Apple has just unveiled iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, bringing a host of exciting new features to the iPhone and iPad. One of the most significant additions is RCS messaging, which will revolutionize how iPhone users communicate with Android friends and family.

RCS on iPhone

For years, iPhone and Android users have been stuck with the inferior SMS and MMS standards. With iOS 18, that’s finally changing. RCS (Rich Communication Services) allows for higher-quality photo and video sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts. While messages from Android users will still appear in green bubbles, RCS will offer a much more modern and feature-rich messaging experience.

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• How to activate RCS on iPhone for better texting with iOS 18

But RCS isn’t the only highlight of iOS 18. Apple has also introduced:

• Homepage customization: Rearrange, resize, and change the colors of app icons and widgets to personalize your home screen.
• Photos overhaul: A redesigned Photos app with new features to organize and manage your images.
• Revamped Control Center: A refreshed Control Center with more customization options.
• Password management: A new password management app to keep your accounts secure.
• Matter device control: Control Matter devices locally from the Home app without a home hub.
• Hands-free door unlocking: Unlock doors without taking out your phone (with compatible smart locks).

iPadOS 18: a calculator, at last!

iPad users have been waiting for a calculator app for over a decade, and iOS 18 finally delivers. The long-awaited dedicated calculator app will be a welcome addition to the iPad’s lineup of productivity tools.

AI features coming soon

While iOS 18 brings a wealth of new features, Apple is also working on some exciting AI-powered tools. iOS 18.1, which will be available in October, will introduce features like text rewriting, image generation, and a more conversational Siri.