Apple’s latest iOS update brings a game-changing feature to the Notes app, allowing users to create collapsible sections for better organization. This new functionality is part of the iOS 18 public beta, released on July 15, 2024, following its announcement at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference last month.
What’s New in iOS 18 Beta?
The beta version introduces several new features, including:
- Customizable home and lock screens
- Improved Notes app organization with collapsible sections
However, it’s important to remember that this is not the final version of iOS 18. More features may be added before the public release, expected in fall 2024.
Beta Testing Precautions
If you’re eager to try out the new features, keep these points in mind:
1. Install the beta on a secondary device, not your primary iPhone.
2. Be prepared for potential bugs and shorter battery life.
3. Remember that features may change before the final release.
How to Use Collapsible Sections in Notes?
Follow these steps to organize your Notes app using the new collapsible sections feature:
1. Open the Notes app.
2. Tap the new note button (square with a pen) in the bottom right corner.
3. Add a title to your note.
4. Tap the “Aa” in the toolbar above your keyboard. You may need to tap the plus (+) sign to reveal the toolbar.
5. Choose “Heading” or “Subheading” to create sections.
6. Add content under your headings and subheadings.
7. To collapse a section, tap the space in front of a heading or subheading. A down arrow will appear.
8. Tap the arrow to collapse everything under that heading or subheading.
Understanding the Collapsible Structure
The new organization system follows a hierarchy:
- Titles are at the top level.
- Headings can collapse under titles.
- Subheadings can collapse under headings.
Note that headings won’t collapse into other headings, and the same applies to subheadings and titles. However, if you place a subheading under a heading, it will collapse into that heading.
Practical Applications
This new feature can be incredibly useful for:
- Organizing your work week
- Keeping track of meeting notes
- Creating easy-to-navigate lists or outlines
By allowing you to collapse and expand sections as needed, the Notes app becomes a more powerful tool for managing information.
Looking Ahead
While the collapsible sections feature is already proving useful, it’s worth remembering that iOS 18 is still in beta. Users may encounter bugs or performance issues, which Apple is likely to address in future beta releases.
As we await the public release of iOS 18 this fall, stay tuned for potential updates and improvements to this and other new features.
