Apple’s latest iPhone software update, iOS 18, has sparked frustration among some users who are experiencing a range of issues, from faster battery drain too less intuitive controls and redesigned apps that are proving arduous to navigate.
Sence its release in September,complaints have flooded social media platforms,with users expressing their dissatisfaction with the changes. “Woke up to find out my phone updated to iOS 18 while I was asleep and the new photo app design nearly sent me spiraling again,” one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It’s hideous.”
While these concerns might seem trivial to some, mastering new digital tools takes time and effort. Unexpected design changes can disrupt established habits and muscle memory, leading to frustration.
Fortunately, there are workarounds for some of the unpopular changes introduced in iOS 18.Here’s a closer look at some of the most common complaints and potential solutions.
The Controversial New Photos App
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Apple’s Photos app underwent a major redesign this year, consolidating various features into a single interface.While intended to streamline the user experience, the new layout has been met with criticism for its cluttered design and increased scrolling required to access different functions.
The addition of new features, such as wallpaper suggestions and an AI-powered montage creator, further contributes to the app’s complexity.
While reverting to the previous design isn’t currently possible,users can customize the Photos app to some extent.By accessing the “Customize & Reorder” option, users can rearrange or disable features to create a more personalized and manageable layout.
Supersized Emoji
Another change that has raised eyebrows is the increase in emoji size within the keyboard. While some users appreciate the larger,more expressive icons,others find them overwhelming and distracting.
Unfortunately, there’s no built-in setting to adjust emoji size. However, users can explore third-party keyboard apps that offer more customization options.
As with any major software update, it takes time to adjust to new features and interfaces. While some iPhone users are expressing their disappointment with iOS 18, Apple often releases subsequent updates that address user feedback and refine the overall experience.
Apple’s latest iOS 18 update has brought a wave of changes, some welcomed and others less so. While many appreciate the new features and enhancements, a few tweaks have left users scratching their heads and reaching for their chargers more often.
Supersized Emoji: A Visual Feast or a Digital Bloat?
One of the most noticeable changes is the dramatic increase in emoji size within the iOS 18 keyboard. Each emoji now enjoys more breathing room, making the selection process a bit more time-consuming. And if you send a single emoji in a message, prepare for it to dominate the conversation in a way that might feel a tad overwhelming. As one Reddit user aptly put it: “I do not want to see the eggplant emoji in 4K. I do not like this. 0/10.” Messages containing text or multiple emoji retain the classic, smaller emoji size.
For those yearning for the compact emoji grid of yesteryear, switching to alternative keyboard apps like Microsoft’s SwiftKey offers a solution. However, be mindful of third-party keyboard apps that request “full access” to your device. While not necessarily a dealbreaker, it’s wise to choose apps that are clear about their data usage.
If the oversized emoji in your conversations are a major annoyance, there’s no easy fix besides adding a bit of text alongside each emoji.
The Control Center, accessible with a swipe down from the top-right corner, has always been a hub of activity. iOS 18 takes this to a new level, introducing multiple swipeable screens for managing media, smart home devices, and more. While this offers expanded functionality, it can also feel cluttered and confusing, frequently enough duplicating controls already present on the main Control center page.
Adding to the complexity, some previously one-tap actions, like toggling Bluetooth, now require an extra tap. On the plus side,iOS 18 makes it easier to customize your Control Center layout. Tap the “+” icon in the top-left corner to rearrange icons and streamline your experience.
The key to taming the control Center chaos is to embrace customization. Eliminate anything you don’t use regularly, starting with the separate media and smart home control screens. With a bit of tweaking,you can reclaim a Control Center that feels familiar and efficient.
Battery Drain Dilemma: Is iOS 18 a Power Hog?
Since the release of iOS 18 and its subsequent updates, some users have reported experiencing faster battery drain on their iPhones. While Apple hasn’t officially acknowledged this as a widespread issue, it’s worth investigating if you notice a important drop in battery life.
Start by checking your battery usage in Settings to identify any apps consuming an unusual amount of power. Updating to the latest iOS version,restarting your device,and disabling background app refresh for non-essential apps can often help improve battery performance.
If the problem persists, consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance.
is your iPhone battery draining faster than usual after a recent software update? You’re not alone.Many iPhone users experience a dip in battery life instantly following an update, but there’s usually no need to panic.
“there’s a lot going on behind-the-scenes when you update your phone, and that backstage work continues even after the update appears to be done,” explains tech experts. “If you’ve noticed your phone doesn’t last as long after installing some new software, give it a day or two first before panicking – that’s entirely normal.”
Though,if your battery life remains stubbornly low for more than a few days,it’s time to take action. While you can’t completely control the power demands of iOS and its new features, there are steps you can take to optimize your battery life.
Consider disabling features like Apple Intelligence or turning off Siri’s “always listening” mode. You can also delve into your iPhone’s Settings app and check which apps are consuming the most power. Adjusting settings within these power-hungry apps can make a difference.
Another effective strategy is to limit background app refresh. Go to “General” in your settings app, then select “Background App Refresh,” and toggle off the apps you don’t need running constantly in the background.
“My personal favorite is to turn off background app refresh for apps I don’t use frequently,” says one iPhone user. “it’s amazing how much battery life that saves.”
## iOS 18: A User-Centric Audit
**Introduction:**
Apple’s latest iOS 18 update has generated considerable buzz, but not all of it positive. While some users celebrate its new features, others are struggling to adapt to the changes, encountering frustration with redesigned apps, larger emojis, and a revamped Control Centre.
In this expert interview, we delve deeper into these user concerns and explore potential workarounds, separating potential bugs from intentional design choices.
**Guest:**
Dr. Sarah Chen, UX Researcher and Digital Human Interface Specialist.
**Interviewer:**
World Today News
**Interview:**
**World Today News:** Dr. Chen, thank you for joining us.Apple prides itself on its user-centric design philosophy. How do you reconcile this with the widespread frustration regarding iOS 18?
**Dr.Chen:** Apple consistently pushes the boundaries of innovation, but sometimes these leaps forward come at the cost of user familiarity. In the case of iOS 18, it appears thay prioritized feature expansion over maintaining intuitive navigation. This can be especially jarring for users accustomed to the prior interface.
**World Today News:** The redesigned Photos app has been especially controversial. users describe it as cluttered and confusing. What’s your take?
**Dr. Chen:** The Photos app overhaul exemplifies the trade-off between Functionality and usability. The addition of new features like AI-powered montages is compelling, but their integration feels haphazard within the redesigned interface.Apple could have adopted a more gradual approach, introducing these features incrementally within the established layout.
**World Today news:** Some users are experiencing accelerated battery drain after the update. Is this a common issue, and what could be contributing to it?
**Dr. Chen:** It’s premature to definitively attribute battery drain solely to iOS 18. Potential culprits could include background app activity, new features demanding additional processing power, or even pre-existing device issues exacerbated by the update. It’s advisable for users to monitor battery usage in Settings, identify power-hungry apps, and consider resetting their device to factory settings if the issue persists.
**World Today News:** The larger emoji size seems to be a particularly divisive change. What are the design implications behind such a seemingly trivial modification?
**Dr. Chen:** Emoji size reflects a broader trend toward emphasizing visual dialog. However, the sheer increase in emoji size borders on impracticality, hindering text flow and perhaps overwhelming with individual emoji messages.
**World Today News:** Are there any workarounds for these issues,or are users forced to endure them until Apple releases a subsequent update?
**Dr. Chen:** While rolling back to a previous iOS version is technically feasible, it’s generally not recommended, as it could compromise security and access to app updates. Users can customize their Control center layout and utilize third-party keyboard apps for alternate emoji size preferences.
**World Today News:** Apple often releases updates addressing user feedback. Do you anticipate any changes to address these concerns in future iOS iterations?
**Dr. Chen:** It’s highly likely that Apple will address some of these issues in future updates,as they have a history of responding to user feedback. However, it’s undeniable that some design decisions, like the Photos app layout, could require a more essential rethink.
**World Today News:** Thank you for your insights,Dr. Chen.
**Conclusion:**
While iOS 18 has undeniable strengths, its impact on user experience has not been universally positive. By understanding the design rationale behind these changes and exploring available workarounds, users can navigate the nuances of the new system.
Apple’s commitment to user feedback suggests that future updates may address some of the concerns raised.In the meantime,
