whats new in ios

iOS 18 introduces several new features and improvements across various aspects of the operating system. Here are some of the key updates:

1. UIKit Enhancements:

   • Document Launch Experience: Redesigned launch experience for document-based apps, allowing full control over launch views and support for template document creation.
   • Tabs and Sidebar: Major updates to tabs and sidebar, including new syntax in SwiftUI for tab views and new API in UIKit to better describe app hierarchy.
   • Fluid Transitions: Support for new fluid transitions across the system.
   • SwiftUI Animations in UIKit: Improved integration between UIKit and SwiftUI.
   • Automatic Trait Tracking: New features for automatic trait tracking.
   • List Improvements: Enhancements to list handling.
   • SF Symbol Animations: Support for SF Symbol animations.
   • Sensory Feedback: New sensory feedback options.
   • Text Improvements: Various text handling improvements.
   • Menu Actions: Enhanced menu actions.
   • Apple Pencil Pro and PencilKit: New features for Apple Pencil Pro and PencilKit.

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

2. Device Management:

   • MDM Enrollment: New exception for enrolling an MDM on a newly set up device without causing a security delay for the first 3 hours after stolen device protection is enabled.
   • In-House Apps: Installing proprietary in-house apps using a new team identity will require a restart.
   • Restrictions: New restrictions for iPhone mirroring, FaceTime, remote control, and more.
   • eSIM Setup: Easier eSIM setup via QR code or link.
   • Private Cellular Networks: Support for multiple private cellular network payloads.
   • App Locking and Hiding: New controls to lock apps using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, and to hide apps from the home screen.

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

3. Privacy Enhancements:

   • 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 watch the session What’s new in privacy.

4. Customization and Controls:

   • Controls API: New controls API to create customizable controls that can be added to the control center or assigned to the action button on iPhone 15 Pro.
   • App Icons and Widgets: App icons and widgets can now appear light, dark, or with a tint, with updated icon templates and best practices.

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

5. Security:

   • Passkeys: New registration API to transition more users to passkeys, which are more secure and easier to use than passwords.

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

These updates provide developers with new tools and capabilities to enhance their apps and improve user experience on iOS 18.