iOS 18 has transformed how I use my iPhone – hidden text trick is a game-changer but fast calling tool is even better

IPHONE fans across the world have been busy trying out the latest version of iOS.

While the huge customisation changes and new apps have been getting most of the attention, there are a load of smaller but equally significant updates few people know about.

The good thing is, iOS works well across several older iPhone models, including my two year old iPhone 14 Pro Max.

I've been testing iOS 18 over the last 12 hours to dig deeper and try some of these lesser-known tricks.

If you haven't already, you can install iOS 18 for free from the iPhone settings.

Then you can enjoy some of the additional tools and perks we've listed below.

Quick dialling trick

There's a new way to quickly call up your friends and family that cuts down on the number of taps you make.

While this may not seem like much, it trims a second or two off - and matches a feature that's been on Android for years.

It's officially known as T9 dialling.

Instead of searching through your phone book, you can tap the digits that correspond to the letters of the person's name.

So, "mum" is 686... and the number will show up at the top of the screen for you.

Text to the next level

Apple has brought some fun to good old texting in the Messages app.

Now, you can bring words to life with all sorts of animations.

Just highlight the word or sentence you want to animate, go to text effects and you'll see a load of options such as jittering or exploding.

And for those who want their texts to be sent at a specific time, you can.

Tap the plus symbol, then Send Later to choose a time.

Top torch

The iPhone torch is a life-saving tool and it's just got a load more handy.

Users can not only adjust the brightness but also the depth of the beam now.

A new animation appears on screen allowing you to adjust as you see fit.

Can I get iOS 18 on my iPhone?

Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor

Apple is pretty good at making sure previous iPhones receive iOS updates and as many new features as possible.

Here is the full list of iPhones that are eligible for iOS 18:

• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max

If your model isn't on the list, sadly you can't access the new features listed above.

But Apple will continue to roll out fixes for iOS 17 for a while yet.