After installing iOS 18, it's essential to review and adjust certain settings to make the most out of the update, ensuring enhanced privacy, improved performance, and a smoother user experience. Here are 7 key settings that every iPhone user should consider changing after the update:
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1. Customize Lock Screen Widgets
- Where to find it: `Settings` > `Wallpaper & Lock Screen`
iOS 18 expands on the customizable lock screen options, now allowing interactive widgets that can be used for quick actions (like checking weather, controlling Home devices, or tracking fitness goals). After upgrading, head to the lock screen settings to:
- Customize widgets for quick access.
- Adjust the widget size and layout to fit your needs.
2. App Permissions: Check New Privacy Options
- Where to find it: `Settings` > `Privacy & Security`
iOS 18 introduces more granular app permissions, such as limiting location access to specific times of the day or providing one-time-only permissions for camera and microphone access. After the update:
- Review app permissions to ensure they align with your preferences.
- Limit data access to only when the app is in use or under certain conditions, like allowing location services only during specific hours.
3. Adaptive Battery Settings
- Where to find it: `Settings` > `Battery` > `Adaptive Battery`
A significant improvement in iOS 18 is the **Adaptive Battery** feature, which learns your charging patterns and optimizes battery health accordingly. To extend battery life:
- Turn on Adaptive Battery to ensure that charging is optimized based on your usage patterns, reducing long-term battery wear.
4. Smart Notifications Management
- Where to find it: `Settings` > `Notifications` > `Scheduled Summary`
iOS 18 introduces improved notifications handling through Smart Notifications, which can prioritize and batch notifications for less distraction. After updating, you should:
- Set up a Notification Summary to receive non-urgent notifications at specific times.
- Customize which apps are included to reduce unnecessary interruptions during the day.
5. Check & Enable Live Translations
- Where to find it: `Settings` > `Language & Region` > `Live Translations`
iOS 18 improves the Live Translation feature, allowing for real-time voice and text translations even in offline mode. After updating:
- Turn on Live Translation for supported languages.
- Make sure to download any necessary language packs for offline translation, which is especially useful for travelers.
6. Focus Mode Enhancements
- Where to find it: `Settings` > `Focus`
Focus Modes in iOS 18 have become even more customizable, with new automation triggers based on location, time of day, and app usage. To enhance productivity:
- Create or update Focus modes to reflect your work or personal life.
- Set triggers to automatically turn on Focus modes when entering a specific location, or at specific times, or while using certain apps.
7. Enhanced Safari Privacy Settings
- Where to find it: `Settings` > `Safari` > `Advanced` > `Privacy Presets`
Safari in iOS 18 brings advanced privacy enhancements, including the ability to block all cross-site trackers and create custom privacy presets per website. After updating:
- Ensure cross-site tracking is turned off.
- Set custom privacy levels for different websites, giving more flexibility for privacy-conscious users.
Bonus: Health App Data Sharing
- Where to find it: `Settings` > `Health` > `Data Sharing`
iOS 18 brings new data sharing features in the Health app, which allows for more controlled sharing of health data with doctors, family members, or other apps. Ensure you:
- Review which apps and people have access to your health data and adjust accordingly for better privacy control.
These settings will help you optimize the new features, enhance privacy and ensure better overall performance with iOS 18.
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