Published on February 7th, 2025
Apple’s iOS 18 update brings many new changes, but not all of them are obvious. While big updates like improved Siri and new AI tools get the spotlight, many hidden features can make your iPhone experience much better. Some solve common problems, while others add new ways to customize your phone.
In this guide, we’ll explore 25 hidden iOS 18 features that can help you use your iPhone more efficiently. These features will save time, improve security, and make your daily phone use smoother.
10 Best Hidden iOS 18 Features
1. Power Button in Control Center
Have you ever struggled to turn off your iPhone because the power button wasn’t working? iOS 18 lets you add a Power Button directly to the Control Center. This means you don’t have to press the physical button to turn off or restart your phone.
How to Enable: Go to Settings > Control Center and add the Power Button.
Real Scenario: If your side button is broken or you have a protective case that makes it hard to press, this feature is a lifesaver.
2. Hide App Labels for a Clean Home Screen
Does your home screen look cluttered with app names? Now, you can remove them, leaving only the icons. This makes your screen look neat and stylish.
How to Do It: Long-press on the home screen, tap the dots at the bottom, and disable app labels.
Deep Analysis: Many people use color-coded app icons to recognize apps quickly. Without labels, your home screen looks cleaner and more organized.
3. T9 Dialing – Find Contacts Faster
Remember the old mobile phones where you typed a name using the number keys? iOS 18 brings back T9 Dialing in the Phone app, so you can quickly find contacts by pressing the numbers that match their name.
Example: If you type 7-6-6 (for “Sam”), the contact list will filter results automatically.
Problem Solved: No more scrolling through hundreds of contacts. A few taps, and you find who you need.
4. Search Call History
Have you ever needed to find a specific call from weeks ago? Instead of scrolling endlessly, iOS 18 now lets you search your call history.
How to Use It: Open the Phone app, go to Recents, and swipe down to reveal the search bar.
Key Takeaway: This is perfect for tracking missed calls, unknown numbers, or checking past conversations.
5. Adjustable Flashlight Width
Your iPhone’s flashlight isn’t just about brightness anymore. Now, you can change its width, making it either narrow and focused or wide and soft.
Where to Find It: Long-press the Flashlight icon in the Control Center.
Practical Use: If you’re looking for something under the couch, use a focused beam. If you’re walking in the dark, a wide beam helps you see more.
6. Rainbow Clock on Lock Screen
Bored of the same old time display? iOS 18 lets you add a rainbow color effect to your lock screen clock, making it more fun.
How to Change: Go to Settings > Wallpaper, choose your lock screen, and pick the Rainbow Clock option.
Why It Matters: Small visual changes can make your phone feel fresh and exciting.
7. Pop-out Bezel Animation for Notifications
Instead of regular notifications, iOS 18 highlights alerts with a subtle pop-out animation at the screen’s edge.
Where It Helps: This makes important notifications more visible, reducing the chance of missing a call or text.
Example: If your phone is on silent, you might not notice a notification. But with this animation, alerts grab your attention.
8. New Photo Organization Features
The Photos app now lets you create custom folders, move pictures more easily, and hide private albums.
How to Do It: Open the Photos app, tap Albums, and select New Folder to organize pictures.
Key Takeaway: Many people struggle with messy photo libraries. This feature helps sort important memories effortlessly.
9. Attachments in Notes Made Easy
Now, adding images, PDFs, or voice recordings in Notes is simpler with the new attachment menu.
Example: If you’re making a grocery list, you can attach a recipe screenshot directly inside the note.
Problem Solved: No more jumping between apps—everything stays in one place.
10. Record Audio Inside Notes
Need to remember something later? You can now record voice memos inside the Notes app.
How to Use It: Open Notes, tap the + icon, and select Record Audio.
Who Benefits? Journalists, students, and professionals can capture ideas on the go without typing.
15 More Hidden iOS 18 Features You Should Try
Here are more hidden features that improve your iPhone experience:
- Change Note Background Colors – Customize notes with different colors for better organization.
- Preview Links in iMessage – See what’s inside a link before opening it.
- Rotate Wi-Fi Addresses – More privacy when connecting to public networks.
- New Charging Limit Options – Extend battery life with smart charging limits.
- Resize Home Screen Widgets – Make widgets larger or smaller to fit your layout.
- Battery Health Tracking – Get detailed insights into battery performance.
- Smarter Auto-Correct – iOS 18 learns your typing style for better suggestions.
- Private Clipboard – Copied text disappears after a while to protect your data.
- Face ID for Hidden Photos – Extra security for personal pictures.
- Live Captions for Calls – Great for people with hearing difficulties.
- Improved Safari Reader Mode – Distraction-free reading with fewer ads.
- One-Handed Keyboard Mode – Makes typing easier on larger screens.
- Quick Dark Mode Toggle – Switch between dark and light themes easily.
- Better AirDrop Transfers – Send files even when the other device isn’t close.
- Lock Apps with Face ID – More privacy protection for sensitive apps.
Also Read: Explore the Latest Features of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18
Final Thoughts
iOS 18 is more than just a new update—it brings real-world solutions to common problems. Whether it’s better privacy, smarter organization, or fun customizations, these hidden features make your iPhone more powerful.
Take some time to explore these features and see how they can improve your daily phone use. Let us know which feature you love the most!
