Apple's iOS 18 is introducing a game-changing feature that simplifies the way you manage your call history: a dedicated search bar. This long-awaited addition to the Phone app is a significant improvement over the previous method of scrolling through an endless list of calls.
Say Goodbye to Endless Scrolling
(Photo : Thom Bradley from Unsplash)
iOS 18 beta has been rolled out for select testers. One of the most interesting features is the new hidden upgrade where you can search your recent calls on your iPhone.
Before iOS 18, the Phone app's Recent Calls tab displayed a continuous list of all calls made to and from the iPhone. Users had to scroll through potentially lengthy lists to find a specific call, depending on the frequency of phone use and how far back the call was made.
With the introduction of iOS 18, Apple has added a search bar to the Recents tab, making it much easier to locate specific calls without endless scrolling, according to CNET.
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How the New Search Function Enhances Usability
iOS 18 has significantly improved the user experience by introducing a search bar within the Phone app's Recents tab. To utilize this feature, users can open the Phone app and tap on the Recents tab at the bottom of the screen.
At the top of the page, the newly added search bar appears. When tapped, this bar opens a menu that categorizes calls and voicemails, with options to "See All" in each category.
This search bar allows users to quickly find specific calls and voicemails by typing in a contact's name, phone number, or specific dates.
For instance, entering "mom" or "dad" will display all calls and voicemails from those contacts, along with their contact cards. Additionally, searching for a month like "August" or "July" will show all calls and voicemails from that period. Users can also search for calls from a specific date, such as "July 5," by typing in the date.
Caution Advised: iOS 18 Beta Considerations
Despite the excitement surrounding the new features in iOS 18, it is important to remember that the software is still in its beta phase.
Beta software is not finalized and may be unstable, leading to bugs, crashes, or reduced battery life. Therefore, it is advisable to install the beta version on a secondary device rather than a primary iPhone.
Many users, for example, choose to download iOS 18 on an older iPhone model, such as the iPhone XR, to avoid potential issues with their primary devices.
Expected Bugs in Beta Software
As with any beta software, users should expect some bugs. For example, while the search function in the Recents tab effectively finds calls by date, there have been instances where the iPhone did not display voicemails when searching for specific dates, even if voicemails existed from those dates. This is likely a bug that Apple will address in future beta updates before the software's official release.
Anticipated Release Date for iOS 18
Apple has not yet announced a specific release date for iOS 18. However, with the software still in its beta phase, the iPhone maker has ample time to refine its features and resolve any issues before the public release this fall.
Users can expect additional beta updates in the coming weeks as the tech giant continues to improve the software.
To learn more about the iOS 18 overview, click here. Meanwhile, Tech Times reported that you can schedule a text in iMessage. Elsewhere, MobileNApps shared a way on how to organize your Notes app through collapsible sections.
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