Apple’s iOS 18 is packed with features, but let’s be real: not all of them are winning fans. From baffling app redesigns to inexplicable battery drains, many users are scratching their heads and wishing they could turn back time. If you’ve found yourself groaning over some of these changes, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are fixes to ease your frustration.
The Photos App Overhaul Nobody Asked For
What changed: Apple decided the Photos app needed a makeover, and boy, did they go all out. The app now piles everything—memories, utilities, albums, and new AI-generated photo montages—into one endless scrolling feed. You’ll also spot random extras like wallpaper suggestions that feel more cluttered than clever.
The fix: While you can’t undo the redesign, you can tame the chaos. Scroll down to the “Customize & Reorder” section in the Photos app settings. Here, you can hide features you don’t use or rearrange them to prioritize what you actually want to see. Think of it as decluttering your digital junk drawer.
Supersized Emojis: Fun or Overkill?
What changed: Emojis are bigger and bolder in iOS 18, appearing larger in both the keyboard and in message threads. That’s great if you’re sending a heart emoji—but not so much for, say, the eggplant. Let’s just say some people weren’t ready for emojis in HD.
The fix: If you’re longing for the old emoji layout, consider switching to a third-party keyboard like Microsoft’s SwiftKey. It keeps emojis compact, though you’ll need to grant the app permissions. Alternatively, send a bit of text with your emoji to shrink its size in conversations. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than feeling like you’re shouting with every smiley face.
Control Center Chaos
What changed: Control Center has always been busy, but iOS 18 takes it to another level. Now, you can swipe through multiple screens to manage media, smart home devices, and more. Unfortunately, this also means extra taps for simple tasks, like toggling Bluetooth.
The fix: Thankfully, customization is your best friend here. Open Control Center, tap the “+” icon in the top-left corner, and start removing any features you don’t need. Streamlining it back to the essentials will help bring back some much-needed simplicity.
Battery Life Taking a Hit
What changed: After updating to iOS 18, many users noticed their battery life dropping faster than a phone call in a tunnel. While it’s normal for updates to temporarily drain power, the issue seems to linger for some.
The fix: First, give it a couple of days. Updates often include background tasks that sort themselves out after some time. If the drain persists, take control by heading to Settings > Battery to see which apps are the biggest offenders. Disable unnecessary “Background App Refresh” for power-hungry apps under Settings > General.
For a more immediate boost, turn off Apple Intelligence and Siri’s constant listening feature. Small tweaks like these can make a noticeable difference without sacrificing too much functionality.
If you’re not thrilled with iOS 18’s changes, rest assured you’re not alone. While Apple’s updates are often a mixed bag, these workarounds should help you regain some control—and maybe even enjoy the new features you do like. Until Apple’s next big release, at least.
Joyce Lewis is a talented journalist at 3Zebras, known for her insightful coverage of technology, gaming, and privacy issues. Her work delves into the human aspects of tech, from the politeness of virtual assistants to the security risks of smart toys. Joyce’s articles are engaging and informative, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.