Apple

Apple Secretly Upgrades iPhone Flashlight with iOS 18 – And It's Incredibly Useful

16 July 2024

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Zaker Adham

Summary

Apple has introduced a host of new features with iOS 18, including a redesigned and customizable Control Center. However, one significant update that wasn't officially announced is the major upgrade to the iPhone's flashlight functionality, now available in the iOS 18 Public Beta.

Previously, users could adjust the flashlight brightness on a scale from zero to four. With iOS 18, Apple has enhanced this feature, providing more granular control over both the brightness and focus (or angle) of the flashlight through a user-friendly interface.

Enhanced Flashlight Controls

Having tested the feature since the initial developer beta of iOS 18, which was released shortly after Apple's WWDC 2024 keynote, it is clear that this upgrade offers a lot of flexibility. The iOS 18 Public Beta is now available for anyone eager to experience these new features.

When you activate the flashlight on a recent iPhone model, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, a new overlay window appears. This window displays an illuminated flashlight, and its glow is visible at the top. By dragging your finger left or right, you can control the focus, and by moving it up or down, you can adjust the brightness. This added control is particularly useful for illuminating dark spaces or providing light for photography.

Interactive and Intuitive Interface

For more precise adjustments, users can long-press the smaller flashlight icon on an iPhone equipped with Dynamic Island, bringing up full control options. This new functionality is supported by the True Tone Flash on the back of the iPhone, and it has proven to be responsive during testing.

Users can simultaneously adjust the focus and brightness by sliding their finger in any direction, making the on-screen animation and the flashlight's actual glow interact seamlessly. This gamified approach to the flashlight feature makes it not only practical but also fun to use, impressing friends and serving as an excellent conversation piece.

Availability and Other Features

iOS 18 is set to be officially released for all eligible devices this fall. However, those interested in exploring the new flashlight capabilities and other features can install the iOS 18 Public Beta now. While the beta version is a preview and may contain bugs and impact battery life, it offers a sneak peek into the upcoming improvements.

Other anticipated features of iOS 18, such as the redesigned Photos app, a new Safari reader, and text effects in iMessage, are also included in the Public Beta. However, Apple Intelligence features are not yet available in either the Public Beta or the Developer Beta.