Introduction
Apple’s latest mobile operating system, iOS 18, is here, and it brings with it a host of new features that are designed to improve user experience and make app development even more efficient. As an iOS developer, you know the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and tools, and this article aims to help you discover the key features in iOS 18 that you should be aware of.
Improved Privacy Features
One of the biggest changes in iOS 18 is the focus on privacy. Apple has made several improvements to the privacy settings in the operating system, including:
- App Library: The App Library is a new feature that allows you to organize all of your apps into different categories. This makes it easier for users to find the app they need, and it also helps developers to keep track of their apps and make them more discoverable.
- App Tracking Transparency: Apple has introduced App Tracking Transparency, which requires apps to ask for permission before they can track your activity across other apps and websites. This gives users more control over their privacy and makes it easier to identify apps that are collecting too much data.
- Sign in with Apple: Sign In with Apple is a new feature that allows users to sign in to third-party apps and services using their Apple ID, without having to create a separate username and password for each service. This improves security and makes it easier for users to manage their online accounts.
Enhanced Accessibility Features
Apple has also made several improvements to the accessibility features in iOS 18, including:
- VoiceOver Improvements: VoiceOver is Apple’s screen reader, and it has been improved in iOS 18 with new features such as improved punctuation and better support for Braille displays.
- Sign Language: Sign Language is a new feature in iOS 18 that allows users to sign using their iPad or iPhone’s front-facing camera. This makes it easier for deaf and hard-of-hearing users to interact with the device and access information.
- Dark Mode: Dark Mode is a popular feature in iOS, and it has been further improved in iOS 18 with new options for customizing the appearance of the dark mode theme.
Improved ARKit and Core ML Features
ARKit and Core ML are two key technologies that are used by developers to create augmented reality (AR) experiences and machine learning (ML) models, respectively. Apple has made several improvements to these technologies in iOS 18, including:
- ARKit 4: ARKit 4 is the latest version of Apple’s AR development framework, and it brings with it a host of new features such as improved tracking, enhanced lighting, and better support for sharing AR experiences across devices.
- Core ML 3: Core ML 3 is the latest version of Apple’s machine learning development framework, and it includes improvements such as faster model training, enhanced model accuracy, and better support for running models on-device.
Improved Performance Features
Improved performance is always a key feature of new iOS updates, and iOS 18 is no exception. Some of the performance improvements in iOS 18 include:
- App Speed Improvements: Apple has made several improvements to the way that apps are compiled and optimized, which can result in faster loading times and smoother performance.
- Memory Management Improvements: iOS 18 includes new memory management features such as background optimization and improved support for background processes, which can help to free up resources and improve overall performance.
- Siri Improvements: Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, has been improved in iOS 18 with new features such as better voice recognition and more natural language processing, which makes it easier for users to interact with the device using voice commands.
Summary
In conclusion, iOS 18 brings with it a host of new features that are designed to improve user experience and make app development even more efficient.