iOS 18.3 brings a plethora of new features, many of which fly under the radar. While most of the updates are highlighted in promotional materials, Apple’s most exciting additions often come in the form of hidden gems that can transform how you use your device. Here are some of our favorite, lesser-known features in iOS 18.3 that you should explore.

1. Restart Your iPhone from the Control Center

A major convenience in iOS 18 is the ability to restart your iPhone directly from the Control Center. Gone are the days of pressing physical buttons to reboot your device. Now, you can swipe down from the top-right corner, press and hold the power button in the Control Center, and a restart slider will appear. Once you hold it for a moment, you can slide to restart.

While turning your iPhone back on still requires the side button, this feature is a huge time-saver.

2. Share Your Wi-Fi Password with a QR Code

Sharing your Wi-Fi password just got easier. With iOS 18.3, you can now generate a QR code that others can scan to connect to your network. This works whether they’re in your contact list or not, and even if they’re using an Android device. To do this, go to the Passwords app, select your network, and tap “Show Network QR Code.” Then, anyone who scans the code will be connected instantly.

3. Adjust Your Flashlight Beam Width

The flashlight feature gets a major upgrade in iOS 18.3. In addition to adjusting the intensity of the light, you can now control the beam’s width. Whether you want a wide light to illuminate a larger area or a narrow, intense beam for focused tasks, this feature is perfect for photographers and adventurers alike. You can access this by swiping left or right on the dynamic island when the flashlight is on.

4. Turn Off Notification Summaries from the Lock Screen

iOS 18.3 lets you quickly turn off notification summaries without unlocking your phone. If you don’t find the summaries useful, simply swipe left on the notification summary from your lock screen. Tap “Options,” then choose “Turn Off Summaries” for the app. This is a great way to regain control over your notifications with just a few taps.

5. Share Your AirTag with Others

With iOS 18.3, you can now share your AirTag with up to six other people, making it easier to track shared items like luggage on a family trip. Open the Find My app, select the AirTag you want to share, and tap “Add Person.” After selecting the contact, the person will receive an invite to track the AirTag from their device.

6. Transcribe Voice Memos for Easy Searching

Voice memos are now even more useful with iOS 18.3. The app can transcribe your voice recordings, allowing you to search for specific words within the memos. Simply tap on the memo, select “Edit Recording,” and then hit “Transcribe.” Now, you can search for specific words in the text, making it easier to locate important ideas or snippets.

7. Hide App Labels for a Cleaner Home Screen

Want to declutter your home screen? With iOS 18.3, you can remove the app labels beneath icons for a cleaner, more minimalist look. In the “Edit Home Screen” menu, select the “Large” option to make your app icons bigger and remove the labels. It’s a subtle change but makes a big difference for those who prefer a neat and tidy display.

8. Convert Apps to Widgets with a Single Tap

If an app has a widget, you can now easily convert it directly from your home screen in iOS 18.3. Press and hold an app icon, and if a widget is available, you’ll see it in the quick actions menu. Tap the widget, and it will instantly appear on your home screen without having to go to the widget editor.

9. Identify Songs Secretly with the Action Button

Love music but want to keep your secret superpower of identifying songs? In iOS 18.3, you can use the Action Button to activate Shazam without anyone noticing. Just go to Settings > Action Button, enable “Recognize Music,” and then press the button for a few seconds to start identifying songs. It’s the perfect trick to impress your friends without revealing your “cheat code.”

10. Find Photos with Handwriting and Illustrations

Sorting through your photos just got easier. iOS 18.3 introduces new categories in the Photos app, such as “Handwriting” and “Illustrations,” that help you quickly find images containing those elements. If you’re looking for a sketch or an image with handwritten notes, simply scroll down to Utilities in the Photos app, and these options will be available for easy browsing.

11. Share Specific Moments of a Podcast

If you hear something worth sharing in a podcast, iOS 18.3 allows you to send a specific part of the episode directly to someone. Simply pause the episode, use the progress bar to find the section you want to share, tap the “More” button, and select “Share Episode.” Choose the option “From [current time]” to send a link that plays from the exact point you want.

Conclusion

iOS 18.3 is full of small but mighty features that can enhance your everyday iPhone experience. From customizing your flashlight to sharing AirTags and transcribing voice memos, these hidden tools make your iPhone even more powerful. Try out these features today, and see how they improve the way you interact with your device!