Apple debuts iOS 18 with customizable home screen, updates to macOS, watchOS
In what ways does macOS Sequoia align with the features found in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18?
macOS Sequoia aligns with the features found in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 in several ways. Some of the key shared features include:
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Apple Intelligence: This new AI platform is deeply integrated into macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18, allowing users to access its capabilities across their Apple devices1. It assists with language creation, image generation, and taking action across apps while drawing from personal context1.
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iPhone Mirroring: This Continuity feature in macOS Sequoia enables full access to and control of an iPhone directly from a Mac. Users can interact with their iPhone using the keyboard, trackpad, and mouse on their Mac.
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Safari Updates: The Safari browser in macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18 receives a significant update with the new Highlights feature, which helps users discover information on webpages more efficiently. It provides quick access to directions, summaries, and links related to people, music, movies, and TV shows.
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Passwords App: A new Passwords app is introduced in macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18, making it easier for users to access and organize their passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and other credentials in one place2.
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Messages: All three operating systems benefit from updates to the Messages app, including new text effects, emoji and sticker Tapbacks, and the ability to schedule a message to send later.
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Apple Maps: macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18 introduce new features in Apple Maps, such as curated hikes and custom walking routes, allowing users to explore and save hikes across all 63 national parks in the United States.
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Photos: The Photos app in macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18 receives updates, with new features like Collections that automatically organize users' libraries by helpful themes and improved search functionality.
These shared features ensure a seamless and consistent experience for Apple users across their devices, making it easier to work, communicate, and stay organized.
How does the new 'Lock An App' feature in iOS 18 enhance user privacy?
The new 'Lock An App' feature in iOS 18 enhances user privacy by requiring users to use Face ID to unlock and access certain apps. This adds an extra layer of security to sensitive apps, ensuring that only authorized users can access the content within those apps. By protecting individual apps with Face ID, users can have better control over their privacy and protect their personal information from unauthorized access.
How will the integration of RCS in the Messages app improve communication between iPhone and Android users?
The integration of Rich Communication Services (RCS) in the Messages app will significantly improve communication between iPhone and Android users. RCS is a messaging standard that offers a more secure and seamless experience than SMS and MMS. With RCS support, iPhone users will be able to send high-quality images, videos, and encrypted texts to Android users. The adoption of RCS will also enable features such as read receipts, typing indicators, and location sharing within text threads.
One of the most notable advantages of RCS is its ability to deliver a consistent messaging experience across different platforms and devices2. Messages sent via RCS will retain their rich formatting and functionality, regardless of whether received on an iPhone, an Android device, or any other RCS-enabled platform.
The incorporation of RCS support is anticipated to bring several enhancements to communications between iPhones and Android smartphones, including:
- Enhanced quality of photos and videos
- Integration of audio messages
- Display of typing indicators
- Visibility of read receipts
- Ability to utilize Wi-Fi for messaging
- Location sharing within text threads
- Enhanced functionality in group chats, including the option for iPhone users to exit a conversation involving Android users
These contemporary features are already accessible within iMessage and many third-party messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The integration of RCS in the Messages app will help bridge the gap between Android and Apple Messages, providing a more unified messaging experience for users across both platforms25.