Apple released iOS 18.6 to address important bug fixes and security updates, so grab it the next chance you get. But while you’re updating to keep your iPhone safe, this is a great opportunity to reevaluate how you’re using it. With just a few changes, you can improve your day-to-day iPhone experience and get ready for iOS 26 when it arrives next month.
After digging into the latest update, I found 10 settings that made an immediate difference in how I use my iPhone. Some are simple quality-of-life upgrades, while others help cut down on background drain or boost privacy.
You don’t need to be a tech expert to make these changes, and most take less than a minute to apply. If your iPhone has been feeling a little sluggish or just not working the way you want it to, these quick adjustments might be all it takes to get things back on track. For more on what’s new in iOS 18, learn about improvements to the Calculator app and the Mail app. And don’t forget to consult our iOS 18 upgrade checklist, which includes making sure you have a proper backup before upgrading.
Turn off categories in the Mail app
When it comes to something like email, everyone has their own way of dealing with the influx of messages. Traditionally, the Mail app has kept a chronological list, but that can get unwieldy if you also get scores of promotions, receipts, and other types of email. The new categories feature creates virtual buckets for Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions, guessing how your messages should be sorted.
If that approach doesn’t work for you, here are two things to try:
• In the event that categories are somewhat useful, but you still want a chronological view of your Inbox, swipe all the way to the right of the categories and tap All Mail.
• To turn off categories altogether, tap the three-dot menu (…) in the top-right corner, and then tap List View.
Change the default buttons on the lock screen
In real estate, location is everything, and the bottom corners of the iPhone lock screen are prime spots, each an easy thumb press away when your device is still locked. Before iOS 18, those spots were held by the flashlight and camera buttons, with no way to change them.
In iOS 18, you can finally replace them with other buttons—or remove them entirely, a balm for folks who inadvertently activate the flashlight. You can add buttons for actions like recognizing music via Shazam, enabling Dark Mode, setting an alarm, enabling Airplane Mode, opening your Wallet, sending money via Tap to Cash, and more.
Here’s how:
1. On the iPhone’s lock screen, touch and hold anywhere on the display until you see the Customize button. Unlock the phone using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
2. Tap Customize and then choose Lock Screen.
3. Remove one of the buttons by tapping the – (minus) button on the icon.
4. To replace the button with another function, tap its space (now with a + icon) and then choose the one you want on the next screen.
5. Repeat those steps for the other button if you want to change it.
6. Tap Done when you’re finished.
7. Tap the lock screen again to exit the customize mode.
Get important alerts using Prioritize Notifications
For iPhone models that can run Apple Intelligence, a new option in iOS 18.4 is fast becoming one of my favorite AI features. Go to Settings > Notifications, and under Apple Intelligence, tap Prioritize Notifications. As new alerts come in—a flood seems inevitable—Apple Intelligence determines which ones are more likely to be important to you. For instance, texts from contacts may be flagged over random scam messages. You can enable or disable priority notifications for individual apps on that settings screen.
Set up some of the new tasks available on the Action button
The Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 16E, and iPhone 16 Pro replaced the dedicated mute switch found on earlier iPhone models with a configurable control. By default, it serves to toggle Silent Mode on or off, but you can set it for actions like opening the Camera app or performing multiple actions at once.
In iOS 18, the Action button gains new capabilities. You can bypass Control Center and choose a custom control, like opening the Remote interface for Apple TV or using Shazam to identify a song.
To choose a different action for the Action button, go to Settings > Action Button, and swipe sideways to select and activate preferred options.
Give your home screen a radical new look
You wouldn’t think arranging icons freely is a radical new feature, but that’s a change seen in iOS 18. Apps can be positioned almost anywhere on your home screen, allowing for personalization like never before. You still maintain a grid layout, but the flexibility is refreshing.
Also, Dark mode now applies to the entire iPhone’s home screen. Here’s how to customize your looks:
Arrange apps: Touch and hold the home screen to enter “jiggle mode,” and drag your icons to their new positions.
Set Dark mode: To take advantage of a less glaring display, enter jiggle mode, tap Edit, then Customize. At the bottom, select a mode for icons and background—Automatic, Dark, or Light.
Tinted icons: You can now apply a tint to app icons to give a unified color scheme. Choose Tinted from the Customize menu and adjust Hue and Luminosity sliders for your preferred color.
Change up how the Control Center looks
Control Center has transformed into a customizable space under iOS 18. You can rearrange controls, resize them for more information, and span multiple screens. To enter edit mode, swipe down to reveal the Control Center and press the + button at the top-left corner.
Drag controls to arrange them, and use the control handles to resize them for visibility. Add controls like Screen Recording or other accessibility options as needed.
Lock or hide any of your sensitive apps
Privacy is paramount, especially with all the sensitive data on your phone. In iOS 18, you can lock and hide apps, adding extra security. For instance, if you want to secure the Notes app, long-press the app icon and select Require Face ID, Require Touch ID, or Require Passcode.
To hide an app, choose Hide and Require Face ID, and it will vanish from your home screen, accessible only through the Hidden folder. However, not all apps can be hidden; some built-in apps like Notes can only be locked.
Turn off Loop Videos in the Photos app
Auto-playing videos can be distracting. Thankfully, iOS 18.2 allows you to turn off looping videos in the Photos app. Navigate to Settings > Photos, find Loop Videos, and toggle it off. No more endless replays unless you choose them!
Adjust the view of your calendar
New features in the Calendar app enhance your scheduling experience. In Month view, you can pinch to zoom in for more details, transforming colored bars into labeled events. The Day view also offers a new Multi Day option for comparing consecutive days without switching orientations.
Improve movie and TV show dialogue in the TV app
Hearing dialogue in movies can be tricky, but iOS 18 includes features to help. While watching a video in the TV app, tap the More button, expand Audio, and choose Enhance Dialogue. This feature dampens background noise, making it easier to follow the story.
These are just a few features and changes in iOS 18. As updates roll out, keep an eye on how these improvements enhance your iOS and Apple experience.