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| iOS 18.3.1 |
Secret Features in iOS 18.3.1 That Apple Didn’t Announce
Apple has recently launched the 18.3.1 version of iOS, which appears to be an unimportant update that aims at enhancing security and fixing bugs. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Apple often leaves features and modifications undisclosed. Although the official release notes, as expected, offer little detail, those who put there qualification to the test with digging deeper into the update report several findings in iOS 18.3.1, and they are greatly thrilled to say the least.
In this article, we will look at these findings and additions that range from simple UI changes to the possible architectural changes. So, if you are an iPhone user who loves to scrutinize every aspect of an update, this guide is for you.
1. Enhanced Low-light Face ID Recognition
One of the most interesting yet not mentioned characteristics of the new update – iOS 18.3.1 – is its enhancement in Face ID recognition in low-light conditions. Apple has most likely trained the neural engine to reduce the failures that happen when unlocking the phone in dim environments.
Users have claimed there is a faster Face ID unlock time when inside dark rooms or when wearing things like hats or glasses. Although Apple has not claimed to make this improvement, it does seem like an improvement made to enhance Face ID functionality.
2. Differing Patterns and Strength of Tactile Feedback
Changing the way feedback is provided is more active now since Apple has added some new features in OS updates. Users of iPhone X and newer devices may have notice that their IPhones buzz differently as IOS 18.3.1 includes Taptic Engine which enhances the feedback provided during pseudo touch for better interaction.
For example, when using 3D Touch or Haptic Touch it feels different when used on an app icon, the feedback seems to get really good. Interacting with the device feels more responsive, further boosting user experience.
3. Improved Battery Management for Old Devices
As anyone who is familiar with Apple knows, they have a habit of controversially optimizing battery performance on devices through software updates. With the new update iOS 18.3.1, the battery performance of older devices seems to have improved.
Reportedly, users who have an iPhone 12 and older models say they are seeing an improvement in standby battery life. There is a chance that power management algorithms are more efficient, allowing for low background activity when the phone is not in use.
So, if you have an old iPhone and have been struggling with the battery life, perhaps this new update may slightly improve things for you.
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| Image source Pixabay |
4. Increased Accuracy Of Siri's Speech Notes
Significant improvements have been made to Siri’s speech and dictation transcribed into notes or messages features, especially during the use of voice to text in IOS 18.3.1. Apple has certainly made modifications to their speech recognition systems because they seem to be doing a better job even in challenging settings.
Users with heavy accents who rely on Siri to compose messages regularly will find that she understands them better and provides accurate transcriptions. For many users it does not count as a game-changing feature, but for regular Siri users, it is a remarkable improvement.
5. Processes Occurring In the Background for Better Multitasking Performance
The new version of iOS, 18.3.1, has focused on streamlining multitasking, especially with devices that have RAMs above 6GB; this means things will be smoother in devices like the iPhone 14 Pro and newer versions.
Users noted that switching between different applications is faster than before, with many background apps not refreshing on load, suggesting Apple has employed new tactics to memory management by allowing more commonly used applications to remain in RAM for a longer time.
If you frequently switch back and forth between multiple apps, then you may notice improvement in performance, although to a very small extent.
6. Other Functions For Changing Display Colors Responsively To The Surrounding Light
Another change, which is less discussed but still significantly notable in the update of IOS 18.3.1 is the added feature which gives better customization based on the ambient lighting.
Apple has always had True Tone, but this update seems to have incorporated a more sophisticated form of color matching that adjusts display tones to room lighting conditions much more accurately.
Although this option is not readily available in settings, several users have observed a shift in display colors to be more seamless while traveling between environments with varying lights.
7. Unseen Improvements of the Camera
iOS 18.3.1 is no new to Apple users as Apple has always updated the camera experiences with software updates. It can be inferred that camera features during this update are not up to the mark however, certain users have been able to get their hands on:
- Quicker Night Mode processing
- Enhanced noise reduction for videos shot in low-light
- Toned-down selfies for more realistic skin tones
For sophisticated photographers and hobbyists alike, the minimalist changes increase shooting experience without the need for improving hardware.
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| Image source Pixabay |
8. Better Safari Privacy Protections
As always, Apple has made privacy improvements a priority and with the implementation of iOS 18.3.1, there have been some changes to Safari’s privacy settings that are not publicized. Highlights of these improvements:
- Tracking Prevention Improvements: With the use of fingerprinting techniques for tracking, identifying users is more difficult than ever.
- Private Browsing Mode is Faster: In private browsing tabs, loading is quicker while the retention of cached features is minimal.
- Improved Password Autofill Suggestions: Password fields are being recognized more accurately, allowing for smoother log ins. Autofill may now suggest those.
While not revolutionary, these benchmark steps support Safari’s positioning as one of the best mobile secure browsers around.
9. Control Center's Little UI Adjustments
You might have picked up on minor revisions in Control Center if design catches your eye. The icons have undergone slight modifications, while the animations appear to be more fluid.
Moreover, users have stated that the sliders for brightness and volume have increased in sensitivity, thus allowing for greater ease when adjusting them.
Though these updates were not necessarily intended, the small adjustments within the UI do lead to a better experience as Apple states in their notes.
10. Changes to Background App Refresh for the Better
We assume Apple has made some alterations to the Background App Refresh function in iOS 18.3.1. messaging and social media applications synchronize more smartly without significant battery consumption.
For instance, now WhatsApp, Telegram, and Twitter (X) users enjoy more battery-friendly background Refresh and swamp-free attention notification.
This single enhancement benefits both sides of the system, the user and development.
11. Increased Bluetooth Connection Quality and Stability Development
Users noted a more confident Bluetooth device connection with iOS 18.3.1, especially when the user employs AirPods or Bluetooth devices from other manufacturers.
The update seems to address Bluetooth disconnectivity issues especially when multiple devices are paired at the same time. If you use wireless audio or accessories, this enhancement could help a great deal in everyday functionality.
12. Improved General AirDrop Speed During Large Size File Transfers
Transferring files between Apple devices has always been simple, but now in iOS 18.3.1 it seems to be even quicker.
Users reported that the transfer of massive video files or detailed pictures also have better transfer speed than previously. This indicates that Apple has performed some improvements on their server system to make AirDrop better.
13. Subtle Improvements to Apple Maps Navigation
Apple Maps is unstoppable in its evolution path. Although there are no new changes in iOS 18.3.1, users confirm such improvements as the following:
• Faster route calculations
• More accurate arrival time estimates
• Better lane guidance in complex intersections
The upgrades of this kind are what makes Apple Maps a more user-friendly alternative to Google Maps, especially for the people’s daily commute.
14. Groundwork for Future AI-Powered Features
We will not get to see major AI software in iOS 18.3.1 but some sketches of codes show that Apple is indeed finding the starting place for the AI-powereds to come.
Some speculations say that the famed tech company is currently working on a very much improved Siri with on-device AI processing. This upgrade could be leading the way towards a more AI-centric iOS 19 when the technology is in place.
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In Closing: A Minor Release with Major Flavors
On the surface, iOS 18.3.1 appears to be a standard bug-fix update. In fact, we've found that some changes under the hood that the company hasn't crowed about have a welcome impact on the user experience, performance, and security.
While no other big updates are shown, they are actually reaffirming the ios 18.3.1 theory which is still your better and higher os of their whole mobile system by apple. So if you have not updated, the not visible assets may also interest you for the next step you are going to do.
