Apple recently released the iOS 18.3 update, packed with features that simplify the use of your iPhone. This update also includes many hidden tricks, from stylized notification summaries to improved Visual Intelligence. In this article, I’ll highlight 8 hidden features in iOS 18.3 that you need to know.
1. Apple Intelligence enabled by default
With iOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence is now automatically activated on compatible devices. So, you don’t have to join the waitlist and be patient for this feature to be accessible on your device. You can instantly use the Apple Intelligence features.
If you prefer to manage this feature manually, you can disable it by navigating to Settings, go to Apple Intelligence & Siri, and toggling off Apple Intelligence.
2. Add a calendar event from a poster or flyer
The Visual Intelligence feature in iOS 18 is very useful to recognize text and identify objects around you. Now, with iOS 18.3, you can scan posters or flyers to create events directly in the Calendar.
Point your iPhone 16’s camera toward the event poster and long press the Camera Control to invoke Visual Intelligence. Tap the Create Event button on the display to analyze the details. Finally, select Schedule to add the event to your Calendar app.
3. Turn off Notification Summaries for specific apps
Notification Summaries indeed let you stay on top of the latest updates. If you have multiple unread notifications from a single app, you will see a summary at the top in italicized.
However, you may not prefer them for all kinds of alerts on your iPhone. That’s why Apple now lets you disable Notification Summaries for individual apps directly from the Lock Screen.
Simply, when you see a notification summary from an app on the Lock Screen, swipe left on it. It will reveal the Options button. Tap on it and select Turn Off [app name] Summaries. After that, you will start receiving timely notifications individually from the app like before.
4. Repeat your last mathematical operation
The Calculator app has got some cool upgrades in the latest iOS version. Now, iOS 18.3 lets you repeat the last operation. For instance, try executing a calculation such as 76+32 in the Calculator app. To perform the previous operation on the same number again, press the equals sign (=) after getting the result.
In this case, you will get 108 in the result and pressing the = sign will show 140 by doing 108+32. This is particularly useful for repetitive calculations, such as multiplying a number multiple times.
5. Adjust the flashlight beam width
Till now, you can only change the torch intensity on your iPhone. With iOS 18.3, you can also adjust the flashlight’s beam width on iPhone 14 Pro and later. So if you are in a big room and want to light the whole place up, or you want nice narrow lighting, well, you can just tweak the beam.
To do so, you need to enable a flashlight from the Lock Screen, Control Center, or using the Action Button. Next, you will see a new animation enlarging the Dynamic Island. Swipe left and right on the flashlight icon to change its width to your preference. To adjust the intensity, simply move the flashlight slider up and down as usual.
6. Share your Wi-Fi password through a QR code
Sharing your Wi-Fi password with friends and family just got easier with iOS 18.3. Instead of manually typing long and complicated passwords, you can now generate a QR code that others can scan to instantly connect to your Wi-Fi network.
Go to the Passwords app and select Wi-Fi. Tap on the network you’re connected to. Select the Show Network QR Code option to share the network, and a QR code will be generated. Others can scan this QR code with their device’s camera to join the network.
This feature is especially useful when hosting guests, connecting new devices, or sharing access without revealing your password directly.
7. Share a specific section of a Podcast
Apple has added a convenient new feature to the Podcasts app that lets you share a specific timestamp of an episode in iOS 18.3. Instead of sending a link — Where your friend has to search through to find that exact moment — now you can send a specific moment, making it much easier to share funny portions of a podcast or other important discussions.
While listening to a podcast, tap the Now Playing bar at the bottom and pause at the desired timestamp. You may use the progress bar to go back to the starting point of the section you want to share. Tap the More icon at the top and select Share Episode.
It will open the Share Sheet. Now, tap the From Start option below the Podcast title and choose the option to share the current timestamp. Next, select your preferred method between Messages or Mail to share the link.
When your friend taps the link, it will redirect them to the Podcast app and show a prompt to Play from [timestamp]. Thus, they can start listening to the exact point you shared.
8. Edit media in light and dark theme
iOS 18 also reworked and added customizations to the Photos app, just like other native apps. You can now edit your photos and videos in light mode and in dark mode. This allows you to preview how your content looks using different system themes, helping improve visibility and consistency.
Open a photo or video in the Photos app and tap the Edit icon at the bottom. Now, tap the three-dot icon at the top and select Appearance. Now, you can switch between light and dark themes.
Signing off
By exploring these hidden iOS 18.3 features, you can tailor your iPhone usage to better suit your preferences and needs. If you are just starting out, go through our complete guide on iOS 18 tips and tricks. Which feature do you like the most? Let me know in the comments below!
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