What's new in iOS 18?

iOS 18 introduces a variety of new features and improvements across different areas. Here are some of the key updates:

1. UIKit Enhancements:

   • Document Launch Experience: Redesigned for document-based apps to showcase their distinctive identity with full control over launch views and support for template document creation.
   • Tabs and Sidebar: Major updates to tabs and sidebar for better navigation.
   • Fluid Transitions: New fluid transitions across the system.
   • Apple Pencil Pro: Enhanced support with new APIs and features like the undo slider for apps with undo support.
   • SwiftUI Integration: More integrations between UIKit and SwiftUI in the same app.
   • General Enhancements: Numerous general enhancements and API additions to streamline the user interface.

   For more details, you can check the session What’s new in UIKit.

2. Privacy Improvements:

   • Contacts Access: More transparency and control over access to contacts, with a new two-stage prompt for sharing contacts.
   • Local Network, Bluetooth, and Contacts: Improved transparency and control over access to these resources.

   For more details, you can check the session What’s new in privacy.

3. Device Management:

   • MDM Enrollment: Special exception for enrolling an MDM on a newly set up device without causing a security delay for the first 3 hours.
   • Proprietary In-House Apps: Installing these apps using a new team identity will require a restart.
   • Private Cellular Network Payloads: Support for multiple private 5G or LTE networks.
   • App Locking and Hiding: New controls to lock apps with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, and to hide apps from the home screen.

   For more details, you can check the session What’s new in device management.

4. Customization and Controls:

   • Controls API: New API to create controls that can be added to the control center or assigned to the action button on iPhone 15 Pro.
   • App Icons and Widgets: Support for light, dark, or tinted appearances to ensure a consistent visual experience.

   For more details, you can check the session Platforms State of the Union.

5. Multilingual Features:

   • Multilingual Keyboard: Type in more than one language without manually switching.
   • Live Text: Support for more languages, including Arabic.
   • Personalized Numerals: Support for additional Indian scripts.

   For more details, you can check the session Build multilingual-ready apps.

These updates make iOS 18 more customizable, secure, and user-friendly, enhancing both developer and user experiences.