‘Apple ID’ Renamed to ‘Apple Account,’ and iOS 18 to Add New Home Automation Functionality, and Support in Maps for Hiking in National Parks

Apple is introducing a barrage of new features with the launch of the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 18, later this year.
One of the most visible changes is not even a feature of iOS 18, however: Apple is renaming “Apple ID” to “Apple Account,” a term that should not be confused with Apple Account cards in the Apple Wallet app.
Simply put, Apple Account is a rebranded Apple ID, the name for an Apple user account that is necessary for individuals to log into their devices and software. An Apple Account contains the user’s personal data and settings. Just as with Apple ID, when an Apple Account is used to log into an Apple device such as an iPhone, iPod, or MacBook Pro, the device will automatically use the data and settings associated with the Apple Account.
If you’re wondering what all the hoopla is about the Apple ID name change and Apple ID itself, here’s Apple’s explanation
“Your Apple ID is the account that you use to access Apple services like the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and more,” Apple says in a current webpage on its website. “It includes the email address and password that you use to sign in as well as all the contact, payment, and security details that you use across Apple services.”
Some of the more interesting new features coming down the pike include U.S. national park hikes and custom walking routes in Apple Maps, the ability to pay with rewards and installments with Apple Pay, and new accessibility features in Apple Music.
In addition, other new and seemingly quite useful features coming in iOS 18 include the addition of color text support in the Notes app. The fixed palette will include purple, pink, orange, mint, and blue. Other new features being added to Notes include live audio transcription and summarization, collapsible section headers, and the option to have Notes solve typed math problems.
Finally, if you use Apple Homekit for Home Automation, a number of new features is being added. The list includes Guest Access and Hands-Free Unlock to door locks, Electricity Usage Integration and, later this year, Apple plans to add support for robot vacuum cleaners.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)