iOS 18 features, Apple Intelligence and the top WWDC 2024 announcements

Apple’s new phone software iOS 18, which is expected to roll out in September, doesn’t bring any mind-blowing changes, but there may be some tweaks you like. The iPhone’s display is getting more customizable: IOS 18 users will be able to place apps anywhere on their home screens, shift all apps into “dark mode” with a black background, or select color schemes for groups of apps (like green for travel or pink for shopping).

App makers can also create their own icons for the control screen where your flashlight tool lives, so you can add controls for your car, garage door or home security system. New privacy features help control who can see what on your phone. You can lock apps behind Face ID or hide them entirely in a secret folder. Apple Maps is also adding a trails option, which could pair nicely with its satellite SOS option for people who are lost in the woods.

Texting and messages are getting some big tweaks, too. In iOS 18, you’ll be able to fire off text messages even when you’re far off the grid. Apple confirmed that, once its latest update lands, users will be able to send iMessages — and even standard, green-bubble text messages — via satellite connection. Previously, the satellite communication features built into certain iPhones only let you send text messages to emergency services when out of reach of cell service.

Also new to the fold: New text effects to add emphasis, gravitas or whimsy to your messages, and the ability to “tapback” on incoming messages with any emoji — not just a chosen few. Meanwhile, support for RCS — a more modern messaging standard that Apple begrudgingly embraced at the end of last year — should make texting between iPhones and Android devices feel more up-to-date.

Apple is adding generative AI emojis — called “genmojis” — that pop up based on the content of your message. We’ve yet to see whether the AI can handle odd situations, abstractions and (most importantly) snark.