WWDC 2024: How Apple’s Presentation Altered Perceptions of iOS 18

Before iOS 18 was unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, anticipation for the next iPhone operating system was low. Despite testing many iOS versions and features, the rumored generative AI capabilities for iOS 18 seemed unexciting. However, the hope for genuinely useful new features was fulfilled.

Apple introduced several new features that initially seemed unnecessary since similar functions were already available. But the overall presentation of iOS 18 was impressive, making the fall release highly anticipated with expectations of long-term use.

Home and Lock Screen Customization Customizing the home and lock screens has long been desired, and iOS 18 finally delivers. Instead of app icons obstructing personal backgrounds, users can now arrange icons around their wallpaper. The ability to customize lock screen functions is also a welcome change, eliminating unnecessary features like the camera or flashlight, often accidentally activated.

Enhanced Control Center The revamped Control Center in iOS 18 is another exciting update. Previously cluttered and difficult to customize, it now allows for a more streamlined layout and additional screens. This change will make the feature more user-friendly and less frustrating.

Exciting Messages Upgrades The new features in Messages are unexpectedly thrilling. iOS 18 introduces the ability to schedule messages, add text effects, and enhance Tapbacks, making communication more dynamic and expressive. Scheduling messages is particularly useful for those with irregular sleep schedules, and text effects will help convey emotions more effectively.

Journal App Enhancements The Journal app also receives meaningful upgrades, prompting users to reflect on their emotional states, not just daily activities. This feature will help better track mental and emotional well-being.

Game Mode As a recent convert to mobile gaming, Game Mode is an exciting addition. It minimizes background activity and optimizes performance, enhancing the gaming experience by reducing interruptions and improving frame rates.

iOS 18 Features That Might Not Be Used Much Several iOS 18 features might not be particularly useful for everyone:

• New App Privacy Features: Removing or locking apps from the home screen feels redundant.
• More Mail Categories: Not enough emails are received daily to benefit from additional categories.
• Topographic Maps: Those who rarely hike may not find this feature exciting.
• Tap to Cash: Concerns about security and potential misuse might limit its appeal.

Revamped Photos App For those who don’t take many photos, the redesigned Photos app might seem unnecessary. People can already create their albums, and the app already organizes photos well. Despite the redesign, it seems like a rebranding of existing features.

Apple Intelligence Features like creating Genmojis, using Siri more frequently, or having the iPhone summarize messages might not appeal to everyone. Those who enjoy reading and writing might not find these AI-driven features useful.

iOS 18 Can’t Arrive Soon Enough Despite not being thrilled by some of iOS 18’s new features, anticipation for its fall release remains high. The upgrades to regularly used features are exciting, and the new customization options will enhance the sense of ownership over the iPhone. Messages’ enhancements will positively impact communication, and Game Mode will improve mobile gaming.

While not all features may be regularly used, others will likely enjoy them and get plenty of use out of them. Here’s hoping iOS 18 lives up to the hype.

Everything Announced at Apple’s WWDC 2024 For more on Apple, check out everything announced at WWDC 2024, all the features in iOS 18, and how to download the iOS 18 developer beta now.