With the release of the brand new iPhone 16 series, Apple Watch lineups, and whatnot, today’s focus will be directly towards the new software updates delivered to compatible devices so let’s find out what’s in store.
iOS 18
First, we have the iOS 18 for iPhones and we’ll start with Home Screen updates where apps and widgets can be placed freely to suit one’s preference, with options for light, dark, or tinted displays.
The revamped Control Center offers flexible control grouping, allowing users to quickly access media, home controls, and even third-party app features. Users can customize controls on the Lock Screen or remove them entirely for a streamlined experience.
Photos also got a big hunk of an update through a simplified layout and smarter organization. Collections such as “Recent Days,” “People & Pets,” and “Trips” use on-device intelligence to automatically organize photos, making it easier to relive special moments. A custom layout and pinned favorites ensure your most important memories are always in view.
On the other hand, Messages now provide new formatting options like bold, italic, and strikethrough. Emoji and sticker Tapbacks allow for more expressive conversations, while satellite messaging ensures users can stay connected even without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Ah yes, the long-awaited RCS support for non-Apple users is finally here as well.
Although not right now Mail will be receiving a slight revamp by adding the ability to auto-sort messages into “Primary,” “Transactions,” “Updates,” and “Promotions.” while Safari features enhanced browsing with tools like a streamlined Reader mode and a new Distraction Control feature to block intrusive elements on web pages.
Lastly, Apple Intelligence will be moving into official build release after months of beta preview.
iPadOS 18
For the tablet section, the iPadOS 18 comes with more productivity-tailored optimizations.
To start, iPad now has its own version of Calculator (don’t know why it wasn’t there in the first place). The latest changes like instant equation solving and advanced math functions and graphs are also available.
For text notes, Smart Script can provide easy editing of handwritten text, insert typed text, or scratch out words to delete them. Smart Script refines handwriting in real time, making it smoother and more legible while preserving the user’s personal writing style.
Next, there’s this new floating tab bar in apps like Apple TV, News, Books, and Fitness makes navigation easier, morphing into a sidebar when users need to dive deeper into an app’s functionality. Refined animations and an updated document browser enhance the overall experience across apps like Pages, Numbers, and Swift Playgrounds.
As the Home Screen / Control Center / Photos / Messages / Privacy Control / Apple Intelligence updates are the same as iOS 18, we’ll skip that here.
macOS Sequioa
now for the Mac gang with its yearly improvements of bringing more things to make the device the central hub for an Apple user.
Firstly, we now can do iPhone Mirroring with full access and control including navigating the Home Screen, launching apps, and responding to notifications. This feature works while the iPhone stays locked, ensuring privacy and security.
As for Safari, they added the new Highlights feature, which uses machine learning to surface relevant information like directions, article summaries, and quick links.
A redesigned Reader mode streamlines articles with summaries and tables of contents, while the new Viewer feature keeps videos front and center with full playback controls. The new Distraction Control lets users hide unwanted elements on web pages for a cleaner browsing experience.
Window tiling is even more user-friendly now by allowing windows to drag to the edge of the screen to trigger fast tiled position templates, as well as several new keyboard and menu shortcuts.
For those who use Zoom and Webex, you’ll be delighted that you now use some custom backgrounds, either you upload it yourself or just pick one from a series of Apple Park shots. There is also segmentation technology ensuring that users look their best during calls, while the new presenter preview feature lets users check their shared content before presenting.
Oh yes, Apple Intelligence will be entering Mac as well albeit slightly late to the party compared to the others.
watchOS 11
Moving onto the smartwatch department, watchOS 11 now packs the new Vitals app which is essentially a fitness dashboard for measuring key health metrics at a glance, providing notifications when multiple metrics fall outside their usual range.
Using real-world data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study, the app offers insights into how metrics may be affected by factors like elevation, alcohol consumption, or illness.
For those who exercise regularly, do try out the Training Load feature that records and measures the impact of workouts on the body over time. A 28-day load average helps users track workout intensity and duration, with ratings available after each session to help fine-tune training plans, especially when preparing for events.
Users can compare their current 7-day load with their longer-term average to adjust their fitness routines accordingly.
Activity Rings also got a small optimization by allowing users to set custom goals by the day of the week. Users can also pause their rings for a day, week, or longer without breaking streaks. This customization ensures that activity goals align with individual schedules and rest days.
Moms or soon-to-be moms are going to love the newly added functions including the ability to track gestational age and log pregnancy symptoms in the Cycle Tracking app. The Health app also suggests reviewing high heart rate thresholds, as heart rates typically rise during pregnancy.
Aside from minor things like Check In within Workout, Translate natively available within a Watch, and double tap gesture for app scrolling, water sport fans can utilize the new Tides app to stay informed about open water conditions, providing seven days of forecasted tidal information for coastlines and surf spots. Users can view tides, sunrise and sunset times, and nearby beaches on a map, with complications offering current tide info at a glance.
And you also have new watch faces to choose from.
If that’s not relevant to you, then see if Smart Stack is a good thing for you since it can suggest relevant widgets based on time, location, and routine. New widgets and Live Activities are now integrated, making it easier to access critical information from any watch face.
tvOS 18
TV gangs rise up because the tvOS 18 also has some new stuff for you namely InSight, which provides real-time information on actors, characters, and music from Apple TV+ movies and shows. The Enhance Dialogue feature is improved using machine learning and computational audio to offer clearer vocals.
Subtitles now appear automatically at key moments, such as when users mute, rewind, or if the language in a show differs from the device’s language. The update also introduces new screen savers, including Portraits, for Apple TV 4K.
The Home app receives updates with iOS 18, enabling guest access to locks, garage doors, and security systems. Users can schedule personalized access with smart locks and view guest activity history.
Later this year, tvOS 18 will introduce 21:9 support for watching movies and shows on projectors, as well as new screen savers like Snoopy. Robot vacuum cleaners will also integrate with the Home app, participating in automation and scenes.
Apple Maps Updates
Somewhat unrelated to Malaysia but if you happened to visit those regions, maybe the Apple Maps update can help you somewhat.
This new inclusion offers access to thousands of U.S. national park hikes, including routes in Yosemite, Acadia, and Denali National Parks. Users can filter trails by type, length, and elevation, and access turn-by-turn navigation to stay on track. Offline access lets users download hikes to their iPhone or Apple Watch, and shuttle schedules for parks like Bryce Canyon and Sequoia are also available.
Additionally, topographic maps with detailed contour lines and trail information are now available in the U.S. and Japan, helping users plan outdoor adventures with more precision.
If you want to do it your own way, then custom routes are the way to go with the save function available as well. It can be synced for offline use as well.
There’s also a Places Library function which acts as a storage for you to save favorite spots, curated guides, national park hikes, and custom routes, while also adding personal notes.
The enhanced search experience offers a streamlined way to discover and compare locations by browsing photos, ratings, prices, and more. The updated “Search here” button makes it easier to find nearby restaurants, coffee shops, gas stations, and other points of interest.
You can find more about these updates including details of other small-scale apps down below:
Like our Facebook Page here at NasiLemakTech.com for more news and in-depth reviews! Also, join our Facebook Group for insightful information and memes!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel too!
