iOS 18: Essential Settings to Change Right Away

iOS 18 is a significant update, packed with new features and functionalities. To optimize your experience, privacy, and battery life, here are crucial settings you should adjust immediately after upgrading your iPhone.

1. Enable Custom Charge Limit

Preserve and extend your iPhone’s battery life by setting a custom charge limit. Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster when consistently charged to 100%.

  • Go to Settings > Battery > Charging.
  • Use the Charge Limit slider to set a limit, ideally around 90%.
  • If you don’t have the slider, enable Optimized Battery Charging to cap charging at 80%.

2. Enable RCS Messaging

Rich Communication Services (RCS) brings enhanced texting features when messaging Android users, including read receipts, improved group chats, and higher-quality media sharing.

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Messages.
  • Enable RCS messaging. (Note: This requires carrier support.)

3. Set Up New Text Functions

iOS 18 introduces scheduled text messages and text formatting options.

  • Schedule a Message: In the Messages app, tap the + icon next to the message field, then select Send Later. Choose a date and time.
  • Format Text: Tap the format icon to bold, italicize, or underline your text.

4. Set Up Passwords App

The integrated Passwords app provides a secure and convenient way to manage your passwords.

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Passwords.
  • Enable the three toggles for strong password generation and autofill.
  • Open the Passwords app to generate and manage your credentials.
  • Share logins securely with groups without revealing the actual password.

5. Review the New Privacy & Security Panel

iOS 18 features a redesigned Privacy & Security panel.

  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
  • Review each section to understand what your iPhone is tracking and adjust permissions as needed.

6. Review Contacts Access

Control which apps have access to your contacts.

  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Contacts.
  • Review the list of apps and limit access to specific contacts for each app.

7. Disable System Location Usage (Significant Locations)

Prevent your iPhone from tracking your movements.

  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.
  • Disable Significant Locations.
  • Clear the history if it has been tracking your movements.

8. Enable Motion Cues

Reduce motion sickness when using your iPhone in a car.

  • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion.
  • Enable Show Vehicle Motion Cues.
  • Set it to Automatic or add a shortcut to the Control Center.

9. Customize the Control Center

The redesigned Control Center offers more customization options.

  • Swipe down from the top-right corner to access the Control Center.
  • Tap the + button to add new controls.
  • Rearrange the controls to your preference.

10. Customize Lock Screen Buttons

Personalize the shortcuts on your lock screen.

  • Long-press on the lock screen and tap Customize.
  • Tap on the lock screen area, then tap the minus icon to remove a shortcut.
  • Tap the plus icon to add a new shortcut, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

11. Create Vocal Shortcuts

Create custom voice commands for various actions.

  • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Vocal Shortcuts.
  • Enable Vocal Shortcuts.
  • Add a new action and record your custom voice command.

12. Enable iCloud Keep Downloaded (Files App)

Keep files stored locally for offline access.

  • In the Files app, long-press on a file.
  • Select Keep Downloaded.

13. Enable Safari Highlights

Get useful information and summaries while browsing.

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Safari.
  • Scroll down and enable Highlights.

14. Activate Gaming Mode

Boost gaming performance by reducing background activity.

  • Launch a game.
  • Pull down the Control Center and select the gaming mode toggle.
  • Alternatively, it should turn on automatically.

15. Create Custom Routes (Maps App)

Plan custom walking trails with detailed information.

  • In the Maps app, long-press on a location.
  • Tap the More button, then select Create Custom Route.
  • Add additional points to create your trail.

16. New Homescreen Customization

Customize the look and feel of your home screen.

  • Long-press on the home screen and tap Edit.
  • Click the new Customize option.
  • Experiment with tinting colors, light/dark mode, and app icon customization.

Additional Settings to Consider:

  • Photos App Customization: Customize and reorder the albums displayed in the Photos app for a less overwhelming experience.
  • Lock Screen Shortcut Buttons: Customize the quick controls on your lock screen for faster access to frequently used apps.
  • Scheduling Messages: Schedule iMessages to send at a later date.
  • Non-Blinking Cursor: Disable the blue blinking cursor for a cleaner look.
  • Calendar View: Adjust the view of your calendar to your preferred size.
  • Siri Interruptions: Require Siri to be invoked for interruptions to prevent accidental interruptions.
  • Atypical Speech: Enable Siri to learn your unique speech patterns for improved recognition.
  • Significant Locations: Disable significant locations to prevent location tracking.
  • Action Button (iPhone 15 Pro/16): Customize the action button for quick access to controls or actions.
  • Hide Applications: Hide applications completely from your device for enhanced privacy.
  • AirPods Adaptive Audio: Customize adaptive audio settings for AirPods Pro.
  • AirPods Head Gestures: Use head gestures to answer or decline calls with AirPods.
  • Music Haptics: Enable haptics for music playback to feel the beat.
  • Safari Distraction Control: Remove distracting elements from web pages.
  • Passwords App Sorting: Sort passwords by date edited or created for easier access.
  • Wi-Fi Private Address: Enable private Wi-Fi address to reduce tracking.
  • Contacts Limited Access: Give applications limited access to your contacts.
  • Vehicle Motion Cues: Enable vehicle motion cues to reduce sensory conflict in the car.
  • Apple TV Voice Isolation: Isolate voices in Apple TV content for clearer dialogue.
  • Home Guest Access: Set up guest access with limited permissions for your smart home.
  • Home Hub Selection: Choose a preferred home hub for your smart home.
  • Maps Offline Hikes: Download specific hikes for offline use in the Maps app.
  • RCS Messaging: Enable RCS messaging for improved communication with Android users.

By adjusting these settings, you can tailor iOS 18 to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring a more enjoyable and efficient user experience.