IOS 18 VS IOS 17 Comparison: WHAT’S DIFFERENT in this UPDATE?
At a glance differences
| Feature | iOS 17 | iOS 18 |
| User Interface | Subtle refinements to UI | More customizable UI, new themes and layouts |
| Privacy and Security | Enhanced app privacy reports | Advanced privacy controls, enhanced Face ID |
| Notifications | Improved grouping, better management | Redesigned notification center, more customization options |
| Multitasking | Split View and Slide Over enhancements | Enhanced Split View, more intuitive Drag-and-Drop |
| Voice Assistant | Siri improvements, better integration | More natural interaction with Siri, expanded capabilities |
| Widgets | Interactive widgets | More customization options, dynamic widgets |
| Camera and Photos | Improved low-light performance, new filters | Enhanced AI-powered editing tools, better low-light performance |
| Battery Management | Smarter battery usage insights | Optimized charging, new battery health features |
| Health and Fitness | Improved Health app, new workout types | New health metrics, more comprehensive fitness tracking |
| Cross-Device Integration | Better continuity between devices | Improved continuity features with Macs and iPads |
| Accessibility | Expanded accessibility options | New accessibility tools, improved screen reading |
| AR and VR | Enhanced AR capabilities | New VR features, improved AR experiences |
| App Store | Improved app recommendations | More robust app recommendations, privacy labels |
| Performance | Faster app launch times, better resource usage | More efficient resource usage, overall performance enhancements |
| Gaming | New game modes, improved controller support | Enhanced game modes, better performance optimization |
| Messaging | New iMessage features, better media sharing | Additional iMessage features, enhanced media sharing |
| Smart Home Integration | Expanded HomeKit functionality | Better automation, improved smart home device support |
| System Updates | Seamless updates, better background installation | Better background installation, more seamless updates |
Introduction
In June 2024, Apple unveiled a preview of iOS 18, the next major update to its iPhone operating system. Set to launch later in 2024, iOS 18 promises a suite of new features and enhancements that build on the foundation laid by iOS 17. The compatibility list remains unchanged, so if your iPhone is running iOS 17, it will also support iOS 18, with the exception of the new “Apple Intelligence” features, exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
In this article, we will explore the new features introduced in iOS 17 and those coming in iOS 18. We will highlight the differences between the two versions to help you decide whether to get excited about updating your iPhone later this year.
Reflecting on iOS 17: Key Features
When iOS 17 launched in September 2023, it brought several noteworthy features aimed at enhancing communication, personalization, and productivity on the iPhone.
FaceTime Upgrades
Audio and Video Messages
One of the most exciting upgrades in iOS 17 was the ability to record audio or video messages via FaceTime. This feature allows users to leave personalized messages when the recipient is unavailable, making communication more flexible and engaging.
Hand Gesture Animations
Apple introduced hand gestures that trigger playful animations, adding a touch of fun to FaceTime calls and making virtual interactions more lively and expressive.
Live Voicemail
Live Voicemail allows users to send a call to voicemail but watch a real-time text transcription of the audio. This enables users to decide whether to answer the call immediately based on the message content.
Stickers and Contact Posters
Custom Stickers
iOS 17 introduced the ability to create custom stickers from photos, adding a new level of personalization to messaging.
Contact Posters
Users can now create personalized contact posters that appear on the recipient’s iPhone when they call or send a message. This feature allows for customized backgrounds, fonts, and layouts, enhancing the visual aspect of communication.
Enhanced AirDrop and Interactive Widgets
NameDrop
AirDrop became even more intuitive with the NameDrop feature, simplifying the process of sharing contact information by bringing two iPhones close together.
Interactive Widgets
Widgets on the home screen and lock screen became interactive, allowing users to complete tasks or control music directly from the widget without opening the app.
StandBy Mode
StandBy mode transforms your iPhone into a bedside clock when rotated and plugged in, displaying the time and other chosen information.
Journal App and Check-In Feature
Journal App
The new Journal app, introduced in iOS 17.2, allows users to record daily thoughts and activities, promoting mental well-being.
Check-In Feature
The Check-In feature enables users to share their intended destinations with friends, allowing their iPhones to monitor progress and notify friends and family when they arrive safely.
iOS 18: Exciting New Features and Enhancements
With all these features introduced in iOS 17, what can we expect from iOS 18? Here are the highlights of what Apple is bringing to the table.
Personalization
Flexible Icon Placement
For the first time, iOS 18 will allow users to place icons anywhere on the screen without snapping to the grid. This long-awaited feature offers greater flexibility and customization.
Customizable Icon Colors
Users can change the background colors of icons and widgets, either through a new night mode or by manually selecting colors. This level of personalization extends beyond just wallpapers to app icons and widgets, allowing for a truly unique home screen.
Control Center Updates
Enhanced Customization
Control Center will become more customizable, allowing users to add new controls and shortcuts for third-party apps. Users can group these controls by context, such as home, music, or productivity, and customize the lock screen shortcuts.
Privacy Enhancements
App Lock and Hidden Apps
In iOS 18, users can lock apps using Touch ID, Face ID, or a passcode. There’s also an option to hide apps, storing them in a hidden folder accessible only through biometrics or a passcode.
Contact and Accessory Controls
Users will have more control over which contacts apps can access and which wireless accessories they can interact with, further enhancing privacy.
Messages Updates
Tapbacks and Formatting Tools
Messages will gain new features, including the ability to use any emoji or sticker for Tapbacks, and formatting tools to underline or italicize text. New Text Effects with fun animations will also be introduced.
Messages Via Satellite
A new Messages Via Satellite feature will allow users to stay in touch even in remote areas without cellular service. While specifics on pricing are unclear, this feature builds on the Emergency SOS via Satellite introduced with the iPhone 14.
Organized Mail and Redesigned Photos
Mail Categorization
The Mail app will feature on-device categorization, similar to Google’s Gmail, with inboxes separated into categories like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.
Photos Redesign
The Photos app will receive its biggest redesign yet, with improved filters for easier searching and new Collections organized by topics like people and trips. The interface will also feature a new carousel highlighting favorite photos and other curated content.
Other Small Improvements
iOS 18 will include numerous minor enhancements, such as new stats in the Journal app, offline topographical maps in the Maps app, and a Tap to Cash feature in Wallet for quick payments via Apple Pay.
Apple Intelligence Features
Apple is introducing AI-powered “Apple Intelligence” features in iOS 18, initially in beta and exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. These features focus on reading, writing, and image generation. Siri will benefit from improved context recognition and better understanding of natural speech.
Comparing iOS 17 and iOS 18
The most noticeable difference between iOS 17 and iOS 18 is the increased flexibility for personalizing your iPhone. The Mail and Photos apps are receiving significant updates to reduce clutter and enhance usability. Messages will gain more flexibility with TapBacks and new animations, while the AI-powered Apple Intelligence features, although initially limited, indicate a future trend towards more integrated AI functionalities.
Should You Upgrade to iOS 18?
Given Apple’s track record of supporting older devices with new software, upgrading to iOS 18 is highly recommended. The array of new features and improvements make it a compelling update. However, if you wish to experience iOS 18 early, consider running the beta on a spare iPhone to avoid potential issues with your primary device.
For more information on how to install the iOS 18 beta and join Apple’s beta program, you can visit Apple’s official beta software page here.
Conclusion
The integration of ChatGPT into iOS, combined with the exciting new features of iOS 18, offers a promising future for iPhone users. From enhanced personalization and privacy to innovative AI capabilities, iOS 18 is set to transform the way we interact with our devices. Embrace this technological advancement and look forward to an enriched iPhone experience later in 2024.
References:
- Apple Beta Software Program. (n.d.). Retrieved from Apple
- iOS 17 and 18 Features Overview. (2023). Retrieved from MacRumors
- Enhancements in iOS 18. (2024). Retrieved from Forbes
- Apple Intelligence Features. (2024). Retrieved from TechCrunch
