iOS 18 brings some exciting updates to the Files app, improving its functionality and making file management on your iPhone more convenient than ever. Let's dive into the new features and explore how they can improve your workflow.

Desktop and documents in the Cloud setup

Setting up cloud storage for your desktop and documents folders is now easier than ever. Here's how it works:

  • When you set up a third-party cloud account on your device, you'll receive an invitation to sync your desktop and documents to the cloud.
  • If you don't set it up right away, don't worry! You can always do it later in Settings.

This feature streamlines the process of keeping your important files backed up and accessible across all your devices.

Keep downloaded

Have you ever needed a file while offline, only to find it's not available? The new "Keep downloaded" feature solves this problem:

  • Choose specific iCloud files you always want to access on your device.
  • Any changes you make to these files while offline will sync with iCloud when you're back online.

This ensures you always have your crucial files at your fingertips, regardless of your internet connection.

Expanded external drive file formats

If you're using an iPhone with USB-C, you now have more options when it comes to formatting external drives:

  • Touch and hold an external drive in the Files app.
  • Choose to format the drive to one of these file systems:
    • APFS (Apple File System)
    • exFAT
    • MS-DOS (FAT32)

This flexibility allows you to use your external drives with a wider range of devices and operating systems.

Erasing an external drive

Erasing an external drive is now a simple process:

  • Connect your external drive to your iPhone.
  • Open the Files app and locate the mounted drive.
  • Touch and hold the drive icon.
  • Tap "Erase" from the menu that appears.

This feature provides a quick and easy way to wipe an external drive directly from your iPhone, without needing a computer.

What these features mean for you?

Improved cloud integration. The new cloud setup process makes it easier to keep your desktop and documents in sync across all your devices. This is particularly useful if you frequently work on files across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Better offline access. With the "Keep downloaded" feature, you can ensure that important files are always available, even when you don't have an internet connection. This is perfect for frequent travellers or anyone who works in areas with spotty connectivity.

More flexibility with external drives. The expanded formatting options and easy erasing feature make it simpler to manage external storage devices directly from your iPhone. This is especially useful for those who frequently transfer files between different devices or operating systems.

These features aim to improve file management on iOS devices. You can now perform more file-related tasks directly on your iPhone, potentially reducing the need to switch to a computer for some operations.