iOS 18 Officially Released: Highly Customizable, Redesigned, Is Apple "Copying" or "Polishing"?

iOS 18 Officially Released: Highly Customizable, Redesigned, Is Apple "Copying" or "Polishing"?Apple recently officially pushed the iOS 18 update to iPhones, claiming it to be the biggest update in iOS history. Covering over 20 new and older iPhone models, the update introduces a slew of new features, such as a highly customizable home screen, dark icons, a redesigned "Control Center" page, a revamped "Photos" app, and the highly anticipated AppleIntelligence (Chinese version expected next year)

iOS 18 Officially Released: Highly Customizable, Redesigned, Is Apple "Copying" or "Polishing"?

Apple recently officially pushed the iOS 18 update to iPhones, claiming it to be the biggest update in iOS history. Covering over 20 new and older iPhone models, the update introduces a slew of new features, such as a highly customizable home screen, dark icons, a redesigned "Control Center" page, a revamped "Photos" app, and the highly anticipated AppleIntelligence (Chinese version expected next year).

Highly Customizable Home Screen

App icons on the iOS 18 home screen can be resized, recolored, and even customized in overall tone, allowing users to create a more personalized visual experience. This is undoubtedly a long-awaited feature for many users, and reflects Apple's focus on users' personalized needs.

Redesigned "Control Center"

The "Control Center" in iOS 18 has also undergone a significant upgrade. The control items page offers greater customization, control buttons can be resized, and swiping up and down allows switching between different interfaces, providing users with a more convenient way to manage various functions.

Revamped "Photos" App

The revamped layout of the "Photos" app in iOS 18 allows users to browse and manage photos and videos more intuitively. However, this highly customizable feature has also drawn criticism from some users, who find it overly complex and difficult to adapt.

Highly Anticipated AppleIntelligence

AppleIntelligence is one of the key features of iOS 18, offering users smarter services, such as more accurate voice assistants, more personalized recommendations, etc. The feature is expected to be launched in Chinese next year, and is believed to bring a more convenient experience to Chinese users.

Controversy Surrounding iOS 18: Copying or Polishing?

iOS 18 introduces several features already mature in the Android ecosystem, like "App Password Lock" and "Photos" customization, which has raised concerns about Apple's innovation: Is Apple "copying" Android?

However, this statement isn't entirely accurate. Apple has always adhered to the product philosophy of "polishing," meaning they don't easily release features that are not mature, but rather observe the market and optimize and upgrade them in terms of user experience.

Apple's "Number Two" Strategy

Unlike many tech companies that strive for "originality," Apple prefers to be the "number two." They don't blindly follow trends, but rather innovate and upgrade existing functions based on market screening, to meet users' actual needs.

iOS Remains Competitive

Even with the introduction of features already present in Android, iOS still boasts strong competitiveness. Its refined transition animations, various surprise-filled widgets, and smooth sliding experience, all reflect Apple's pursuit of the ultimate user experience.

Conclusion: iOS 18 Isn't Copying, But Polishing User Experience

The updates in iOS 18 aren't simply "copying," but rather Apple's optimization and upgrade of existing features based on a thorough understanding of user needs. It reflects Apple's consistent "polishing" philosophy and proves the continued strength of the iOS system. It's believed that iOS 18 will bring a smoother, more convenient, and personalized user experience.