While new AI features will steal the show at WWDC next week, Apple has a number of other changes planned for iOS 18.
This includes new home screen customization options, design changes, and more. Head below for a roundup of some of the non-AI features rumored for iOS 18 this year.
Rumors say that Apple will let users freely place app icons and widgets on their Home Screen for the first time. This means iPhone users will be able to break free from the current fixed aligned grid, and create gaps between widgets and app icons.
This matches functionality offered on Android. Additionally, the iPad currently lets users place widgets (but not app icons) anywhere on the home screen.
Another big change coming to the iOS 18 home screen will be the ability to customize app icons. According to Bloomberg, this new feature will let users “change the color of app icons” on a system-wide level for the first time.
We’re still waiting for more details on how exactly this will work. The example offered by Bloomberg suggests you could “make all your social icons blue or finance-related ones green.”
Apple Maps will reportedly add support for a new custom route creation feature with iOS 18.
Custom route creation would enable iPhone users to design their own specific routes for a trip, rather than relying on one of the routes suggested by Apple Maps.
Currently, Apple Maps offers several route options to your destination, but this feature in iOS 18 would provide you with complete control over the precise details of your journey.
