Apple rolls out iOS 18 with new home screen customisation, passwords app and more

iOS 18

Apple has officially rolled out its latest operating system, iOS 18, to iPhone users worldwide. The update, now available for download, brings a lot of new features and improvements aimed at enhancing user experience, customisation, and privacy. However, all the key Apple Intelligence features aren’t a part of it. Apple is expected to roll out Apple Intelligence features in a later iOS 18 update sometime in October.

One of the big changes iOS 18 brings is the customisation of the Home Screen. For years, Apple didn’t allow users to change the icons' colours or even their size. With iOS 18, Apple is giving users a plethora of customisation options. iPhone users can now arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the Home Screen. Furthermore, app icons and widgets can take on a new look with a dark or tinted effect. Users can also make them larger and just see the app icon and not the name.

The Control Centre is also getting a few customisation options. Users can get quick access to new groups' most-used controls, such as media playback, Home controls, and connectivity. Apple will also allow — for the first time -- to add controls from supported third-party apps into Control Centre.

The Messages app has been updated to include text formatting choices such as bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough. Also new is the schedule feature which allows users to set a time for sending any particular message. Apple has also made messaging better by finally including Rich Communication Services (RCS) support.

The Passwords app is a one-stop shop for passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi credentials, verification codes, and even “Sign in with Apple” information. Whether you need to autofill your login details for websites and apps, save new passwords, or manually add passkeys, the Passwords app does it all.

How to install iOS 18

Users can install the iOS 18 update by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update on their iPhones.