iOS 18.3: Everything You Need to Know

Apple has officially released iOS 18.3, and it might just be one of the most controversial updates in a while. This blog post will cover everything new in the update, including features, changes, performance, battery life, and whether you should update or not.

Introduction

iOS 18.3 is now available for all iOS 18 supported devices. The update size varies but is generally around 7 to 8 GB. This update brings several new features, improvements, and bug fixes.

New Features in iOS 18.3

Repeat Calculation in Calculator

Apple has reintroduced the repeat calculation feature in the Calculator app. You can now repeat calculations by tapping the equals sign, a feature that was removed in iOS 18 but is now back.

Full Page Screenshot Cropping

When taking a full-page screenshot, you can now crop the image, and a new popup will remind you that the cropped content is not removed from the PDF. This ensures users are aware that the content outside the cropped area can still be visible in some apps.

Updated MacBook AirDrop Icon

The MacBook AirDrop icon has been updated with the macOS Sequoia wallpaper.

Sleep Apnea Notifications

Sleep apnea notifications are now enabled in Brazil, allowing users to receive alerts when wearing their Apple Watch to bed.

Camera Control Changes

For iPhone 16 series, there are new changes in the Camera Control settings:

  • Light Press: Higher up on the page with a brief description.
  • Lock Focus and Exposure: Allows you to lightly press and hold to maintain focus and exposure.

Apple Intelligence Changes

Apple Intelligence is now enabled by default after updating to iOS 18.3. Even if you had it turned off, it will be turned on by default, and you will need to manually opt-out if you do not want to use it.

Notification Summaries

Notification summaries are now displayed in italics to differentiate them from standard notifications. However, Apple has temporarily disabled summarized notifications for news and entertainment apps due to issues with misleading headlines.

Visual Intelligence Enhancements

Visual Intelligence now includes:

  • Event Scheduling: Add events to your calendar from posters or flyers.
  • Plant and Animal Identification: Identify plants and animals in real-time using the camera.

Genmoji Addition

A new Genmoji extension is now available in the Messages app, allowing quick access from the sidebar.

Bug Fixes

Several bugs have been addressed in this update, including:

  • Keyboard Disappearance: Fixed an issue where the keyboard might disappear when initiating a type to Siri request.
  • Apple Music Playback: Resolved an issue where audio playback would continue even after closing the Apple Music app.
  • Tiny Apple Logo Bug: Fixed the tiny Apple logo bug on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Performance and Battery Life

Performance in iOS 18.3 has been solid, with Geekbench scores indicating a minor improvement. Battery life has also seen a slight bump, making it a stable update overall.

Should You Update?

If you have an Apple Intelligence-supported device, especially an iPhone 16 series, it is worth updating to iOS 18.3 for the new features and bug fixes. Even if you do not have an Apple Intelligence-supported device, the update includes important security patches and minor improvements.

Conclusion

iOS 18.3 brings several new features, improvements, and bug fixes, making it a significant update for iPhone users. If you are experiencing any issues with your current version, it is recommended to update to iOS 18.3. Keep an eye out for iOS 18.4, which is expected to bring even more enhancements.