iOS 18: How to Customize Your iPhone’s Lock Screen and Control Center
Apple’s iOS 18 update lets you personalize your lock screen and home screen and expands the capabilities of your iPhone’s Control Center.
Problem solved
Apple’s AI-focused update is finally rolling out to devices.
The first features of Apple Intelligence launched on Monday after months of anticipation in the latest operating system update for supported iPhone, iPad and Mac devices.
Apple Intelligence, which was first revealed at the tech company’s show Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, part of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 updates and introduces Apple-created generative models and other improvements to existing Apple software as well as a few new tools.
Here’s what you need to know about Apple Intelligence:
How to get Apple Intelligence
To access the new AI feature, users will first need to enable it after updating to iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1.
After installing the new OS update, users will need to go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and join the Apple Intelligence waitlist. After a waiting period of just a few minutes, it will be possible to enable Apple Intelligence, as well as additional options and settings for the feature.
Main features of Apple Intelligence
Key features introduced in this first Apple Intelligence update include:
◾ Writing tools: These new tools, integrated into applications and accessible in the same menu as copy and paste by pressing on the text, allow users to rewrite their text or even generate a summary of the selected text. Writing Tools also offers a proofreading option, which can suggest changes to the text, as well as explanations of the proposed changes.
◾ Priorities and summaries: Priority messages deemed urgent or timely will appear at the top of email inboxes, and there will be summary and smart reply options for emails. Summaries will also be possible for notifications, showing key details on the lock screen.
◾ Siri redesign: Not only does Siri have a new look on devices, but the redesign hopefully means the virtual assistant is better able to handle requests and questions. Siri should now follow more easily while a user speaks, even retaining context if the user makes a mistake or stumbles over their words, rephrasing their request. Users can also now tap on Siri on their devices.
◾ Pictures: In addition to the redesign of the Photos application introduced in the previous operating system updatePhotos now offers a cleanup tool where users can remove unwanted objects in images and have the option to search using descriptions. Users can also create movies in Memories using descriptions.
◾ Other updates: A new Focus option, Reduce Interruptions, is available and the Notes app now offers audio and phone transcriptions.
Compatible devices
For iPhone, Apple Intelligence is compatible with these devices:
◾iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
◾iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
◾iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
The update is compatible with these iPad devices:
◾ iPad Pro (M1 and later)
◾ iPad Air (M1 and later)
Apple Intelligence is compatible with these Mac devices:
◾ MacBook Air (M1 and later) and MacBook Pro (M1 and later)
◾ iMac (M1 and later)
◾ Mac mini (M1 and later)
◾ Mac Studio (M1 Max and later)
◾ Mac Pro (M2 Ultra)
Upcoming Apple Intelligence Features
The features in the rollout are just the first in a series of features Apple plans for Apple Intelligence. Notably missing from this first release are two previously announced features: Genmoji, which lets users create custom emojis, and Image Playground, where Apple Intelligence can generate cartoon-like images and illustrations from text descriptions.
Both of these features are now expected to be released in December, likely in the iOS 18.2 update.
Another feature likely to arrive later this year is ChatGPT integration for Siri, which was also mentioned in Apple Intelligence’s WWDC announcement.
Priority notifications and additional updates to Siri and writing tools are also listed as upcoming features on Apple Intelligence, according to a announcement press release from Apple.
