iOS 18: Must-Know iPhone Features for Parents | South Florida Photos & Videos
Apple just rolled out their latest iPhone update, iOS 18, and I have to say, it’s got some pretty awesome features that could make our parenting lives a little easier. I’ve been playing around with it, and I wanted to share a few updates that might be useful for those of us juggling kids, screen time, and staying connected. Let’s dive in!
Schedule Text Messages
If you’re anything like me, you probably need to constantly remind your kid about cleaning up their room (the classic!) or to text you when they get to their friend’s house. Well, not anymore! iOS 18 has a Send Later feature that lets you schedule text messages. Just hit the "+" symbol in the Messages app and choose "Send Later." You can set the date and time you want the message to go out, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting. It’s great for those “Finish your homework or chores before screen time” texts!
2. Lock and Hide Apps with Face ID
Okay, you know the drill: you hand your phone to your kid for a quick game, and next thing you know, they’re swiping through apps they shouldn’t be in. iOS 18 has a cool new feature where you can lock specific apps with Face ID! It’s super easy: just press and hold the app until a menu pops up, then tap “Require Face ID” or “Hide and Require Face ID.” If you choose to hide it, the app will disappear from your home screen and only show up in the App Library, where it can’t be opened without your Face ID. So, whether it’s your holiday shopping list or a personal app, it’s safely tucked away from curious little fingers.
3. Help Family with SharePlay on FaceTime
Ever tried explaining how to fix a tech issue over the phone? It’s the worst! But with SharePlay, you can now actually see and interact with someone else’s screen during a FaceTime call. This is perfect if you’re trying to help a grandparent or your partner figure something out on their iPhone. You just start a FaceTime call, press the SharePlay button, and request to share their screen. If they approve, you can even control their screen to show them how to fix things step by step.
4. Better Messaging with Android Users
If your kids have Android phones, you’ve probably dealt with the whole “I didn’t get your text” excuse. Well, with iOS 18, you can turn on RCS Messaging in your settings, which gives you read receipts, typing indicators, and even location sharing, so there are no more excuses! This works if their Android phone is also using RCS. If not, you’ll still see the good old "SMS" label, and everything will work just like before. Either way, it’s a small win for family communication!
5. Stay Connected with Satellite Messaging
We’ve all been there: no signal, no Wi-Fi, and of course, that’s the exact moment you need to reach someone. Apple’s satellite messaging feature in iOS 18 helps with that! If you’ve got an iPhone 14 or newer, you can send texts via satellite when you’re out of service. It’s not just for emergencies either, it works for regular texts too, whether the person on the other end has an iPhone or Android. You can even use it to request roadside assistance through the "Find My" app. It’s like a little safety net when you’re off the grid!
6. Apple Cash is Easier Than Ever
Ever had your teen ask for money at the last minute? iOS 18 makes it super easy to send cash between iPhones. All you have to do is tap your phones together. No need to look up contact details or phone numbers. This feature could save so much time when your kids need money for a movie or snacks. Just a quick tap, and they’re good to go!
That’s it: Six ways iOS 18 can make life just a little easier for us parents! From keeping prying eyes out of your apps to making sure your kids get your messages, these updates are definitely worth checking out. Give them a try and see how they fit into your daily routine.