5 Crazy New iOS 18 Features Not Mentioned at WWDC 2024

WWDC 2024 was a whirlwind! The opening speech fulfilled a bunch new iOS 18 features in its announcement set. But believe it or not, there are still some striking new benefits that haven’t made the cut.

Some of these features were discreetly announced in an editorial article. Before WWDC 2024 – or discovered by explorers of the iOS 18 developer beta, not yet ready for prime time. Anyway, here is a list of iOS 18 features that have been not mentioned at WWDC 2024.

1. New eye tracking for iPhone

The Apple Vision Pro isn’t the only one to support eye tracking. Thanks to iOS 18, this feature will also be available for iPhone (and iPad) users.

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By navigating to Settings > Accessibility > Eye Tracking, you can enable the eye tracking feature, allowing you to navigate your iPhone with your gaze. When you’re ready to select something, just look at it for a few seconds. This feature is useful for anyone who cannot use the iPhone with their hands. Moreover, it is also a fascinating advantage if you want to have a little fun with your iPhone.

This feature uses the FaceID camera. Of course, it probably won’t be as sophisticated as the Apple Vision Pro’s eye-tracking system, but it’s useful if you need a hands-free navigation experience.

2. “Math Notes” also works on iPhone

Math Notes, arguably one of the coolest features in iPadOS 18, lets you scribble an equation on the iPad. And after writing an equal sign on the screen, the problem is solved instantly. The solution also imitates your writing style.

Interestingly, Math Notes is not limited to iPadOS 18. You can also use Math Notes on your iPhone. Instead of using an Apple Pencil, you can use your finger to scribble an equation on the screen.

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And as for iPadOS 18, the problem will be fixed for you with your own writing.

The red arrow points to the adjustment dial.
Credit: Apple

The only downside is that without a stylus (e.g. Apple Pencil Pro), you won’t be able to use the adjustment wheel (a feature that lets you increase and decrease numerical values), which is supported by the Hover function.

3. Change the beam width of the flashlight

The iPhone’s flashlight control UI, which you can access with a simple swipe down gesture, has a new design. (WWDC 2024 announced the new design and sleek look of the Control Center.)

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However, what the Cupertino-based tech giant doesn’t mention is that you can also change the width of the luminance of the flashlight.

4. Bezel Animations

When you press one of the side buttons, whether they’re on the left or right side, it will trigger an animation involving the frame that surrounds the iPhone screen.

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As The edge mentioned, this may not be very useful NOW, But there is a rumor that a future iPhone could have solid-state buttons (buttons without any moving parts like a traditional mechanical button), so animation can be useful for visual feedback.

5. QR code to share your Wi-Fi password

Sharing your Wi-Fi password with friends just got easier.

Using the new Passwords app unveiled at WWDC 2024, you can generate a QR code that you can share with your loved ones. After scanning it with their phone, they can quickly access your Wi-Fi network. (You can also print it out and put it on a table, allowing multiple people to use your Wi-Fi.)

The full, stable version of iOS 18 is expected to launch later this year, likely alongside the iPhone 16 series.