Apple has launched its new iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, all running on iOS 18. While Apple describes this software update as a major redesign, the changes aren’t huge for daily use. However, users can now personalize their home screens and interface more than ever, making it feel unique—something iOS was missing for years.
As always, these iPhones will get at least five years of software updates, which is a standard feature for Apple products.
iOS 18: Customization and New Apps
iOS 18 adds new ways to personalize your lock screen, home screen, and Control Center. There are also two new apps: Journal and Passwords, and an improved Calculator. The Photos app has been redesigned, and both the Notes and Camera apps have been updated. Apple is also working on Apple Intelligence, an AI feature set to launch later this year, though it won’t be available in Europe right away due to privacy rules.
Action Key for All iPhone 16 Models
The Action Key, first introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro, is now available on all iPhone 16 models. This button lets you perform quick tasks, like turning on the flashlight or opening the camera, with a long press. You can even customize it to do things through the Shortcuts app, allowing for a lot of flexibility.
New Camera Control Key
The iPhone 16 series also introduces the Camera Control key. This special button is designed for easy camera access and control. A single press opens the camera, and holding it down starts recording video. You can also adjust settings like zoom and exposure by lightly pressing the button and swiping on it. You can even use it with third-party camera apps.
Improved Lockscreen and Homescreen
iOS 18 brings new ways to customize your lock screen. You can now change the shortcuts at the bottom of the screen and use your own. On the home screen, you can resize app icons, hide their names, and add blank spaces between icons.
Widgets, which show quick info, can be placed on any screen, and you can stack them on top of each other. You can also hide certain home screens, like a screen full of games when you’re at work or school.
Better Media Experience
The Dynamic Island, the small cutout at the top of the screen, is now more useful. It shows notifications and information like calls, music, and timers, making multitasking easier. The Photos app has been redesigned to make it easier to organize your pictures. You can sort them by people or pets, and even pin favorite collections to the top. The Music and TV apps are still the main hubs for your media, with Music focused on Apple Music and the TV app handling all your videos and streaming.
Game Mode and AI on the Horizon
A new Game Mode minimizes background activity, making gaming smoother and more responsive, especially when using controllers or AirPods. The big news is Apple Intelligence, which will bring AI tools to help you manage tasks, like rewriting emails or summarizing messages. However, it won’t be available in Europe right away due to privacy laws. This AI will also improve Siri, making it smarter and easier to use.
Wrapping Up
Overall, iOS 18 brings some exciting updates, especially with the new personalization features. However, many of these changes feel like Apple is catching up with what other operating systems have already offered. The real standout is Apple Intelligence, though its release is still a few months away for most users.
For now, iPhone 16 owners can enjoy a more customizable experience and look forward to even more updates later this year.
