Apple’s iOS 18 introduced major upgrades like Home Screen customization, Apple Intelligence, and redesigned apps. But with so many changes, some of the best features flew under the radar.
In this article, we’ll highlight 12 underrated iOS 18 features you might have missed—from hidden photo tools to smarter calendar tricks.
1. Instantly Convert Apps ↔ Widgets
- Press & hold any app icon → Tap the widget icon (top-left) to transform it into a widget.
- Works both ways – Turn widgets back into app icons.
- Resize freely – Choose small, medium, or large widget formats.
💡 Perfect for decluttering your Home Screen!
2. Power Off Button in Control Center
- Open Control Center → Haptic-press (long-press) the top-right power icon.
- Instantly access the shutdown/slide-to-power-off menu.
🔋 No more fumbling with physical buttons!
3. Remove App Labels for a Cleaner Look
- Pinch on Home Screen → Tap Edit → Customize.
- Switch from “Small” to “Large” icons to hide app names.
📱 Great for minimalist setups.
4. Collapsible Headers in Notes
- Use “Subheading” text style in Notes → Tap the arrow to collapse sections.
- Color-code text by selecting words → Tap the color palette icon.
📝 Ideal for organizing workout plans, recipes, or study notes.
5. Pinch-to-Zoom in Calendar
- Pinch in/out on the month view to adjust event visibility.
- Color-coded dots now show which calendar an event belongs to.
🗓️ Easier than switching between day/week/month views.
6. Reminders Inside the Calendar App
- Tap + in Calendar → Choose “Reminder” (not just “Event”).
- Check off tasks directly in Calendar (syncs with Reminders app).
✅ Perfect for to-do lists with deadlines.
7. Hidden “Utilities” Folder in Photos
- Scroll to the bottom of Albums → Open Utilities.
- Find handwritten notes, QR codes, receipts, and maps automatically.
🔍 No more endless scrolling to find a specific photo.
8. Customize Your Photos App Layout
- Scroll to the bottom of Photos → Tap Customize.
- Reorder or hide sections (e.g., “Featured Photos,” “Memories”).
🖼️ Tailor the app to your preferences.
9. AI-Powered “Clean Up” Tool
- Edit a photo → Tap the eraser icon → Select objects to remove.
- Works best on background clutter (not perfect but improving).
📸 Great for quick touch-ups without Photoshop.
10. Dark Mode for Photo Editing Only
- While editing a photo → Tap ••• → Appearance → Always Dark.
- Keeps UI dark even if your iPhone is in Light Mode.
🌙 Easier on the eyes for detailed edits.
11. Pause Button While Recording Video
- Open Camera → Video mode → Tap the pause button (bottom-left).
- Resume recording without creating multiple clips.
🎥 Finally! No more awkward stops and restarts.
12. Share Wi-Fi via QR Code
- Open Passwords app → Select a Wi-Fi network → Show QR Code.
- Friends can scan it without typing passwords (works on Android too).
📶 No more spelling out long passwords!
Final Thoughts: Which Feature Will You Use?
iOS 18 is packed with small but powerful upgrades—whether you’re a productivity nerd, photo editor, or just want a cleaner Home Screen.
Which feature surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!
Tags: iOS 18, iPhone tips, Apple, hidden features, iOS tricks, iPhone customization, productivity hacks
Hashtags: #iOS18 #iPhoneTips #Apple #HiddenFeatures #TechHacks #iPhoneCustomization
