iOS 18 is a smart upgrade, even without the AI - The Verge

The Nugget

iOS 18 delivers significant enhancements, even without its anticipated AI features, focusing on customization and improved messaging functionalities. The update revolutionizes the Control Center, introduces RCS, and enhances user experience through personalization options.

Make it stick

🎨 Customization reaches new heights with a completely personalized app grid and Control Center.
💬 RCS Messaging allows seamless communication with Android users, improving cross-platform interactions.
🎤 Voice Memos Transcription offers high-quality real-time transcription, rivaling Pixel’s capabilities.
🔑 New Passwords App helps users manage and share passwords easily within the Apple ecosystem.

Overhauled Control Center - Now has customizable pages and size options for controls, enhancing accessibility.
RCS Support - Introduces Rich Communication Services for improved messaging between iPhone and Android users.
Customizable App Grid - Users can freely place app icons anywhere, allowing for unprecedented personalization.
New Passwords App - Facilitates password management and sharing within families or households.
Voice Memo Transcription - Provides reliable transcription of recordings, beneficial for journalists and content creators.

While the Apple Intelligence features are delayed, initial previews show promise for future updates that could include contextual Siri enhancements and writing tools.
Current AI functionalities are not yet transformative but are expected to evolve, enhancing user capabilities and experience.

Massive potential for personalizing the device experience, with the ability to rearrange controls and app icons leading to a more tailored user interface.
The balance between familiarity and innovation allows users to transition smoothly into the new system while enjoying enhanced functionalities.

"iOS 18’s headline feature, Apple Intelligence, isn’t even part of this initial release."
"Control Center could morph into a little remote control for my phone."
"This incarnation of RCS on the iPhone... will relieve the biggest pain points in cross-platform messaging."
"Voice memo transcription is surprisingly good, and I know my fellow journalists will be all over it."
"Even without the big AI features, iOS 18 is off to a good start. Apple just needs to finish it."

This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.