iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 Review: Game-Changing Features, But Power Users May Want More

Apple’s latest software updates, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, have arrived with a mix of exciting new customization options and improved app functionality. However, while everyday users will appreciate the enhancements, power users looking for pro-level multitasking tools may find the updates a bit lacking. Let’s dive into the key features and explore what works and what still needs improvement.

iOS 18: Full Customization at Your Fingertips

The theme of iOS 18 is clear: personalization. Apple has embraced user demand for more control over how their iPhones look and feel. Users can now:

• Change app icon colours and sizes: Break away from the traditional grid and create a home screen that reflects your style. You can move app icons freely and even hide app labels for a cleaner look.
• Control Center Revamp: The revamped Control Center offers more customization, including three dedicated panels for connectivity, media controls, and smart home devices. You can resize controls and add shortcuts directly to the lock screen.

These updates bring a more flexible and personalized experience to iPhone users, making their devices feel unique and catered to their preferences.

Messaging Gets a Major Upgrade

Apple is also levelling up its messaging game in iOS 18:

• RCS Messaging: Finally, iPhone users can enjoy better compatibility with Android devices through RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging. This means improved file sharing, group chats, and read receipts with Android users.
• Emoji Tapbacks and Message Scheduling: You can now react with emojis and schedule messages to send at a later time, adding a fun and practical edge to your conversations.

While iOS 18 may not introduce a ground-breaking new feature, it refines the experience in ways that matter to most users, making communication smoother and customization more extensive.

iPadOS 18: Some Hits, But Power Users May Be Disappointed

While iPadOS 18 inherits many features from iOS 18, Apple has introduced some iPad-specific upgrades that make the tablet experience better—though perhaps not enough for power users.

Highlights for iPadOS 18:

• Smart Script and Math Notes: For students and note-takers, these new tools are game-changers. Handwriting recognition allows users to take notes, type or write formulas, and see them instantly solved. Math Notes even lets you graph equations on the fly.
• New Calculator App: It took 14 years, but iPad finally has its own Calculator app, complete with Math Notes integration for complex calculations.
• Redesigned Tab Bar: This makes navigation within apps easier, allowing users to switch between different sections more fluidly.

Despite these improvements, iPadOS 18 falls short in one key area—multitasking. Apple’s Stage Manager, which was intended to revolutionize multitasking, still has bugs. Background tasks remain limited, and the iPad Pro's full potential is still underutilized. For professional users looking for a more desktop-like experience, this may feel like a missed opportunity.

Shared Features Across iOS and iPadOS 18

Some key updates are available across both platforms:

• Photos App Redesign: A more user-friendly grid layout helps with easier navigation, though the lack of detailed sorting options remains a drawback.
• Notes App Enhancements: With collapsible sections and audio transcription, the Notes app is now more organized and useful for everything from lectures to meetings.
• Game Mode: First introduced in macOS Sonoma, Game Mode has come to iOS and iPadOS, reducing background activity for smoother gameplay and higher frame rates. Paired with the power of Apple’s M4 chip, this mode delivers a solid gaming experience.

What’s Missing?

While the updates are packed with new features, some highly anticipated capabilities haven’t arrived yet:

• Apple Intelligence: This AI-powered feature set, which promises advanced writing tools, GenMoji (custom AI-generated avatars), and Image Playground, is still in beta and will roll out later this fall.
• Pro-Level Features for iPad: Apple hasn’t made major strides in improving multitasking, external display support, or background processes in iPadOS 18. Professional users who were hoping for a true desktop replacement might be left wanting more.

Verdict: A Strong Update for Everyday Users

Overall, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are impressive updates focusing on making devices more customizable and user-friendly. For everyday users, the changes will feel fresh and exciting, from personalizing home screens to upgrading core apps like Photos, Messages, and Notes.

However, iPad power users looking for robust multitasking and pro-level workflows may find themselves waiting for future updates to unlock the full potential of the hardware. While Apple continues to refine the iPad experience, it still hasn’t fully bridged the gap between tablet and laptop.

Shakir Bukhari 

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