Doha, Qatar: In a highly anticipated software update, Apple has officially released iOS 18 for iPhone devices and begun rolling it out in the Gulf region. On September 16, the update started becoming available in Qatar, with users rushing to install the sizeable 3GB package. For those who have already installed the update, here are some of the most noteworthy features, according to Apple wesbite: Users can now send satellite messages to friends and family, even in areas without cellular coverage, extending beyond the previous SOS functionality.
The update offers highly customizable layouts and a revamped control center. Users can now fully personalize their home screen by tinting app icons to match wallpapers, adjusting icon size, and even placing apps freely around the screen. Apple has introduced support for RCS (Rich Communication Services), enabling seamless messaging between iPhone and Android users with higher-resolution images and videos.
The native Calculator app now solves complex equations and generates graphs, rivaling dedicated scientific calculator apps. Users can pause video recording mid-capture, allowing for more creative and precise video content creation. The Notes app and Phone app can now transcribe audio recordings and calls in real-time.
Notes also gains new features like solving math problems and creating simple budgets. A novel feature displays stabilizing dots on the screen to alleviate motion sickness when using the device in moving vehicles. iOS 18 .