iOS 18 brings a host of exciting and underrated features that many users might not have discovered yet. From deeper customization options to advanced AI capabilities and powerful privacy enhancements, here are 10 hidden gems in iOS 18 that can truly elevate your iPhone experience.
1. Home Screen Freedom: Put Apps Anywhere You Want
What’s New:
With iOS 18, you’re no longer stuck placing apps in a strict order. Now, you can move your app icons and widgets anywhere on the screen—even leave empty spaces!
How to Do It:
• Tap and hold any app or widget until everything starts to wiggle.
• Drag the app to wherever you want on the screen.
• Want a simple look? Use dark or see-through widgets for a clean design.
Quick Tip:
You can also hide app names! Just go to Settings > Home Screen > Show App Names and turn it off for a neater look.
2. Lock Apps with Face ID for Extra Privacy
What’s New:
iOS 18 lets you lock individual apps like Messages, Photos, Notes, and Mail using Face ID or Touch ID—perfect for keeping your private stuff truly private.
How to Turn It On:
• Open Settings
• Go to Privacy & Security > App Lock
• Choose the apps you want to lock and turn on Face ID or Touch ID
Good to Know:
Even if someone is using your unlocked phone, they still can’t open these apps without your face or fingerprint.
3. Smarter Siri with Faster, On-Device Processing
What’s New:
Siri just got a major upgrade in iOS 18! It now uses on-device intelligence, which means it can respond quicker and even work without the internet for some tasks.
What Siri Can Do Now:
• Summarize messages or articles for yourself
• Perform actions in apps, like editing a photo or sending a file
• Understand what you’re doing—for example, say “Remind me about this” while viewing a message, and it’ll know what you mean.
Bonus Tip:
You can now ask Siri to do more than one thing at once! Try saying, “Text Mom, I’m running late, and remind me to call her in 20 minutes.”
4. New Control Center with Swipeable Pages
What’s New:
In iOS 18, the Control Center got a big makeover! You can now create multiple pages to keep things organized and add controls that fit your lifestyle.
How to Use It:
• Pull down from the top-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center.
• Tap the “+” button to add new pages, move things around, or even add shortcuts from third-party apps
Cool Idea:
Make a page just for smart home controls, or set up a Fitness page with quick access to timers, music, and health tools.
5. Stay Connected Without Signal (iPhone 14 & Up)
What’s New:
With iOS 18, you can now send iMessages using satellite when there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi signal—great for staying in touch when you’re off the grid.
How It Works:
• If you have no service, open the Messages app
• You’ll see an option to use Satellite Messaging
• Just follow the steps on screen to point your phone toward the sky and send your message
Best For:
Adventurers, campers, or anyone traveling in areas with poor network coverage—it’s peace of mind when you need it most.
6. Create Custom Emojis with Genmoji
What’s New:
iOS 18 now lets you design your very own emojis with Genmoji! AI empowers you to create personalized emojis that reflect your unique style or mood.
How to Create One:
• Open the emoji keyboard and tap the “+” icon
• Describe the emoji you want, like “a panda playing guitar.”
• Your iPhone will instantly generate your custom emoji to use in messages.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s a fun way to express yourself with totally one-of-a-kind emojis!
7. T9 Dialing in the Phone App
What’s New:
With iOS 18, the Phone app now lets you use T9 dialing, allowing you to type a contact’s name directly using the number pad.
How to Use It:
• Launch the Phone app and navigate to the Keypad tab
• Enter the numbers that match the letters in the name (e.g., 6-4-7 for “M-I-P”)
• The app will show matching contacts instantly
Why It’s Handy:
It’s a faster way to reach your most frequently dialed contacts, without needing to scroll through your entire list.
8. Hidden and Locked Apps Folder
What’s New:
With iOS 18, you can now store apps in a Locked folder, keeping them private and secure with Face ID or a passcode.
How to Set It Up:
• Go to the App Library
• Select the new Locked folder
• To add apps, long-press on an app and choose “Move to Locked Folder.”
What Makes It Useful:
Apps placed in this folder are completely hidden from search results, notifications, and the multitasking view for extra privacy.
Bonus: Smart Recap (iPhone 15 & Newer)
What’s New:
iOS 18 introduces Smart Recap, a feature designed to give you a quick summary of notifications, messages, and emails you missed.
It shows up on your Lock Screen or in the Notification Center, so you can easily catch up on everything after being away from your phone for a while.
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