Apple has released iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, bringing a host of new features to iPhone and iPad. One of the key updates in iOS is support for the RCS messaging protocol, which allows users to send high-resolution photos and videos, even to Android users. Meanwhile, the iPad is finally getting the long-awaited calculator app.
The Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging protocol offers more advanced features compared to traditional SMS. With RCS, iPhone and Android users can share high-quality photos and videos and see typing indicators. However, messages from Android users will still be marked with a green bubble. In addition to RCS, as reported by The Verge, iOS 18 introduces new text effects and formatting options in iMessage, the ability to schedule messages, and a feature for sending messages via satellite.
The iPhone's home screen in the new iOS now has expanded customization options. Users can change the arrangement, size, and color of app icons and widgets on the home screen, along with more options for customizing the lock screen. Additionally, the Photos app has received a significant design overhaul.
Users can now control smart devices that support the Matter standard locally through the Home app without needing a home hub. However, devices connected via the Thread network will require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Interestingly, the Home app now allows guests to access locks, gates, and alarm systems. There's also a new way to unlock doors without needing to take out the phone, but as of now, no Smart Locks support this feature yet.
Notably, Apple’s new AI-based features, announced earlier, will only be available with iOS 18.1 in October as part of a public beta. Apple will introduce tools for text processing, image generation with Image Playground, and interaction with a more advanced Siri. Initially, Apple Intelligence will only be available in the U.S., with plans to roll it out to other English-speaking countries by the end of the year and expand further in 2025.
As for iPadOS 18, this update will finally add the Calculator app to iPad after more than ten years. Additionally, the Notes app will now be able to solve math problems, recognizing not only numbers and symbols but also graphs and diagrams. The iPad will also receive several other useful updates, including more customization options for the home screen, an updated tab bar, and a redesigned Control Center. The Apple Intelligence features will also come to iPad, but at a later time.