Apple has just released its new iOS 18.2.1, which comes with new Apple Intelligence features, expanded Messages functionality, Maps improvements, and much more.

Whether you are a super eager tech user or a casual user, this guide can take you through the most impactful features and settings about the improvements of your iPhone.

Customize Your Lock Screen Buttons

iPhone a New Year Reset by Changing iOS18.2 Settings

Bye to the flashlight and camera. Now, in iOS 18, you have the option to change these lock screen shortcuts with your favorite ones or remove them.

How to do it:

1. Lock screen touch and hold on it till the "Customize" appears.
2. Tap "Customize" and choose "Lock Screen."
3. Remove the existing buttons by tapping the minus (-) icon.
4. Touch the + icon to add a new Shazam, Dark Mode, or Wallet.
5. Tap "Done" to save your changes.

Redesign Your Home Screen Layout

The iOS 18 allows you to freely position apps on your home screen, making it unique without messing up your favorite wallpaper.

Steps in Rearranging Icons:

1. Enter into "jiggle mode" by holding your home screen.
2. Drag and drop apps into preferred positions.
3. Turn apps into widgets for extra features, such as live maps or shortcut buttons.

Tap Into the Action Button

The Action button, present on newer models of iPhone, is revolutionized with iOS 18. Use it to launch a given app or execute multi-step actions directly.

Configure Your Action Button:

1. Go to Settings > Action Button.
2. Swiping through will reveal available actions, including Launch Camera or enable Shazam.
3. Add controls to access them more conveniently.

Adopt Complete Dark Mode

Dark Mode is no longer limited to menus and widgets. iOS 18 has now extended it to the home and lock screens as well, making it visually uniform.

How to turn on Dark Mode:

1. Go to "jiggle mode" on the home screen.
2. Tap "Edit" > "Customize" and choose "Dark" under icon and wallpaper options.
3. Adjust brightness or add a color tint for a personal touch.

Improved Video Dialogue Clarity

Struggling to hear dialogue in movies or TV shows? The TV app now includes "Enhance Dialogue" settings to boost spoken words while dampening background noise.

Enable Enhanced Audio:

1. While watching, tap the "More" (...) button.
2. Select Audio > Enhance Dialogue and choose "Enhance" or "Boost."

Lock and Hide Apps for Privacy

iOS 18 introduces the ability to lock or hide sensitive apps. Perfect for safeguarding private notes or financial details.

1. Lock or Hide Apps:
2. Tap and hold an app icon.
3. Tap Require Face ID or Require Touch ID.
4. To hide an app, tap "Hide App," which moves it to the locked Hidden folder in the App Library.

Fine-Tune Control Center

iOS 18 turns Control Center into a customizable hub. Rearrange controls, resize widgets, and even add new features like Screen Recording or Accessibility options.

Customize Control Center:

1. Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner.
2. Tap the "+" button to add controls or drag them to new positions.
3. Shrink widgets to hide additional information.

Control Auto-Play in the Photos App

If you're annoyed by video looping in the Photos app, iOS 18 gives you the ability to turn this feature off entirely.

1. Turn Off Auto-Play:
2. Settings > Photos
3. Loop Videos and Auto-Play Motion OFF.

With these simple tweaks, you'll unlock the full potential of iOS 18.2.1 to enhance your iPhone's productivity, privacy, and usability. Don't forget to back up your device before upgrading to ensure a smooth transition.

In other news, MacTrast reports that Apple has stopped signing iOS 18.2 after the recent launch of iOS 18.2.1.