Apple has recently announced updates to its operating systems, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, introducing several exciting new features that have the potential to impact popular third-party apps. Many users will be pleased to discover the expanded customization options for their iPhone's Home Screen, while others will appreciate the enhanced mirroring capabilities and improved mapping features.

One of the standout new features in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 is the ability to customize app icons with various colors. While this may be visually appealing for most apps, it only adds a tint to the icons of many popular third-party apps, which may not always meet users' expectations. Despite this, Apple's implementation may satiate the general desire for customization, although it falls short of allowing users to utilize their own icon packs. This is where apps like Widgetsmith still hold value, as they provide a wide range of customization options.

The mirroring app Bezel, which has gained popularity among macOS and visionOS users for its ability to mirror an iPhone on a Mac or Vision Pro with superior quality compared to AirPlay, may face some challenges with the arrival of macOS Sequoia. In the upcoming update, Apple introduces an integrated feature called iPhone Mirroring, which not only wirelessly mirrors an iPhone to a Mac but also allows users to control their iPhone using the trackpad and keyboard of their Mac. Moreover, all iPhone notifications and audio can be forwarded to the Mac while using iPhone Mirroring. With these added conveniences, the future of Bezel may be uncertain.

For hiking enthusiasts, Apple Maps in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will now display detailed trail networks and hiking routes for all national parks in the United States. Furthermore, users can download all the trail data onto their iPhones for offline use, eliminating the need for an internet connection. Apple's implementation of this feature may be seen as ironic since they awarded the 2023 iPhone App of the Year to AllTrails, which offers a similar functionality. However, AllTrails maintains an advantage by offering coverage beyond the United States, along with a vibrant community and more extensive features.

A notable addition to Apple Intelligence is the Genmoji feature, which utilizes generative AI and text prompts to create unique emojis. This feature comes in handy when users want to use emojis that are not yet available in iOS, iPadOS, or macOS. Although similar functionality could be achieved using the app Newji, Genmoji seems to have an edge as it integrates seamlessly with other messaging apps and generates all emojis on-device. It's important to note that Genmoji, along with other Apple Intelligence features, will not be available until later this year.

One significant update to iOS 18 is the inclusion of a built-in call recorder, addressing a long-standing demand from iPhone users. Unlike its predecessor, iOS 17, which required users to rely on third-party apps like TapeACall for call recording, iOS 18 offers a built-in call recorder that can also generate transcriptions. This poses a potential threat to transcription apps like Otter since recorded calls are now automatically saved in the Notes app, where Apple Intelligence can transcribe and summarize them.

The range of new features introduced in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 at the recent WWDC 2024 adds to the collection of apps that Apple has "Sherlocked" over the years. While third-party developers may face some challenges due to Apple's integrated offerings, the seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem is generally welcomed by users.

With the updates set to roll out later this year, Apple continues to push the boundaries of innovation, giving users more native functionality whilst impacting popular third-party apps.