Apple releases iOS 18 update for iPhone: Customizations, Messages, other top changes

Apple has released iOS 18, the latest software update for its iPhone devices. Monday's update comes ahead of the new iPhone 16 release and includes Home Screen and control center changes, updates to the Messages and a Photos app redesign, among other enhancements.

The software update was first teased during the tech company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, along with an announcement about Apple Intelligence, which is not actually included in the Monday release.

Here's what to know about the update and some of the top features:

Home screen and Control Center customization

Your phone home screen but make it ✨aesthetic.✨ Apple is finally giving users more customization options for the iPhone home screen.

In the iOS 18 update, users can place app icons and widgets in more flexible arrangements, pretty much wherever there is an open position on the screen. Users can also use have app icons and widgets appear larger or select to remove the name underneath.

There are also color tinting options, where users can apply any color to apps/widgets or get suggestions on a color that pairs with the wallpaper.

Dark Mode now extends to icons, allowing them to automatically adjust as an iPhone enters Dark Mode or always stay that way.

More customization is also available in the Control center, such as grouped controls, the ability to resize controls, a gallery display to see all available controls and more support for controls from third-party apps.

More:iPhone 16, new Watch and AirPods are coming: But is Apple thinking differently enough?

Messages app updates

Changes in the Message apps in iOS 18 include more text effects, adding animated effects such as ripples or nods for letters, words and emoji in iMessage. Users can also format text in Messages, adding bold, underline, strikethrough or italics to letters and words.

There are more "Tapback" reactions, where users can add emoji and sticker reaction to messages, as well as the ability to access Tapbacks you and your friends send the most.

Users can opt to "send later" and schedule messages for later delivery.

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is now supported, including delivery and read receipts and higher resolution for photos and video for messaging those who are not using an iPhone.

Passwords app

iOS 18 introduces a new standalone Passwords app. Passwords used to be tucked away in Settings, so now they are easier to access. Verification codes for two-factor authentication can also be set up in the Passwords app.

Photos changes

The Photos app has been redesigned in iOS 18. Collections will organize the library by topic, and users can pin a collection or further customize collections. Users can also view photos by "recent days."

A filter button will allow viewing by specific media type, favorites or other views, and help reduce clutter.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence, the much-talked about new AI-based feature first announced at WWDC, is not part of Monday's 1OS 18 update rollout. Apple said in a news release that users will get to experience Apple Intelligence features when iOS 18.1 rolls out next month.

When it does release, Apple Intelligence integration, which will be available for the new iPhone 16 devices as well as the iPhone 15 Pro models, will offer capabilities for Siri, Photos and across many other apps, such as helping with writing emails and other documents, searching and organizes files and photos and carrying out tasks. Apple Intelligence will also feature AI-generated emojis, called "Genmojis," and a new Image Playground.

More:Apple is launching new AI features. What do they mean for your privacy?

Additional updates and new features include:

• Live audio transcriptions
• Maps enhancements
• "Tap to cash" in Wallet
• Ability to adjust beam width of flashlight
• Option to restart phone in Control Center
• Custom Lock Screen controls