iOS 18 is finally here! Along with its sleek updates and fresh features, Apple has shuffled its Settings app, moving things around.
This can feel like a
game of hide-and-seek, but don't worry, I’ve got you covered. Let’s walk
through the most important settings to adjust so you can enhance your privacy,
save battery life, and keep your iPhone running smoothly.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
1. Start with Battery Health
Let’s kick off by
tweaking your battery settings.
- Open Settings and navigate to Battery,
then tap Charging.
- Set a Charge Limit: Lithium-ion batteries, like the one in
your iPhone, don’t love staying at 100%. Over time, this habit can shorten
their lifespan.
3. Slide the new Charge Limit feature to
90% for day-to-day use. This keeps your phone's battery healthier for longer.
If friends complain
their phone only charges to 80% or 90%, let them know it’s a setting they can
adjust, not a problem with their device.
2. Organize Your Subscriptions
Cutting down on
unnecessary expenses is always a win.
- Go back to Settings, tap your name,
and head to Subscriptions.
- Review the list for anything you no longer
need.
- To cancel a subscription, tap on it and
hit Cancel Subscription. You’ll still get the remaining time you’ve
already paid for!
Bonus: Check out alternate subscription plans, you
might find cheaper options that suit your needs.
3. Adjust Cellular Settings for Speed and Battery
5G isn’t always your
best friend.
- Go to Settings > Cellular >
Cellular Data Options:
- Select LTE if you have spotty 5G
coverage. It can be faster and saves battery.
- Turn off 5G Standalone, it’s
rarely necessary.
- Tap Data Mode and avoid Allow
More Data on 5G unless you really need it. Instead, stick to Standard
or Low Data Mode.
Why Low Data Mode? It delays background processes until you’re on
Wi-Fi, saving battery and data.
4. Wi-Fi: Stay Secure
- Navigate to Wi-Fi in Settings, then scroll to Ask to Join Networks and turn it off.
- Avoid random networks like "Netgear" at cafes, you never know who’s behind them. Stick to trusted networks like those provided by Starbucks or similar venues.
5. Fine-Tune App Store Settings
Let’s minimize clutter
and save battery.
- Go to Settings > App Store:
- Turn off App Downloads to stop apps downloaded on one device from appearing on another.
- Disable Video Autoplay to prevent videos from playing automatically in the App Store.
- Turn off In-App Ratings and Reviews for a smoother app experience without constant review requests.
6. Optimize Camera Settings
Take control of your
photos and videos.
- Navigate to Settings > Camera:
- Turn off Prioritize Faster Shooting. This ensures your pictures are always high quality, even during rapid shots.
- Disable Apple ProRes unless you’re a pro and can handle the large file sizes.
7. Sounds and Haptics Tweaks
Keyboard clicks and
sounds? No thanks!
- Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics:
- Turn off the Keyboard Sound and Lock Sound, they’re unnecessary and drain the battery.
- Decide if you want Haptic Feedback. If you’re indifferent, turning it off saves battery.
8. Notifications: Keep It Private
No one wants text
messages popping up during a presentation.
- Head to Settings > Notifications
> Screen Sharing.
- Turn off Allow Notifications here
to keep your texts private while sharing your screen.
9. Display and Brightness: Always-On Display
This feature is
smarter than you think.
- Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always-On Display.
- Turn off Show Wallpaper to focus on useful information like time and notifications without draining your battery.
10. Privacy First
Protecting your
personal data is key.
- In Settings, scroll to Privacy
& Security:
- Turn off Allow Apps to Request to
Track.
- Review app permissions for Photos
and Contacts, limiting access to only what’s necessary.
- Disable all options under Analytics
& Improvements and Apple Advertising to reduce data
sharing.
- For Location Services:
- Go through your app list and switch any
app using Always to While Using the App or Never.
- Under System Services, turn off
unnecessary options like Product Improvements.
11. Search and Background App Refresh
Stop Apple and apps
from hoarding your data.
- Go to Settings > Search and turn
off Improve Search.
- Head to Settings > General >
Background App Refresh and select Wi-Fi or Off to save
battery.
12. Mail and Messages
Streamline your
communication apps.
- In Settings > Mail > Accounts
> Fetch New Data, set it to Every 15 Minutes to avoid
constant server checks.
- For Messages, turn off Low-Quality
Image Mode to ensure your images are sent in their full glory.
13. Safari and Advanced Privacy Settings
Even your browser
needs a little love.
- Go to Settings > Safari:
- Turn off Preload Top Hit to avoid unnecessary battery and data usage.
- Under Advanced, disable Privacy-Preserving Ad Measurement to stop unnecessary tracking.
14. Final Tips for a Smooth Experience
Here are a few last steps to
tie everything together:
- Auto-Lock: Set it to a reasonable time under Settings
> Display & Brightness.
- Review Hidden Albums: Go to Settings > Photos and
turn off Show Hidden Album if you truly want it hidden.
Final Thoughts
By following these
simple steps, you’ll enjoy a longer battery life, improved privacy, and a more
organized iPhone experience.
iOS 18 is packed with
thoughtful features, it’s all about making the most of them. Got tips of your
own? Share them in the comments below!
If you found this
guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Happy
optimizing!
