Apple’s iOS updates always bring exciting changes, and iOS 18.3 is no exception. While many users focus on the headline features, there are several hidden gems that can significantly enhance your iPhone experience. From improved privacy settings to productivity hacks, this guide explores the best hidden iOS 18.3 features you need to try.
1. Enhanced Live Voicemail Transcriptions
Apple has taken voicemail to the next level with more accurate real-time transcriptions. Now, Live Voicemail can filter spam messages and highlight important keywords, making it easier to skim through messages without listening.
How to Enable It:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail.
- Toggle on Live Voicemail.
- Your voicemail transcriptions will now appear in real-time.
2. Safari’s Smart Search Enhancements
Safari gets a major boost in iOS 18.3 with improved AI-driven search suggestions and tab organization. Apple’s machine learning models now prioritize relevant results, helping you find what you need faster.
Key Improvements:
- Instant Search Suggestions: AI-generated summaries for search queries.
- Tab Auto-Grouping: Safari now automatically sorts open tabs by category.
- Reader Mode Upgrades: Improved readability for articles with custom font options.
3. Battery Health Plus
Apple has introduced Battery Health Plus, a tool that provides more insights into battery lifespan and degradation.
How to Check Battery Health Plus:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- View Degradation Rate and get tailored suggestions for improving longevity.
- Enable Adaptive Charging to optimize battery cycles.
4. Smarter Siri with On-Device AI
Siri’s new on-device intelligence makes commands faster and more accurate. Instead of sending requests to Apple’s servers, simple queries are processed locally, improving privacy and reducing response time.
Example Commands:
- “Summarize my unread emails.”
- “Schedule a meeting with John for next Tuesday.”
- “Turn off all smart lights at 10 PM.”
5. Secret Face ID App Lock
iOS 18.3 now lets you lock individual apps using Face ID, preventing unauthorized access without requiring third-party apps.
How to Set It Up:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > App Lock.
- Select the apps you want to lock.
- Enable Face ID protection for added security.
6. Advanced Widget Interactivity
Widgets are more interactive than ever in iOS 18.3. You can now use them to perform actions without opening apps.
Best New Widgets:
- Reminders: Mark tasks as done directly from the home screen.
- Apple Music: Control playback without launching the app.
- Weather: Get real-time alerts based on location.
7. Cross-Device Copy & Paste
Apple has refined Universal Clipboard, making it more seamless to copy text, images, or files from iPhone to Mac or iPad.
How to Use It:
- Copy text on your iPhone.
- Open your Mac or iPad and paste it instantly.
- Works across multiple Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account.
8. AI-Powered Auto-Corrections
Typing just got smarter with iOS 18.3’s AI-powered auto-correct system. The keyboard now learns your writing style and suggests better predictions.
New Features:
- Grammar Correction: Highlights and fixes grammar mistakes.
- Personalized Suggestions: Learns frequent phrases and slang.
- Undo Corrections: Easily revert unwanted changes with a tap.
9. Emergency SOS Enhancements
Apple has expanded Emergency SOS capabilities, allowing users to send text-based emergency alerts in areas with poor cellular reception.
How It Works:
- Press and hold the Power + Volume Down button.
- Choose Emergency Text SOS to send critical information via satellite.
10. Hidden Multi-Timer Feature
For the first time, iOS 18.3 lets users run multiple timers simultaneously—a long-requested feature.
How to Use Multi-Timers:
- Open the Clock app.
- Set multiple timers with labels like “Workout” or “Cooking.”
- Control them via Siri or the Control Center.
Conclusion
iOS 18.3 introduces several hidden features that significantly improve the iPhone experience. From enhanced security and privacy tools to smarter AI integrations, these updates make everyday tasks easier and more efficient.
If you haven’t explored these features yet, dive into your settings and unlock the full potential of iOS 18.3!
