Apple WWDC 2024: Top iOS 18 non AI features to watch out for

This year's iOS update promises a plethora of non-AI enhancements that are set to transform the iOS experience.

As the tech world eagerly anticipates Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement over the anticipated unveilings, particularly the speculated features of iOS 18. While artificial intelligence (AI) often steals the spotlight in tech discussions, this year’s iOS update promises a plethora of non-AI enhancements that are set to transform the iOS experience.

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With just few hours to go until the highly anticipated event, here’s a sneak peek at some of the top non-AI features expected to make waves in iOS 18:

Flexible home screen layouts: Reports suggest that Apple is considering a significant change to its iOS home screen layout, potentially allowing users to arrange app icons and widgets freely. This departure from the current fixed grid system would grant iPhone users the flexibility to create personalised layouts with gaps between widgets and app icons, a feature reminiscent of the customisation options available on Android devices.

App icon customisation: Apple is reportedly gearing up to introduce a highly anticipated feature in iOS 18: the ability to customise app icons. This significant change will enable users to alter the colour of app icons across the entire system.

Custom route creation for Apple Maps: iOS 18 is expected to introduce a new feature to Apple Maps custom route creation. This functionality would allow iPhone users to craft their own personalised routes for journeys instead of solely relying on pre-set options provided by the app.

Revamped Control Center experience: iOS 18 is rumoured to bring a fresh look to the Control Center on iPhones. The update will include a new design for the music widget and better integration with HomeKit.

Text effect support for Messages: iOS 18 might incorporate text effect capabilities into the Messages app. As per insights from MacRumors, this addition would empower users to include animations in specific words within their messages, potentially enhancing the expressive nature of their conversations.

New Settings app: The revamped Settings app in iOS 18 is rumoured to showcase a redesigned interface that offers better organisation and enhanced search functionality.

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