iOS 18: top 18 features and changes for iPhone [Video]
What are some of the radical changes introduced to the home screen in iOS 18?
In iOS 18, the home screen has received several significant changes. For the first time, users can place app icons anywhere on the screen, as long as they adhere to the traditional grid structure. This new flexibility also applies to widgets on iPhone, a feature previously exclusive to iPadOS.
In addition, users now have the ability to resize widgets dynamically via a handy drag handle that surfaces while in edit mode. Widgets can also be upsized and downsized, all the way back down to a regular app icon, using a context menu option that appears when long-pressing the app.
There's also the option to make app icons larger, which brings forth the ability to hide app names on the Home Screen. Furthermore, a new feature allows enabling a dark mode for icons. Currently, only Apple's first-party pre-installed apps are affected by the dark mode option, but developers will be able to feature it in their apps as well. Finally, there is a new option to tint all app icons with the same color for a more cohesive theme on the Home Screen.
How can widgets be resized in iOS 18, and what new options are available for app icons on the home screen?
In iOS 18, widgets can be resized directly on the home screen using a new drag handle that appears while in edit mode. Additionally, users can upsize or downsize widgets, all the way back down to a regular app icon, using a context menu option that appears when long-pressing the app. As for app icons, users now have the option to make them larger and hide their names on the home screen. There is also a new option to enable a dark mode for icons, and the ability to tint all app icons with the same color for a more cohesive theme on the home screen1.
How does the new eye-tracking feature in iOS 18 work, and what potential does it hold for future updates?
The new eye-tracking feature in iOS 18 allows users to control their device using just their eyes, monitored by the device's front-facing camera with no additional hardware or accessories5. This feature, powered by AI, gives users a built-in option for navigating their iPad or iPhone with just their eyes. It is designed for users with physical disabilities and uses on-device machine learning, ensuring that all data used to set up and control this feature is kept securely on the device and isn't shared with Apple2.
The potential for this feature in future updates could include refinements in accuracy and the ability to perform more complex actions with eye movements. It may also prompt improvements in front-facing camera hardware in future iPhones to better support eye-tracking capabilities.