Unlock iOS 18: Must-Know Hidden Features for Your iPhone

Introduction

The latest iOS 18 update brings a slew of exciting features to enhance your iPhone experience. From flashlight adjustments to voice memo transcriptions, these updates promise to make your device more versatile and user-friendly.

Flashlight Beam Width Adjustment

Illuminate Your World Differently

iOS 18 introduces a game-changing feature for the flashlight. Now, you can adjust the beam width on compatible models like the iPhone 14 Pro and newer. Whether you need a wide beam for broader coverage or a narrow one for focused intensity, this feature has got you covered.

• How to Use:

– Turn on the flashlight via lock screen or control center.
– Adjust light intensity by swiping up/down.
– Change beam width by swiping left/right in the dynamic island interface.

!Flashlight Beam Width

“A wide flashlight beam (left) and a narrow beam (right).” – Nelson Aguilar/CNET

Transcribe Voice Memos

Unlock Hidden Words

Voice Memos just got smarter with transcription capabilities in iOS 18. Now, every word spoken can be converted into text, making it easier than ever to search through your recordings.

• Steps:

– Open Voice Memos app.
– Tap on any memo and select Edit Recording.
– Hit the Transcribe button to generate text from audio.

!Voice Memo Transcription

“Take an existing voice memo (left) and create a transcript of the recording (right).” – Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET

Hide App Labels

Declutter Your Home Screen

Tired of seeing app names cluttering your home screen? With iOS 18, you can now hide these labels for a cleaner look. Recognize apps just by their icons without unnecessary text crowding your view.

!Removing App Labels

“Removing app labels on iOS 18.” – CNET

Conclusion

iOS 18 is packed with innovative features that elevate user experience significantly. From customizable flashlights to searchable voice memos and decluttered home screens, this update ensures that every interaction with your device is smoother and more intuitive than ever before.

References

1. Nelson Aguilar/CNET
2. Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET

Introduction

The article delves into the latest features of iOS 18, offering users innovative ways to enhance their iPhone experience. From transforming apps into widgets directly from the home screen to secretly identifying songs using the Action Button, these updates promise a more seamless and intuitive user interface.

Transform Apps into Widgets Instantly

Change an app to a widget without leaving the home screen

• Quick Transformation: On supported apps, press and hold the icon on your home screen.
• Widget Icons: If available, widget icons will appear in the quick actions menu.
• Easy Reversion: To revert back to an app, simply select the app icon from the quick action menu.

!Turning an app to a widget on iOS 18

This only works for apps that have widgets on iOS.
Image Credit: Nelson Aguilar/CNET

Secret Song Identification

Secretly identify songs using the Action Button

Imagine impressing your friends with your “encyclopedic” music knowledge. With iOS 18’s new feature:

1. Settings Navigation: Go to Settings > Action Button.
2. Select Recognize Music: Swipe through options until you find it.
3. Activate Shazam Secretly: Press and hold the Action Button for a couple of seconds.

!Action Button setting with Recognize Music selected

Assign Recognize Music feature and identify songs discreetly.
Image Credit: Jeff Carlson/CNET

Enhanced Photo Search Capabilities

Find images with handwriting and illustrations in Photos app

iOS 18 revamps how you interact with your photo library:

1. New Categories: Scroll past main library categories like People and Pets until you reach Utilities.
2. Handwriting & Illustrations Filters:

– Tap Handwriting for images containing handwritten text.
– Tap Illustrations for non-photographic images (note: may include screenshots).

!Photos App Utilities Options

View images that contain handwriting in your Photos library.
Image Credit: Jeff Carlson/CNET

Conclusion

iOS 18 introduces groundbreaking features designed to make everyday tasks more efficient while adding layers of fun and convenience. Whether it’s transforming apps into widgets or identifying songs covertly, these updates are set to redefine user interaction with their devices.

References

1. CNET Article by Nelson Aguilar
2. CNET Article by Jeff Carlson

Share a Specific Section of a Podcast

Introduction

Ever wanted to share a hilarious or insightful moment from your favorite podcast? The Podcasts app in iOS 18 has got you covered, but the feature is hidden. Here’s how to find it.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Access Playback Controls

– Tap the Now Playing bar at the bottom of the screen.
– Pause the episode and use the progress bar to locate your desired section.

1. Share Episode

– Tap More (…) and select Share Episode.
– In sharing options, tap From Start, then choose From [the current time].
– Hit Done.

1. Choose Sharing Method

– Select how you want to share: Messages, Mail, etc.

When your friend opens it in their Podcasts app, they’ll see an option to play from that exact moment.

!Podcast Sharing Steps

Start by sharing the episode itself.
Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET

!Specify Time

Specify that the shared episode begins at the time you chose.
Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET

Conclusion

Sharing specific moments from podcasts has never been easier with iOS 18’s hidden feature. Follow these steps and make sure your friends catch every memorable second!

References

1. CNET Article on Podcast Sharing