Apple has rolled out iOS 18, the newest software update for its iPhone lineup. Released on Monday, this update precedes the iPhone 16 launch and brings modifications to the Home Screen, Control Center, Messages, and features a redesign in the Photos app, among other enhancements.

The update was initially previewed during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, which also included an announcement for Apple Intelligence, a feature not included in this update.

Here’s a rundown of what the update entails and some of its key features:

Home screen and Control Center personalization

Give your iPhone’s home screen a fresh look! Apple is finally offering users enhanced customization options for their home screens.

With the iOS 18 update, users can arrange app icons and widgets more flexibly, placing them wherever there’s space. You can choose larger icons or even opt to remove the text label that appears under them.

Color tinting options are now available, allowing users to apply any color to apps and widgets, or receive suggestions that match their wallpaper.

Dark Mode can now impact icons, allowing them to automatically change appearance when the iPhone switches to Dark Mode or remain consistently styled.

In the Control Center, you can also tailor your experience with options like grouped controls, resizing options, a display gallery for browsing available controls, and improved support for third-party app controls.

Updates to the Messages app

iOS 18 brings several enhancements to the Messages app, including added text effects, with new animations such as ripples or nods for text, words, and emojis in iMessage. You can also format text by making it bold, underlined, or italic.

More “Tapback” reactions are available, allowing users to respond with emojis and sticker reactions to messages, as well as easily find Tapbacks you’ve used most often.

You can schedule messages to be sent later as well.

RCS (Rich Communication Services) support has been introduced, featuring delivery and read receipts, along with higher resolution for photos and videos, even for those not using an iPhone.

New Passwords app

A new independent Passwords app debuts with iOS 18, making it simpler to access your saved passwords, which previously were buried in Settings. Two-factor authentication codes can also be managed within this app.

Transformations in the Photos app

The Photos app has undergone a fresh redesign in iOS 18. Collections will categorize your library by topic, allowing users to pin or further adjust collections. Additionally, you can view your photos based on recent days.

A filter button will help you view specific types of media, favorites, or other formats, reducing clutter in your photo library.

About Apple Intelligence

Despite the anticipation, Apple Intelligence—which had been prominently discussed during WWDC—is not included in the initial iOS 18 release. Apple has indicated that these features will be available when iOS 18.1 launches next month.

Once released, Apple Intelligence, compatible with the new iPhone 16 and the iPhone 15 Pro models, will enhance capabilities for Siri, Photos, and many other applications, including features for composing emails, organizing files and photos, and performing tasks. Apple Intelligence will also introduce AI-generated emojis, known as “Genmojis,” and a new Image Playground.

Other updates and new functionalities include:

• Live audio transcriptions
• Improvements to Maps
• “Tap to cash” feature in Wallet
• New ability to adjust flashlight beam width
• Restart your phone directly from the Control Center
• Customizable Lock Screen controls