As we eagerly await the release of iOS 18, I’m excited to dive into one of its most anticipated features: the revamped Control Center. This update is set to revolutionize how we interact with our iPhones, bringing a host of new capabilities and streamlined controls right to our fingertips. The iOS 18 update promises to enhance our daily smartphone experience, making tasks more efficient and personalization more intuitive.

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the new Control Center in iOS 18. We’ll cover how to access and navigate its redesigned interface, customize it to suit your needs, and take advantage of enhanced control options. Plus, we’ll look at how the Control Center integrates with other exciting iOS 18 features, including improved widgets, automation tools, and even some handy tricks for iPads and Apple Pencil users. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking to get more out of your iPhone, this guide will help you master the new Control Center when iOS 18 hits your device.

Accessing and Navigating the New Control Center

In iOS 18, accessing the Control Center remains familiar, but the navigation has significantly improved. To open Control Center on an iPhone with Face ID, I swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. For those with a Home button, a swipe up from the bottom edge does the trick.

Swipe gestures

The new Control Center in iOS 18 introduces a multi-page layout, allowing for more customization and functionality. To move between these pages, I can smoothly swipe up or down on any empty part of the Control Center. This paginated approach might seem like an extra step initially, but it’s necessary to accommodate the expanded range of controls now available.

Page indicators

On the right side of the Control Center, I’ll notice small icons representing different pages. By default, there are three pages: Favorites (represented by a heart), Now Playing (music note), and Connectivity (Wi-Fi symbol). These icons serve as both indicators and quick-jump buttons.

Quick-jump icons

To navigate even faster, I can tap these icons on the right to jump directly to a specific page. This feature is convenient when accessing a certain group of controls without swiping through multiple pages. Additionally, I can perform a continuous swipe gesture: when opening Control Center, I can keep my finger on the screen and continue swiping until I reach the desired page.

The new layout in iOS 18 offers more flexibility and organization. The first page, Favorites, contains the controls I use most frequently. The second page provides a full-screen Now Playing widget with AirPlay controls, while the third page is dedicated to connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Airplane Mode.

To make the most of this new setup, I can customize the Control Center to fit my needs. By tapping the plus icon in the top-left corner or long-pressing on any space, I enter customization mode. Here, I can rearrange controls, add new ones, or even create additional pages.

It’s worth noting that while this new design offers more options, it might take some getting used to. Some users have pointed out that certain actions require an extra tap compared to the previous iOS version. However, the added customization and expanded functionality aim to enhance the overall user experience in iOS 18.

Customizing Your Control Center

In iOS 18, customizing the Control Center has become more intuitive and flexible. I can now tailor this essential feature to fit my needs, making it a truly personalized command center for my iPhone.

Adding new controls

To start customizing, I swipe down from the top-right corner of my screen to open the Control Center. Then, I tap the plus icon in the top-left corner or long-press on any space to enter customization mode. This action brings up a menu where I can add new controls.

I have two options for adding controls. I can either use the search bar at the top to find specific functions, or I can scroll through the Control Gallery to see all available options. The gallery includes both native iOS controls and those from third-party apps, expanding the possibilities for customization.

One exciting new feature is the “Open App” shortcut, which allows me to turn any app on my iPhone into a Control. This means I can access my favorite apps directly from the Control Center, saving time and streamlining my workflow.

Removing unwanted controls

Removing controls is just as straightforward as adding them. While in customization mode, I look for the minus icon next to each control. Tapping this icon to removes the power from my Control Center. This feature is handy for decluttering and focusing on the tools I use most frequently.

It’s worth noting that I can remove multiple controls at once. For instance, if I want to delete an entire page of controls, I can systematically remove all items from that page. This action automatically deletes the page, giving me a more streamlined Control Center.

Rearranging control layout

The new Control Center in iOS 18 uses a customizable grid layout reminiscent of the Home Screen. This grid contains 32 circular spots arranged in 8 rows and 4 columns, giving me ample space to organize my controls.

To rearrange controls, I enter edit mode and use my finger to grab an icon and move it where I want it. I can also resize controls with a handle on the bottom right corner, allowing me to prioritize certain functions visually.

An interesting feature is the ability to add multiple Control Center pages. If I fill up one page with controls, adding a new control automatically creates the page. I can navigate between these pages by swiping up or down or tapping the page indicators on the right side of the screen.

This level of customization allows me to create a Control Center that truly reflects how I use my iPhone. I can group similar controls, place my most-used functions on the first page for quick access, and even empty some spots for a cleaner look.

As I experiment with different layouts and control combinations, I’m discovering new ways to interact with my device more efficiently. The redesigned Control Center in iOS 18 has transformed what used to be a simple quick access feature into a powerful tool for personalizing my iPhone experience.

Exploring Enhanced Control Options

iOS 18 brings many improvements to the Control Center, making it more versatile and user-friendly. Let’s dive into some exciting new features that will enhance our iPhone experience.

Resizable controls

One of the most notable additions in iOS 18 is the ability to resize controls in the Control Center. This feature allows us to prioritize the functions we use most frequently by making them larger and easier to tap. To resize a control, I enter edit mode by long-pressing a space or tapping the plus icon in the top-left corner. Then, I can grab the curved handle in the bottom-right corner of the control and drag it to adjust its size.

Most single-button controls, such as Flashlight and Dark Mode, can be expanded up to four grid circles in size. We have options for a single-grid circle, a horizontal two-grid circle (which displays the control’s name), or a four-grid square shape. However, it’s worth noting that some controls, like volume and brightness sliders, have fixed sizes and can’t be resized.

Full-screen control panels

iOS 18 takes customization further by introducing full-screen control panels for certain functions. For instance, the Now Playing control and smart home accessories can occupy the entire screen, providing more detailed information and expanded functionality. This feature is handy for music lovers and those with multiple smart home devices.

To access these full-screen panels, I tap on the expanded control. This new layout offers a more immersive experience and provides comprehensive control without opening separate apps.

App-specific actions

One of the most exciting enhancements in iOS 18 is adding app-specific actions to the Control Center. This feature opens up a world of possibilities for quick access to our favorite app functions.

For example, the Bulletin app now offers nine Control Center widgets, allowing us to jump directly to specific news categories or use AI-powered features like Smart Summary without opening the app. Similarly, apps like CARROT Weather, Crouton, and FitBee have introduced their own Control Center widgets, enabling quick access to frequently used features.

To add these app-specific actions, I can enter the Control Center customization mode and tap “Add a Control.” This brings up a searchable list of controls from Apple and third-party apps I have installed. By incorporating these app-specific actions into my Control Center, I can streamline my workflow and access key features with a swipe and a tap.

While these enhancements offer greater flexibility and functionality, it’s important to note that some users have reported that certain actions now require an extra tap compared to the previous iOS version. However, the added customization options and expanded functionality aim to improve our overall user experience in iOS 18.

Integrating Control Center with iOS 18 Features

iOS 18 brings exciting new ways to integrate the Control Center with other features, making our iPhones more efficient and customizable than ever. Let’s explore how the Control Center now works seamlessly with Focus mode, Lock Screen customization, and Siri interactions.

Focus mode shortcuts

With iOS 18, we can now add Focus mode shortcuts directly to our Control Center, making it easier to switch between different modes throughout the day. To set this up, I enter the Control Center customization mode and add the Focus control. This allows me to activate the Do Not Disturb, Personal, or Work modes quickly with just a tap.

What’s cool is that we can now link specific Focus modes to different Lock Screens. For example, I can create a Work Lock Screen with productivity widgets and link it to my Work Focus mode. When I switch to this Lock Screen, it automatically activates the associated Focus settings, helping me stay on task.

Lock Screen customization

iOS 18 takes Lock Screen customization to a whole new level, and it’s beautifully integrated with the Control Center. Now, we can swap out the default Flashlight and Camera icons at the bottom of the Lock Screen for other quick access buttons. This means I can have instant access to my most-used apps or functions right from the Lock Screen.

To customize these controls, I unlock my iPhone, long-press on the Lock Screen to enter editing mode, and tap “Customize.” From there, I can remove the existing icons and add new ones from the Control Center gallery. This gallery includes options from Apple and third-party apps, giving me many choices.

The “Open App” shortcut is one of the most fascinating features. I can now use any app as a lock screen control on my iPhone thanks to this. For instance, I can replace the Camera icon with my favorite third-party camera app for quick access.

Siri interactions

iOS 18 has also enhanced Siri’s integration with the Control Center, making voice control more intuitive and powerful. When Siri is activated, a sophisticated illuminating light encircles the screen, giving it a new look. This visual cue clarifies when Siri is listening and ready to help.

What’s impressive is that Siri can now maintain context from one request to the next. This means I can have more natural, flowing conversations with Siri about my Control Center settings. For example, I can ask Siri to “Turn on Do Not Disturb” and follow up with “How long will it stay on?” without specifying the context again.

Another great feature is the ability to type into Siri at any time. This is particularly useful when I want to change my Control Center settings in a quiet environment or prefer not to use voice commands.

While these new integrations offer greater flexibility and functionality, it’s worth noting that some users have reported that certain actions now require an extra tap compared to the previous iOS version. However, the added customization options and expanded functionality aim to improve our overall user experience in iOS 18.

Conclusion

The Control Center in iOS 18 has a significant impact on how we interact with our iPhones. Its revamped design and enhanced features offer users greater flexibility and control over their device’s functions. The ability to customize layouts, resize controls, and integrate app-specific actions makes the Control Center a more powerful tool to streamline daily tasks and boost productivity.

As iOS 18 rolls out, users will discover new ways to make the most of their devices. The seamless integration with Focus modes, Lock Screen customization, and improved Siri interactions opens up exciting possibilities to personalize the iPhone experience. While some users might need time to adjust to the changes, the new Control Center ultimately aims to make our digital lives more efficient and tailored to our individual needs.

FAQs

1. How can I personalize the Control Center on my iPhone with iOS 18?

To customize the Control Center in iOS 18, you can add new controls, remove unwanted ones, and rearrange the layout of the controls to suit your preferences.

2. Is there a way to reset the Control Center to its default settings in iOS 18?

Currently, iOS 18 does not offer a direct option to reset the Control Center to its original settings. However, you can manually customize it by adding or removing controls until you restore it to your desired setup.

3. What are the new features introduced in the iOS 18 update?

The iOS 18 update enhances connectivity with improvements to Messages, introduces a new hiking feature in Maps, and updates to Wallet, allowing for greater exploration. Additional enhancements include updates to Safari, Journal, Notes, Phone, and other applications.

4. How do I make hidden apps visible again on an iPhone running iOS 18?

To unhide apps on your iPhone under iOS 18, you can use the new customization options available in the settings to manage your app visibility according to your preferences.