced artificial intelligence technology to automatically generate a summary of key content of the recording, further optimizing the user's information management process.

　　However, the ability to automatically transcribe these calls and recordings is limited to iPhone 12 and later. For older iPhone users, they may need to do the transcription operation manually.

Eye-tracking

　　iOS 18 introduces eye tracking, which allows users to open apps and control certain iOS elements with their eyes. However, this feature requires an iPhone 12 or later to use. For older iPhone users, they may need to find other ways to control the device.

Musical haptic feedback

　　According to Apple's official introduction, when users connect to a Wi-Fi or cellular network, the music haptic feedback feature will automatically synchronize with Apple Music, Apple Music Classical, Shazam, and supported third-party app content. This means that whether listening to the latest pop music or enjoying the delicate melodies of classical music, users can feel tactile feedback synchronized with the rhythm of the music.

　　However, this feature also requires an iPhone 12 or later to enjoy. That's because iPhone 12 and later models are equipped with a more advanced Taptic Engine, which is able to capture the rhythm of music more accurately and translate into subtle haptic feedback.

The wireless smart lock is turned on

　　In iOS 18, the Home app will be updated to allow users to wirelessly unlock doors equipped with ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. However, this feature requires users to have an iPhone equipped with a UWB launcher, which excludes older models such as the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and the original iPhone SE.

Write at the end

　　The release of iOS 18 is a boon for older iPhone users, but it also has some limitations. Although the old iPhone does not enjoy all the new features, Apple still optimizes and improves the performance and experience of these devices. For users, choosing the right device for them and making the most of its features is the most important thing.

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