iOS 18 Features: Customize Icons and Block/Hide Apps on Your Phone – WWDC 2024 Announcement

Apple has announced the new features that will be introduced in the next version of its operating systems. In particular, iOS 18 for smartphones will include new icon and widget customization capabilities, as well as privacy features for blocking and hiding services installed on the device. The Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook, kicked off the keynote of the World Developers Conference (WWDC) of 2024, where the latest software updates were unveiled.

The presentation covered the new capabilities of the operating systems for smartphones (iOS 18), tablets (iPadOS 18), and Mac computers (MacOS Sequoia). New features were also discussed for Apple Vision Pro and Apple TVs with tvOS. iOS 18 will offer a new look for applications, with icons that can be colored according to user preferences. The App Control Center will feature a continuous swipe for navigation and the ability to add controls for third-party apps.

New tools introduced in iOS 18 include ‘Locked Apps’ and ‘Hidden Apps’ for greater user control. The Messages app will offer new ways to express and connect, while the Mail inbox will have improved message sorting options. The Photos application has been redesigned for better organization, and the 2nd generation AirPods Pro will have enhanced interaction with Siri and user gestures.

iPadOS 18 will include the redesign of the Photos application and the addition of a Calculator function optimized for large screens. MacOS Sequoia introduces features like iPhone Mirroring and the Passwords application for organizing credentials. Safari will include machine learning for extracting information from web pages and improved video playback controls. Additionally, MacOS Sequoia will focus on gaming with the launch of Assassin’s Creed: Mirage on Mac.

The beta versions of these operating systems are now available for testing, with the official versions expected to be released globally in the fall. Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system, will debut with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and MacOS Sequoia.Overall, the new features and updates aim to enhance user experience and offer improved functionality across Apple devices.