The introduction of iOS 18 brought about a significant overhaul to the Control Center for both iPhone and iPad. After months of using it, here are three controls that have notably enhanced my experience.
#1: AirPods Noise Cancellation
Apple has included a method for adjusting AirPods noise cancellation directly in the Control Center. However, it’s not the most efficient solution.
When connected to AirPods, you must long-press the volume slider to see the existing noise cancellation status. If you wish to modify this setting, additional taps are required.
To simplify this, I’ve created a straightforward Shortcuts control that allows me to activate noise cancellation mode with one tap.
Just set up a basic shortcut using the Set Noise Control Mode action, then add this Shortcuts control to your Control Center and customize it accordingly.
Now, whenever I need to check if my AirPods Pro 2’s noise cancellation is active, I simply tap my new Control Center button—no extra steps needed.
#2: Vehicle Motion Cues
Among the most impressive features introduced in iOS 18, Vehicle Motion Cues stands out for me.
This new option has significantly alleviated my motion sickness while in a vehicle, and I activate it through the Control Center whenever I’m a passenger.
According to Apple, here’s how it operates:
Research indicates that motion sickness often arises from a sensory disconnect between what a person perceives visually and what they physically experience, which can hinder the comfort of using an iPhone or iPad while in a moving vehicle. Vehicle Motion Cues provides animated dots on the screen’s edges to represent the vehicle’s motion dynamics, helping mitigate sensory dissonance without disrupting the main content. Leveraging iPhone and iPad sensors, Vehicle Motion Cues detects when users are in motion and adjusts accordingly.
I’ve found Vehicle Motion Cues incredibly helpful on my iPhone, but I utilize it even more frequently with my iPad. During the workday, I can easily get into a car, have my wife drive, and open the Control Center on my iPad to enable the Vehicle Motion Cues feature.
The animated dots combined with a cellular signal create a surprisingly smooth work experience while on the move.
#3: Background Sounds for Ambient Noise
No matter if I’m working on my iPad in a car or relaxing at home or in a café, having ambient noise is essential for me.
There are numerous white noise apps on the App Store available, like Portal or Endel. However, iOS has included its own built-in ambient noise options for years.
With the release of iOS 18, two new ‘Background Sounds’ were introduced alongside a specific Control Center toggle.
I’m particularly fond of the new Fire sound, which I regularly switch on and off throughout the day with ease in Control Center.
To enable your Background Sounds control, either search in Control Center or head over to the Hearing Accessibility section.
What are your favorite Control Center controls? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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