Apple rolls out iOS with more customisation and control features

Apple's iOS 18 update brings new features like customizable Home Screen, redesigned Control Center, and revamped Photos app.

Apple has started rolling out its iOS 18 globally from Sunday (September 15, 2024). Unveiled at WWDC earlier in June this year, the latest operating system has introduced a bunch of new features and tools including more control over the Home Screen and Control Center and a more intelligent Siri.

While Apple hasn’t confirmed when the update will be available to install, it is estimated that it could drop at 10 30 PM IST for the eligible older generation models. Meanwhile, the new iPhone 16 series will be preloaded with the iOS 18 and will be available from September 20.

Users can go to Settings> Software Update on the iPhone XS and newer.

The following models support the iOS 18: iPhone 15 series (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Max), iPhone 14 series (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max), iPhone 13 series (13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max), iPhone 12 series (12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max), iPhone 11 series (11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max) and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation).

The update includes these features:

iOS 18 now allows users to place app icons anywhere on the Home Screen grid while also offering new customisation options for recolouring the app icons in ‘Dark’ and ‘Tinted’ shades. Users can also resize the icons to make them larger and remove the text labels below them.

The Control Center has also been redesigned so users can navigate it easily. There is more access given to commonly used functions like media playback, Home Controls and connectivity options and users can also integrate controls from third-party apps and customise the controls appearing at the bottom of the Lock Screen. Like the Home Screen, it is also more customisable and allows you to rearrange and resize controls across pages.