Now that the dust has settled on the numerous iOS 18 announcements from WWDC 2024, we were eager to find out which iPhone feature Apple fans are most excited about, so we set out to answer that very question in a new WhatsApp poll .
We asked the many followers of our WhatsApp channel (368,000 subscribers and counting) the simple question “which iOS 18 feature are you most excited about for your iPhone?” The answers give us a revealing insight into the features you'll use most when iOS 18 arrives in September, and which could be ignored.
The survey also gives us a snapshot of how much of TechRadar's audience is on Android. In fact, the top answer in our poll (with about 1,664 votes) was actually “I don't care (I'm on Android).”
But Android fans aside, a significant number of iPhone owners picked their favorite features from our list of the biggest iOS 18 headlines. There wasn't much love for Apple's Mail updates, the redesigned Photos app, or , surprisingly, support for RCS messaging, which should make texting friends who own Android a much better experience.
Still, here are the top three iOS 18 features Apple fans are most excited about from TechRadar:
3. Satellite text messages (130 votes)
The popularity of iOS 18's satellite texting feature came as a slight surprise, given that it will be limited to those with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series. But there's no denying how useful this Emergency SOS extension could be for those who are trapped in mobile dead zones.
If you've been disconnected from cellular and Wi-Fi connections for a while, iOS 18 will give you an alert asking if you want to use satellite connectivity. From there, you can use the Messages app to send or receive both SMS text messages and iMessages.
For now, the feature will be free for two years from the time you buy your iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, but Apple has said it plans to charge for the feature in the future.
2. Customizable home screen (279 votes)
We thought iOS 18's advanced home screen customization (which has more than a hint of Android) would be the top choice in our survey. But he still came in a respectable second place, with 9% of the total vote.
If you missed WWDC 2024, iOS 18 will let you do a lot of things that Apple has steadfastly refused to allow on the iPhone before, including the ability to place apps on the bottom or side of the screen so you can see your beautiful wallpaper. screen behind.
We can also hide the names of the applications (like the previous one), for a super minimalist appearance. And there will also be the option to activate new dark mode icons and add color nuances. Thanks Apple, it's about time.
1. The new assistant Siri (495 votes)
Apple's big Siri update was definitely one of the biggest stories of WWDC 2024, and you emphatically agreed. In total, 16% of WhatsApp respondents said the new Siri assistant is the most interesting feature in iOS 18.
Unfortunately, the rebooted Siri, which will also be able to connect to ChatGPT thanks to a deal with OpenAI, will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro series (or iPads and Macs) with an M1 chip. It will no doubt also be compatible with the iPhone 16 series in September.
But if you're lucky enough to have a recent iPhone, you'll get Siri's visual makeover, more natural conversation skills, and the option to type questions to Siri later this year. Starting next year, Siri will also have the ability to use “personal context” and on-screen awareness to be even more helpful.
Considering we've been waiting 13 years for Apple to deliver on Siri's original promise, we couldn't be happier, and you seem pretty excited about it too.
