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Apple iOS 18: Add more options for home screen customization, revamp built-in apps and these other changes

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Apple is planning a significant update to its iPhone software with iOS 18 , according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. The upcoming release will reportedly bring overhauls to many of the built-in apps, introduce greater home screen customization options, and feature a refreshed design language across the operating system.

Revamped built-in apps and a new Calculator for iPadGurman's sources suggest that iOS 18 will "overhaul" several of Apple's pre-installed apps, including Notes, Mail, Photos, and Fitness. While specific details about the changes are scarce, these apps are expected to receive substantial updates to their user interfaces and added functionality.

One rumoured feature for the Notes app is improved support for displaying mathematical equations and recording voice memos directly within the app. Apple is reportedly planning to release a dedicated Calculator app for iPads, finally bringing the utility to its tablet lineup.

Customizable home Screen and designApple iOS 18 is said to introduce a more customizable home screen experience. Users will reportedly be able to place app icons anywhere on the grid, allowing for blank spaces, rows, and columns between icons. This change departs from the traditional rigid layout enforced by previous iOS versions.

While iOS 18 is not expected to bring a dramatic visual overhaul akin to the changes introduced in iOS 17, Gurman anticipates a series of design tweaks aimed at making app designs more "modular" and "easier to update and customise." This could indicate that Apple is working towards standardising its library of user interface components across its various platforms, making it simpler for engineering teams to roll out updates and maintain consistency.

Other rumoured featuresBeyond the updates to built-in apps and the home screen, iOS 18 is also rumoured to include several other notable features. These include improved texting experience with Android users through RCS (Rich Communication Services) support in the Messages app, new generative AI capabilities powered by Apple's on-device large language model, custom route options and topographic maps in Apple Maps, a browsing assistant in Safari leveraging AI technology, and a "hearing aid mode" for AirPods Pro, building upon the existing Conversation Boost feature.

Apple is expected to officially announce and showcase iOS 18 during its Worldwide Developers Conference ( WWDC ) keynote on June 10, 2024. The update will likely be released to the public in September, following a developer beta testing period over the summer.
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