On September 16, 2024, Apple released the new iOS 18. This update is available for all iPhones from the iPhone XR onwards and brings with it some exciting and useful new features. In addition to a freely customizable home screen design and the newly designed Control Center, it also provides improvements in password management and privacy. But not everything is available immediately and for every iPhone model and users in Germany in particular will have to do without some exciting features for an indefinite period of time. You can find out what these are and how you can still get the most out of the update in our article here. We also have on our TikTok channel We have created a few more videos for small but nice features and tips that you can watch to get even more out of the update.
Top new features in iOS 18
Password Manager 2.0: More secure management of passwords and passkeys
With iOS 18, Apple is introducing a redesigned password manager that takes password management to a whole new level. The new password manager is now a standalone app that stores all your passwords, passkeys, and security codes in one central location.
Particularly interesting is the introduction of passkeys, which offer a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. These keys are based on modern encryption techniques and are virtually impossible to crack.
Another handy feature is Family Sharing, which allows you to share passwords securely within your family. Additionally, the app offers a security check that analyzes your saved passwords and warns you if one of them may be compromised. You will then receive suggestions on how to strengthen your security measures, e.g. by switching to passkeys.
Even more to the new passwords app from iOS 18 you will learn here in our blog post.
Customize icons: Free placement on the home screen
A real highlight in iOS 18 is the complete freedom in designing the home screen. For the first time, you can place apps completely freely on the screen without having to stick to the rigid grid. This means that you can group apps on the edges of the screen or in any area of the home screen, giving you more options to make your background look its best. This new feature is particularly useful for users who prefer a clean, minimalist design. There are also new color and size options for app icons that allow you to customize the look of your home screen. The update aims to make the home screen more personal and flexible and gives you the opportunity to make it visually unique.
Locked and Hidden Apps: How to Protect Your Privacy
Apple has further improved security settings in iOS 18, particularly with the ability to lock and hide apps. This feature is aimed primarily at users who want to protect their privacy by keeping certain apps out of the sight of prying third parties. The new feature allows you to lock sensitive apps such as banking or messaging apps with Face ID or Touch ID so that only you can open them. Another useful feature is the ability to store apps in a hidden folder within the app library.These hidden apps are only accessible through additional authentication, providing an additional level of security. This innovation is particularly suitable for users who want to protect their personal or work-related data from unauthorized access.
Control Center: New design and more flexibility
The redesigned Control Center in iOS 18 brings a number of useful new features. It is now more customizable, allowing users to rearrange buttons and functions to suit their needs. The deeper integration of HomeKit and other apps, which enables direct control of smart devices, is particularly useful. There are also new widgets and shortcuts that make important information and frequently used apps more accessible. The improved media controls make it easier to switch between different audio output devices, while new security features make it possible to quickly manage location sharing and protect privacy. All in all, the new Control Center offers more flexibility and personalization.
Other functions
In iOS 18, you now have more control over the lock screen. You can swap out the flashlight and camera buttons as you wish and replace them with other functions such as smart home controls or apps that you use frequently. There are also new fonts available to customize the design of the time. You can choose from 12 different font styles, including special number systems such as Arabic and Indian fonts.
Another useful new feature in the Messages app is the ability to schedule messages. You can now write a message and specify when you want it to be sent - ideal if you want to send messages at a specific time. You can also add formatting to text in iMessage, such as bold, italics or underlines, to make your messages even more personal.
Upcoming Intelligence Features with iOS 18.1 – but not in Germany
iOS 18.1 brings some exciting new features that make the iPhone even smarter and easier to use - but unfortunately not for German users. Particularly noteworthy are the new Apple Intelligence features, which include advanced AI functions such as text revisions, message summarization and Siri optimization with a completely redesigned design and the ability to enter requests via text. The Mail app also receives practical updates such as Smart Reply and message summaries.
Another highlight is call recording and transcription, which will also be available for some older iPhone models in iOS 18.1. This feature allows you to start recording during a call and then provides a transcription of the conversation.
In addition, a new "Reduce Interruptions" Focus mode has been introduced, which uses AI to prioritize the notifications that are really important. These features make iOS 18.1 an important update that focuses on productivity and user-friendliness.
Will Apple Intelligence be available in Germany?
Some features of iOS 18 are not available in Germany and will probably not be available in the future due to EU regulations. Firstly, this includes Apple Intelligence, Apple's new AI technology that enables text editing and image generation.While you can access it by changing the region settings, this remains an unofficial solution that Apple may block in the future. This feature is prevented due to the strict data protection regulations in the EU, as they require extensive data usage that falls under the rules of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). However, Apple wants to regulate the use of this data, which is delaying the introduction of the features in the EU.
Also, the iPhone mirroring feature, which allows you to mirror your iPhone on a Mac, is currently unavailable in the EU due to legal restrictions such as the Digital Markets Act. This legal framework is designed to prevent large tech companies from offering their services without sufficient competition control. In addition, RCS messaging, which improves communication between iPhone and Android users, is rolling out slowly in some European countries and depends on the supporting mobile operators.
Important notes before the update
Before you install the iOS 18 update, there are a few important points you should keep in mind to ensure the transition goes smoothly:
- Create backup: Before you perform the update, be sure to back up your iPhone. This will save your data in case something goes wrong during the update. You can back up your iPhone either via iCloud or using iTunes on a computer.
- Check compatibility: Not all iPhones support iOS 18. Make sure your device is compatible. iPhones from iPhone XR and newer can install the update.
- Keep enough storage space free: iOS 18 requires enough storage space on your device. Check how much space is available in Settings > General > iPhone Storage and delete any unnecessary apps or data.
- update conditions: Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi connection and has sufficient battery or is charging during the update to avoid unexpected interruptions.
- Known bugs: Find out about possible errors or bugs in the update, especially if you are installing the first version. It can often be a good idea to wait a few days until minor problems are resolved. We are not aware of any major bugs so far.
With these preparations, you will be well prepared for the iOS 18 update and can safely use the new features!
Conclusion
The iOS 18 update brings many new features and improvements that make your iPhone experience even more personal and efficient. From the flexible design of the home screen to the improved security features and the integration of Apple Intelligence, iOS 18 offers a lot of new features. However, there are some restrictions in Germany, especially for features such as Apple Intelligence and iPhone Mirroring, which are not available due to data protection regulations and regulatory requirements in the EU. Nevertheless, the update is worthwhile for all users who are looking for a modern and powerful iPhone experience. With the right preparation, you can ensure that the update goes smoothly and that you get the most out of the new features.
