iOS 18 is out with RCS support, a redesigned Control Center, a new Passwords app & more

iOS 18 is now officially available for all compatible iPhones, expanding Home Screen customization options. Users can now tint icons, place them freely, and remove labels, with icons supporting dark mode for a unified look. The Control Center has been redesigned to include third-party app controls, resizing elements, and multi-page scrolling. Lock Screen controls are no longer limited to Flashlight and Camera, offering more customization.

Messages receives significant upgrades, including text formatting, new emojis for tapback responses, scheduled messages, and RCS support, though green bubbles remain for non-iPhone users. There's also a new Passwords app that evolves into a comprehensive password manager with two-factor authentication, password sharing, and cross-platform support across Apple devices and Windows via iCloud. Game Mode enhances gaming by minimizing background activity, reducing audio latency with AirPods, and lowering controller input lag. AirPods now support head gestures for Siri responses and voice isolation for better mic quality in noisy environments.

Other notable updates include live audio transcription, automatic calculations, collapsible sections, and text highlighting in the Notes app. Security improvements feature FaceID, TouchID, and passcode locking for any app, with Eye Tracking enhancing accessibility. Additional updates include a redesigned Apple Calculator with Math Notes, Apple Calendar improvements, call recording, a revamped Home app, Safari Reader enhancements, and better photo management in the Apple Photos app.

It is also worth noting that Apple Intelligence, one of the most anticipated new AI features for this update, will arrive later this year with iOS 18.1.