To the relief of iPhone users, Apple restored the lock screen volume slider two years after removing it from iOS. It had been missing since iOS 16 and was a great shortcut for controlling audio, cutting back on the need for button mashing to regulate audio volume.

This feature makes volume controls much more streamlined—and answering user calls for greater control over media control is all in your hands.

How to Get Lock Screen Volume Controls Working on iOS 18

Miss Using Volume Slider? iOS 18.2 Reinstates: iPhone Lock Screen

Bringing back the volume slider isn't automatic—you'll need to enable it through your iPhone's settings. Thank you, Android Authority will show us how to do that.

1. Check if your device is updated. It should be running iOS 18.2 or later.
2. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
3. Scroll down to the Accessibility section.
4. Find Audio & Visual Settings. Tap on Audio & Visual.
5. Activate the Volume Toggle. To do this, enable the Always Show Volume Control option.

The media player on the lock screen will display a volume slider immediately for you to adjust audio levels, which will be activated once you have done that. If you feel that the interface is too cluttered, you can disable it using the same steps.

What's New in iOS 18?

iOS 18 also brings new features intended to enhance the user experience with the following:

Visual Intelligence Enhancements

Exclusive to the iPhone 16, Visual Intelligence brings AI to a new dimension. It refines the experience of image processing and editing, and augmented reality in images, proving Apple's seriousness with innovation.

ChatGPT Integration with Siri

The chatbot is integrated with Siri. Apple has opened Siri's functionality, letting users ask Siri "Ask ChatGPT" for more complicated inquiries and even conversational queries.

Image Generation Tools

This also comes with a suite of creative AI tools:

• Image Playground: An app for generating and editing images with advanced AI.
• Genmoji: Create custom, AI-generated emojis that reflect your personality.
• Image Wand: Transform photos with AI-powered enhancements.

These are only available on iPhone 15 Pro and later, making full use of the latest hardware improvements to work at their best.

Why iOS 18 is a Game-Changer

More than a nostalgic throwback, the lock screen volume slider marks a much deeper message—the return of that feature shows how responsive Apple is to the user base. With trailblazing AI inclusions, iOS 18 proves that joining usability with state-of-the-art technology is always possible.

If you've been waiting for an iOS update that combines practicality and innovation, iOS 18 is here to deliver.

For the full guide about Apple Intelligence, click here.

Elsewhere, if you're having a hard time figuring out what your kid wants this Christmas, there's an app that will save you in an instant.

Even then, your child can use the Better Call Santa app to ask about his favorite thing to receive this holiday. With the help of AI, you can even talk to him in different languages so ditch the language barrier problem this time—no questions asked. If you want to download, it's right there waiting on Apple App Store.