The iPhone’s Calendar app has long remained a basic feature with minimal updates. Over the years, Apple has left its Calendar app largely unchanged, despite the increasing competition from popular third-party apps like Google Calendar and Fantastical. However, recent updates, including iOS 18 and the upcoming iOS 18.3, have started to bring significant improvements, addressing user demands and adding new functionalities that make Apple’s built-in calendar more attractive.
Slow Evolution Despite Competition
Apple’s reluctance to update the Calendar app has been noticeable, especially as users increasingly turn to alternatives. Google Calendar and indie apps like Fantastical have steadily gained traction, offering features that the default Calendar app lacked. Apple’s seemingly hands-off approach to Calendar raised questions about whether it was ready to adapt to changing user expectations. Despite this, iOS 18 marked a shift, signaling Apple’s new interest in enhancing the native app.
With iOS 18, Apple introduced some of the most substantial changes to Calendar in years, even though these changes are relatively modest in comparison to other apps. One of the major improvements was the integration of Reminders directly into Calendar.
This allows users to manage and view their reminders alongside their events, making it easier to stay organized. However, the integration is somewhat limited, as users are unable to filter which specific reminder lists to show—they must either enable all or none.
Visual and Functional Upgrades
Along with the Reminders integration, iOS 18 brought a fresh design to the Calendar app. The update included typography and UI improvements that made the app more visually appealing and easier to navigate. Additionally, a revamped Month view was introduced, offering better visibility into event details. These updates may seem incremental, but they significantly improve the user experience, especially for those who rely on the Calendar app for daily planning.
iOS 18.3 introduces a small but clever new feature for users with iPhone 16 models equipped with Camera Control. The update includes a feature called visual intelligence, which leverages the iPhone’s camera to recognize text, including dates on flyers, posters, and other printed materials.
When the camera detects a calendar date, iOS 18.3 will offer to add the event directly to the Calendar app. This feature adds convenience by seamlessly integrating real-world information into your digital calendar, but it is exclusive to Apple’s Calendar app, making it another reason for users to stick with the built-in option.