Following last week’s Apple event which saw the launch of several new products and Apple’s iPhone 16 series, the Cupertino tech giant has finally started rolling out several platforms updates with iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, as well as visionOS 2. If you own any supported devices, then you might want to check and see if the update is available for download. With that being said, let’s take a look at what you can expect with the new updates.
CHECK OUT: Should you Upgrade to the iPhone 16?
iOS 18
For iPhones, iOS 18 offers significant enhancements, a lot of which have been available on Android phones for decades. You can even say that it’s a lot closer to Android now, as there’s also support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) allowing users to send high-quality photos and videos between iPhones and Android devices. Users can now customize their Home Screen with new layouts and app icon options, and the Photos app has been simplified to make it easier to find and relive memories. Messages and Mail have received updates to enhance communication and organization as well. Additionally, iOS 18 includes privacy features like locked and hidden apps, contact sharing controls, and accessory connection settings.
Unfortunately though, Apple Intelligence features are still not available as they won’t be arriving until later this year.
macOS Sequoia
As for Mac devices, macOS Sequoia offers several new features, including iPhone Mirroring (another Android first), enhanced Safari experiences with Highlights and Reader, easier window tiling, a Passwords app, and improved video conferencing. iPhone Mirroring allows users to access and control their iPhone directly from their Mac, which adds a bit of convenience for users with multiple devices. Safari’s Highlights automatically surface relevant information and a redesigned Reader for improved article reading. Window tiling has been simplified with drag-and-drop and keyboard shortcuts, and the Passwords app provides a centralized location for managing passwords and credentials. Additionally, video conferencing features have been enhanced with background effects and presenter preview.
iPadOS 18
Meanwhile, iPad devices get iPadOS 18, which introduces several updates including a redesigned Calculator app with Math Notes, which allows users to type or write mathematical expressions for instant solutions, and Smart Script in handwritten notes which offers improved flexibility and readability. The Home Screen and Control Center have also been customized for better personalization, while the Photos app now features enhanced organization and search capabilities. Messages has added new features like animated text effects, redesigned Tapbacks, as well as scheduled messages. Privacy controls have been expanded to include app locking and hiding. Additionally, the tab bar has been redesigned for easier navigation and a more immersive app experience.
watchOS 11
Furthermore, Apple has also released watchOS 11 for its wearables which includes new features for health, fitness, personalization, and connectivity. The new Vitals app allows users to check key health metrics and receive notifications for out-of-range values, while training load is now measurable to help users make informed decisions about their workouts. Activity rings can be customized by day and paused, and the Smart Stack and Photos face offer more personalized options for users. Apple watchOS 11 also offers sleep apnea notifications, additional support for pregnant users, and improved translation capabilities.
visionOS 2
Last but not the least is visionOS 2 – the update brings new features to Apple Vision Pro, including the ability to transform 2D images into spatial photos, improved hand gestures for navigation, and enhanced productivity features. Users can now create spatial photos from their existing photos library, share content with others using SharePlay, and navigate Vision Pro more easily with new hand gestures. Additionally, visionOS 2 offers productivity features like mouse support, physical Magic Keyboard detection, and customizable Home View.
