Apple’s iOS 18 update introduces a plethora of new features, allowing users to customize their app icons, rearrange apps/widgets on the home screen, personalize lock screen controls, and more. The update offers a wealth of options to explore.
One standout feature is the ability to completely customize the Control Center. Having initially overlooked this feature, I recently decided to delve into it and revamp my Control Center setup on my iPhone 16. After spending around 30 minutes tweaking it, I believe I’ve crafted the perfect setup for me.
My Customized Control Center Setup
Starting from the top, I have enlarged the media playback control to prominently display album artwork and a progress bar for the current song/podcast. Below that, the new connectivity control in iOS 18 provides quick access to features like airplane mode, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Adjacent to that, I’ve positioned brightness and volume sliders for easy adjustment.
Further down, I have resized six of my most frequently used controls for easier access. These include controls for Focus modes, ring/silent settings, QR code scanner, Shazam, screen recorder, and the calculator app. At the bottom, I’ve placed additional controls that I use less often, such as screen rotation lock, low power mode, Apple TV remote, and Apple Watch finder, resized to a smaller circle.
Lastly, I’ve dedicated a separate page in my Control Center to smart home controls, with a full-screen widget providing access to various smart devices like lights, HomePods, and customized scenes.
Challenges Faced During Setup
While I’m satisfied with my Control Center’s current state, reaching this point was not without challenges. As pointed out by Christine Romero-Chen in a previous article, the editing process for the Control Center can be cumbersome and erratic.
#ios18 control center is chaotic whenever i try to replace one icon with another – why dont we have a replace feature instead of the reorganization game every time @Apple #apple #controlcenter pic.twitter.com/XzaqbeA2jH
— Ahmad Alaa El-Din (@3a1a2) October 4, 2024
I’ve encountered instances where controls disappeared after resizing or moving them, and situations where iOS failed to update control positions accurately. These issues can be frustrating, as highlighted in the accompanying video.
The Reward of Patience
The effort I put into refining my Control Center was worth it. The customized setup aligns with my usage habits, with easy access to essential controls and a visually pleasing layout. The ability to personalize the Control Center to suit one’s preferences is a standout feature of iOS 18.
By sharing my Control Center setup on Threads and seeing others’ designs, I realized the diverse possibilities for customization offered by iOS 18. Despite the challenges faced during setup, the end result is a Control Center that caters to my needs and enhances my iPhone experience.
