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iPhone flashlight gets an awesome upgrade with Apple’s new iOS 18

Apples new iOS 18 will officially roll out to the public in September 2024, but some lucky iPhone testers have made it to the front of the line. TikToker GregsGadgets has shared his impressions of a new update to the iPhones flashlight.

Via their company Newsroom, Apple says iOS 18 will make the iPhone more intelligent than ever, with their biggest-ever redesign of Photos. Their press release doesnt actually mention the upgrade to the iOSs flashlight capabilities, so heres what weve been able to pick up on from elsewhere.

Apple IOS 18 - Siri AI - Photo Illustration
The Apple iOS 18 logo is being displayed on a smartphone in this photo illustration in Brussels, Belgium, on June 10, 2024. (Photo Illustration by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

iPhone flashlight gets illuminating new feature with iOS 18

The upgrade iOS 18 will offer the iPhones flashlight is so cool, says TikToker GregsGadgets. Customers will be able to take advantage of the updates in September this year.

I go to turn on the flashlight, he says. Then he long-presses the dynamic island that represents the feature on his screen. 

The first thing that catches his eye is that by dragging his thumb down on the brightness bar, he can dim his iPhone flashlight. This may not strike many as particularly original.

But heres the cool part, he goes on to say. He then drags his thumb side to side, and by doing so makes the flashlight beam on his iPhone 18 wider or more narrow. Hes a fan of the accompanying animation, too.

Watch his reaction video below.

Is this just for Apple iOS 18?

TikTok users in the comments section of the video embedded above have been quick to voice their skepticism towards the originality and magnitude of this feature.

One writes that the new flashlight feature has been a thing forever, and that Apple just redesigned it. However, another points out that the widening and narrowing capability is, in fact, all-new.�

And the brightness has been adjustable on previous models, but not continuously. It had a limited set of discrete brightness levels before, they say.

Others have been joining the fray, but many of the most strident, provocative comments seem to be from people with their tongues firmly in their cheeks, i.e., not being entirely serious. 

One says Android systems boasted this feature five years ago. Another says their Samsung had it in 2006. Consumers can be very loyal when it comes to technology brands.

If you’re new to iOS and this is convincing you to take the plunge, it matters when you buy a new handset, and there’s a ‘best’ time of year to make your iPhone purchase.

Other features to watch out for from the new iOS

iOS 18 introduces Apple Intelligence, a complete overhaul of the Photos app, new ways for users to manage their Mail inbox, and more. Thats according to a company press release from June 10.

We are thrilled to introduce iOS 18, says the companys senior vice president for software engineering. It is a huge release with incredible features, including new levels of customization and capability, a redesigned Photos app, and powerful ways to stay connected with Messages.

There are so many benefits for everyone.

By everyone, he means anyone with an iPhone SE (2nd generation) and onwards  new updates tend to relegate older models to the growing pile of obsolete iPhones. This includes anyone with the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone 11+. 

If your iPhone is in its twilight years, and Apple has formally rendered it obsolete, tech experts advise buying a new(er) model. Refurbished iPhones are cheaper than brand-new ones, obviously.�