Apple's upcoming iOS 18 update is set to introduce two significant features that will enhance the iPhone user experience and ecosystem integration. These additions aim to streamline device interaction and simplify financial transactions for Apple users.
iPhone Mirroring: Bridging the Gap Between Mobile and Desktop
One of the most anticipated features in iOS 18 is iPhone Mirroring, which will allow users to display and control their iPhone directly from their Mac. This feature requires both iOS 18 and macOS Sonoma, and will be compatible with:
- iPhones dating back to the iPhone XR or second-generation iPhone SE
- Macs running Apple Silicon
- Intel-based Macs with the T2 security chip
iPhone Mirroring enables users to:
- View their iPhone display in a window on their Mac
- Control the iPhone using the Mac's keyboard, mouse, and trackpad
- Access all installed applications and notifications
This integration brings Apple's ecosystem closer to the connected experiences offered by some Android manufacturers, such as Samsung and Honor, who have promoted similar functionalities with Windows PCs.
Tap to Cash: Simplifying Peer-to-Peer Payments
The second major feature, Tap to Cash, revolutionizes how iPhone users can send money to each other using Apple Cash. This new method allows for quick and easy transfers when both parties are physically present. Here's how it works:
- Both devices must run iOS 18 and have Apple Cash enabled
- Users need to enable the Bringing Devices Together option in AirDrop settings
- The sender opens the Wallet app and selects their Apple Cash card
- After entering the amount and confirming with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode, the sender brings their iPhone close to the recipient's device
- The recipient taps Accept to complete the transaction
While Tap to Cash offers a convenient way to send money, it's worth noting that it doesn't support requesting funds. For that, users will still need to rely on the traditional text message method.
These new features in iOS 18 demonstrate Apple's commitment to enhancing user experience and catching up with competitors in areas where they may have fallen behind. As the release date approaches, it will be interesting to see how these additions impact the daily lives of iPhone users and the broader Apple ecosystem.