Apple’s new iOS 18 will officially roll out to the public in September 2024, but some lucky iPhone testers have made it to the front of the line. TikToker GregsGadgets has shared his impressions of a new update to the iPhone’s flashlight.
Via their company Newsroom, Apple says iOS 18 will make the iPhone more intelligent than ever, with their “biggest-ever” redesign of Photos. Their press release doesn’t actually mention the upgrade to the iOS’s flashlight capabilities, so here’s what we’ve been able to pick up on from elsewhere.
iPhone flashlight gets illuminating new feature with iOS 18
The upgrade iOS 18 will offer the iPhone’s flashlight is “so cool”, says TikToker GregsGadgets. Customers will be able to take advantage of the updates in September this year.
“I go to turn on the flashlight,” he says. Then he long-presses the dynamic island that represents the feature on his screen.
The first thing that catches his eye is that by dragging his thumb down on the brightness bar, he can dim his iPhone flashlight. This may not strike many as particularly original.
“But here’s the cool part,” he goes on to say. He then drags his thumb side to side, and by doing so makes the flashlight beam on his iPhone 18 wider or more narrow. He’s a fan of the accompanying animation, too.
Watch his reaction video below.
Is this just for Apple iOS 18?
TikTok users in the comments section of the video embedded above have been quick to voice their skepticism towards the originality and magnitude of this feature.
One writes that the new flashlight feature has been a thing “forever”, and that Apple just “redesigned it”. However, another points out that the widening and narrowing capability is, in fact, all-new.
And the brightness has been adjustable on previous models, but not continuously. It had a limited set of discrete brightness levels before, they say.
Others have been joining the fray, but many of the most strident, provocative comments seem to be from people with their tongues firmly in their cheeks, i.e., not being entirely serious.
One says Android systems boasted this feature five years ago. Another says their Samsung had it in 2006. Consumers can be very loyal when it comes to technology brands.
If you’re new to iOS and this is convincing you to take the plunge, it matters when you buy a new handset, and there’s a ‘best’ time of year to make your iPhone purchase.
Other features to watch out for from the new iOS
iOS 18 introduces Apple Intelligence, a complete overhaul of the Photos app, new ways for users to manage their Mail inbox, and more. That’s according to a company press release from June 10.
“We are thrilled to introduce iOS 18,” says the company’s senior vice president for software engineering. “It is a huge release with incredible features, including new levels of customization and capability, a redesigned Photos app, and powerful ways to stay connected with Messages.”
“There are so many benefits for everyone.”
By “everyone”, he means anyone with an iPhone SE (2nd generation) and onwards – new updates tend to relegate older models to the growing pile of obsolete iPhones. This includes anyone with the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone 11+.
If your iPhone is in its twilight years, and Apple has formally rendered it obsolete, tech experts advise buying a new(er) model. Refurbished iPhones are cheaper than brand-new ones, obviously.
