Having already got the public betas of iOS 18, I gathered up the courage and installed it on my main iPhone. All for the sake of science (and my desire to try everything). The fact is that during these last few weeks, I have been able to thoroughly test this next version of the iPhone system And, even though the most important thing is still missing, I have had very good feelings.
Pending the arrival of Apple Intelligence with the promising new Siri, I feel that this is already a good update. Not a “big” update, which it will be when that comes. However, it is good enough to improve in the small details those that often go unnoticed and that end up being vital and the differentiating element of iOS.
Clarification: This is not a full review of iOS 18, nor a roundup of all the new features. It is simply an opinion piece highlighting the most notable elements of the new iPhone operating system.
This is the control center we deserved
When I talk about small details, I’m referring to changes like the one in the iOS 18 control center, although in this case I must say that it doesn’t seem to me to be an objectively minor change. In fact, I would dare to say that It is one of the best new features that we have had in recent years.
The iPhone control center was born to add quick access to certain functions and to the music or video player. However, it soon fell short and it was in iOS 11 when it was redesigned adding more options. However, was still very limited. Until now.
With iOS 18 we finally have the possibility to edit it in depth and even add infinite sections to have not just one, but as many control centers as you want. The icons are now rounded and can be resized, as well as being able to be placed in any position on the grid.
However, what I highlight most about these new features in the control center is that Add new quick settings. From being able to individually set controls such as airplane mode or mobile data to the possibility of having full access to control home automation accessories. And all without forgetting the shortcuts, since this opens up a world of possibilities so that, with a single touch in the control center, we can execute any of them.
Tasks are finally visible and marked in ‘Calendar’
When iOS 18 was not yet official, the merger of ‘Calendar’ and ‘Reminders’ apps for the iPhone had already been leaked. It finally arrived and it’s not that any of them are disappearing, but rather that They are still independent apps, but with some communication They basically integrate what apps like ‘Fantastical’ have had for years.
It’s about power View scheduled tasks in ‘Reminders’ within the ‘Calendar’ app and you can even mark them as completed from there. This is a new feature also available on iPadOS and macOS that is very simple, but extremely useful, especially on the iPhone, where with a single calendar widget we can now see all our tasks and events in a unified manner.
The controversy of tinted icons
How can I forget the color change of the iOS 18 icons. That new option for Customize app icons by giving them a uniform colorBy default, we see them as always, but we can also now configure a dark mode that is automatically applied to all of them and even set a custom color of our choice.
The idea is that we can combine the wallpaper with the icons and that everything is uniform, although as expected, Controversy has been unleashed over the horrendous combinations that can be made So much so that at Applesfera we asked experts in design and brand image for their opinion, so they could give their view on this historic change. Because yes, you may like it more or less, but it is historic.
From my humble point of view, as an iPhone user, I must say that My opinion is somewhere in the middle.I haven’t customized icon colors other than for dark mode, and I honestly doubt I’ll change that in the future. However, as with the arrival of alternative stores in the App Store, I applaud the variety of options.
And that is the conclusion I wanted to leave at that point, although many of us are not attracted by the idea of customizing icons and there are even those who think it is a sacrilege to Steve Jobs’ philosophy, in the end no one forces us to use these options and It is possible to continue with the same design of the iPhone that until now. And for the rest, I respect anyone who wants to personalize it. Even if it is in very bad taste.
Apart from tinted, the icons are also free
Another customization option that is added, and it was about time, is the ability to place icons anywhere on the grid It seems unbelievable, but we can finally have a free alignment of icons. Always respecting the grid in the sense that we cannot overlap one with another, but we can leave free spaces wherever we want.
This means that we no longer have to resort to strange tricks to get out of the classic grid. And it also adds a new possibility of View icons larger and without the name label. I personally liked this a lot and it gives a different touch to the iPhone.
The great promise of Apple Intelligence, an outstanding debt
The big news in iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of artificial intelligence models which promises new features, including a powerful new Siri. However, there are several “buts” about it.
The most obvious is that I haven’t been able to try it yet. And not for lack of desire, but because it is only available in a limited way for developers in the United States with beta 1 of iOS 18.1. Also, only in English and for the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
In addition, It may take a long time to reach Europe Apple’s intention is to have it available in more languages and on the European continent by 2025, but the limitations of European laws make this difficult. And although Europe seems to be building bridges with Apple to bring its AI, for now, we have nothing.
So I’ll reserve my opinion on these changes, as in the end, it may be the same as anyone else who is still on iOS 17. They are very promising changes whose practical examples demonstrate a real revolution for the iPhone assistant. Even more so if we know that, apart from its own models, Siri will be able to connect with ChatGPT easily. However, I insist on reserving my opinion so that, once I test it in depth, I can know if my good feelings are fulfilled or if it ends up being a disappointment. Anything can happen.
What I miss most in iOS 18
Beyond artificial intelligence, which I do not give up on, I must say that I am satisfied and there are a few things I miss I’ve been very critical of Apple for the lack of new features in previous versions. And while I understand that iOS is too mature a system to need major changes, I’ve always believed that there is room for ingenuity.
So, although this year my criticism is not great, it does not mean that I do not miss elements such as a major change in the aesthetics of the system Yes, I know it’s a minor thing and the customization that is added is already a significant change.
However, it is inevitable for me missing an iOS 7-style “revolution” which completely changed Apple’s design language. I have nothing against the current one and, as subjective as it may be, I think many of us will agree on that. However, I think that taking a new turn in aesthetics can be a great incentive to feel that we have something fresh in our hands.
In any case, knowing what it means to develop something like Apple Intelligence, I must say that I understand that, if there were to be a profound aesthetic change in iOS, it would not be this one. Apple has preferred to join forces in this other task, considering it more urgent, something perfectly understandable.
For a beta, it doesn’t behave like a beta, even though it is a beta.
Yes, it sounds like a tongue twister, but there is an explanation. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to analyze the beta from an experiential point of view in terms of performance, bugs, and battery consumption elements that once the final version arrives should not pose a problem and that is why for now it is something minor.
However, as I know that many Applesfera readers are regular beta installers, I also want to address those who have doubts about their reliability. And in these, I have to say that everything is going smoothlyObviously I have encountered the occasional bug, such as the control center changing the customization I had given it or widgets disappearing. However, they are very occasional and always reported in the ‘Feedback’ app (which is what betas are for).
His overall performance is good and battery consumption to my surprise, it’s not excessive. I notice that it consumes a little more than iOS 17, but it’s not excessive either. The same thing happens with the heating of the iPhone since despite there being a tendency to heat up, in the end, it doesn’t reach dangerous levels. In addition, we are in summer, so even outside of betas, it would tend to heat up.
Having said that, I do not recommend installing it I know it sounds contradictory, but in the end, I have to make it clear that this is just my personal experience and it could be completely different in other cases. In the end, betas are also a bit random in this regard. Therefore, unless you are a certified developer or you have a spare iPhone to install it on, I do not recommend trying iOS 18 until its final version arrives in September.