The latest iOS 18 update represents one of Apple’s most transformative upgrades yet. This release introduces new features, including Home Screen Customization, a revamped Control Center, a redesigned Photos app, a Customizable Lock Screen, and an innovative Passwords app, offering iPhone users a more dynamic and personalized experience.
In addition to these enhancements, Apple has incorporated exclusive features for Indian users, adding a distinct ‘desi’ touch to iOS 18. Noteworthy improvements include Hindi support for the Translation app, new Indian fonts and numerals, and a multilingual Siri. iOS 18-compatible device owners can anticipate these exciting updates when the stable version of iOS 18 launches this fall.
India-exclusive iOS 18 Features
- With iOS 18, users can now personalize their lock screens by showcasing the time in Indian numerals across 12 languages, including Arabic, Arabic Indic, Bangla, Devanagari, Gujarati, Gurmukhi, Kannada, Malayalam, Meitei, Odia, Ol Chiki, and Telugu. Additionally, they can customize their Contact Posters by adjusting font color and weight.
- With this update, Apple has expanded its Hindi support across various platforms, including the Translate app, Safari webpages, and system-wide translation features such as the Notes app.
- iOS 18 also supports Indian English accents in Live Voicemail transcription and adds features like Live Caller ID, an intelligent call history search, and an enhanced phone keyboard experience.
- For iPhone 12 and later models, iOS 18 integrates a multilingual keyboard that supports alphabetical layouts in 11 Indian languages, including Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
- Siri has significantly upgraded, supporting Hindi and nine additional Indian languages. The Move to iOS app has been improved for faster and more reliable data transfers from Android devices, whether wirelessly or via cable.
- Furthermore, iOS 18 enhances language search capabilities by supporting variations within the same language. Users can easily find words with different spellings in languages such as Assamese, Bangla, Devanagari, and Gujarati.
These India-specific features will be available with the stable release of iOS 18 later this year. Apple’s attention to its Indian users is commendable, and we look forward to the potential introduction of Apple Pay in India.
What do you think of these enhancements? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Significant Features of iOS 18
Key Features of iOS 18
Home Screen Customization
iOS 18 introduces advanced Home Screen customization options, allowing users to personalize their iPhones with a wide range of widgets and layout choices. This feature lets users tailor their Home Screen to better suit their preferences and workflow, enhancing aesthetics and functionality.
Overhauled Control Center
The Control Center has been completely redesigned in iOS 18 to provide quicker and more intuitive access to essential features. With a streamlined interface and improved navigation, users can manage their settings and controls more efficiently than ever.
Redesigned Photos App
The Photos app in iOS 18 has received a significant update, featuring a modernized design and enhanced functionality. This new version offers advanced photo management capabilities and improved editing tools, making it easier for users to organize and strengthen their photo collections.
Customizable Lock Screen
iOS 18 allows users to personalize their Lock Screen with various styles and themes, including the option to display the time in different numeral systems. This customization feature enables users to create a Lock Screen that reflects their tastes and preferences.
Exclusive India-Only Features
Exclusive India-Only Features in iOS 18
Indian Numerals on Lock Screen
iOS 18 introduces a unique customization feature that allows users to display the time on their Lock Screen using Indian numerals. Users can choose from 12 numeral systems, including Devanagari and Gujarati, to personalize their Lock Screen in a culturally resonant way.
Enhanced Hindi Support
The update significantly improves Hindi support across various Apple platforms. The Translate app and system-wide translation features now offer more robust Hindi language capabilities, making communication and translation more accessible for Hindi-speaking users.
Multilingual Siri
Siri has been upgraded to support Hindi and nine other Indian languages, enhancing its functionality and accessibility for a diverse user base. This multilingual support allows users to interact with Siri in their preferred language, providing a more personalized and practical voice assistant experience.
Live Voicemail Transcription with Indian Accents
iOS 18 now includes support for Indian English accents in Live Voicemail transcription. This feature helps users better understand and interact with their voicemails, making it easier to manage and respond to voice messages with regional accents.
Alphabetical Keyboard Layouts
The update introduces alphabetical keyboard layouts for 11 Indian languages, including Tamil, Punjabi, and Urdu. This enhancement provides users with a more intuitive typing experience tailored to the linguistic preferences of Indian users.
Additional Improvements
Enhanced Move to iOS App
- What It Is: The Move to iOS app is designed to help users transfer their data from an Android device to an iPhone. This includes contacts, messages, photos, videos, and more.
- What’s New: With iOS 18, the app has been upgraded to be faster and more reliable. This means moving data from an Android phone to an iPhone will be quicker and less prone to errors, making it easier for users to switch to iOS without losing essential information or experiencing delays.
- Why It Matters: A smoother and faster transfer process reduces the stress and inconvenience often associated with switching devices. It helps users get their new iPhones up and running more efficiently, allowing them to enjoy their new devices without worrying about data loss or transfer issues.
Advanced Language Search
- What It Is: The advanced language search feature in iOS 18 improves the ability to search for words in various languages within iOS apps and system features.
- What’s New: This update allows users to search for words in languages such as Assamese and Bangla using familiar spellings. For instance, if a word can be spelled in multiple ways or has regional variations, users can still find it by entering the spelling they commonly use.
- Why It Matters: This feature enhances the search functionality for users who speak languages with diverse regional spellings. It ensures that users can find what they’re looking for more quickly, even if there are different ways to write or spell words, making the overall user experience more intuitive and user-friendly.
Siri Becomes India Savvy
Multilingual Siri
The iOS 18 update enhances Siri with support for nine Indian languages and Indian English. Users can now interact with Siri using a blend of English and languages such as Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu. Whether setting alarms, opening apps, getting directions, playing music, or checking the weather, Siri can understand and respond in a mix of English and these local languages.
Siri also now responds in Hindi to queries made in Hindi, improving its functionality for Hindi-speaking users. While Apple is expected to introduce an AI avatar for Siri shortly, this update marks a significant step in localizing Siri for the Indian market, enhancing its usability and accessibility for diverse users.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the critical India-exclusive features of iOS 18?
iOS 18 introduces several features tailored specifically for Indian users, including displaying time in Indian numerals, enhanced Hindi support, multilingual Siri, and alphabetical keyboard layouts in 11 Indian languages.
How can I customize my Lock Screen with Indian numerals in iOS 18?
To customize your Lock Screen with Indian numerals, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Lock Screen and choose from various numeral systems, including Devanagari and Gujarati.
What improvements have been made to Siri for Indian users?
Siri now supports nine Indian languages in addition to Indian English. Users can interact with Siri in a mix of English and local languages, and Siri can respond to queries in Hindi.
How does iOS 18 enhance Hindi support?
iOS 18 includes improved Hindi support across various platforms, such as the Translate app, Safari webpages, and system-wide translation features, making it easier for Hindi-speaking users to communicate and access content.
Can I use multiple Indian languages simultaneously with Siri?
Yes, Siri now supports using multiple Indian languages simultaneously. While interacting with Siri, you can mix English with languages like Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, and more.
What new features are available for the keyboard in iOS 18?
iOS 18 introduces alphabetical keyboard layouts for 11 Indian languages, including Tamil, Punjabi, and Urdu. This feature improves typing efficiency and accuracy for users in these languages.
How has the Move to iOS app been upgraded to iOS 18?
The Move to iOS app has been enhanced for faster and more reliable data transfers from Android devices, making the transition to iOS smoother and more efficient.
What is the advanced language search feature in iOS 18?
The advanced language search feature allows users to search for words in languages such as Assamese and Bangla using familiar spellings. It accommodates regional variations and improves search accuracy.
When will the stable version of iOS 18 be released?
The stable version of iOS 18 is expected to be released this fall. Apple will announce the official release date closer to the launch.
Will Siri receive further updates or features for Indian users in the future?
While iOS 18 introduces significant updates for Siri, Apple is expected to continue improving Siri’s capabilities and adding new features for Indian users in future updates. Keep an eye on Apple’s announcements for the latest developments.
Conclusion
Apple’s unveiling of exclusive India-only features in iOS 18 marks a significant step toward enhancing the user experience for its Indian audience. With innovations such as the ability to display time in Indian numerals, expanded multilingual support for Siri, and improved Hindi integration across its platforms, Apple demonstrates its commitment to catering to the diverse linguistic and cultural needs of its Indian users.
The update’s focus on localizing features, including customizable Lock Screens and advanced keyboard layouts in multiple Indian languages, reflects Apple’s understanding of the unique preferences and requirements of Indian consumers. The enhanced Move to iOS app and advanced language search capabilities streamline the user experience, making the transition to iOS and daily interactions more seamless and intuitive.
