iOS 18 Control Center Controls Gallery Explained

Apple’s iOS 18 introduces a completely redesigned Control Center featuring a centralized Controls Gallery that organizes system tools, accessibility features, and third-party shortcuts into distinct, searchable categories. This new interface replaces the static settings list from previous versions, allowing users to quickly locate, preview, and add specific toggles and widgets directly to their personalized Control Center screens.

To open the gallery, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center, then tap the plus icon (+) in the upper-left corner or long-press an empty space on the screen. Selecting Add a Control at the bottom of the editing interface opens the full Controls Gallery sheet.

Search Functionality

At the top of the Controls Gallery sits a unified search bar. Users can type keywords, action verbs, or specific feature names to locate items instantly. The search engine parses:

  • Exact tool names (e.g., "Flashlight", "Timer", "Calculator")
  • Action types (e.g., "Record", "Scan", "Listen")
  • App names (e.g., "Home", "Clock", or compatible third-party applications)

As you type, the gallery dynamically filters out non-relevant sections, displaying only the items that match the search term across both native and third-party tools.

Structured System Categories

Beneath the search bar, system functions are grouped into alphabetically and functionally organized sections:

  • Suggested: Displays dynamically recommended controls based on routine device usage and common tasks.
  • Connectivity: Contains toggles for Airplane Mode, Cellular Data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Personal Hotspot, AirDrop, and VPN connections.
  • Display & Brightness: Groups settings such as Dark Mode, True Tone, Night Shift, and Screen Mirroring.
  • Media & Audio: Houses playback controls, volume sliders, AirPlay destinations, and Now Playing widgets.
  • Accessibility: Gathers assistive features into one dedicated group, including Live Listen, Hearing Devices, Voice Memos, Sound Recognition, Vocal Shortcuts, and Guided Access.
  • Capture & Imaging: Houses quick triggers for Camera, QR Code Scanner, Screen Recording, and the Magnifier tool.
  • Utilities: Includes everyday productivity tools such as the Timer, Stopwatch, Alarm, Calculator, and Quick Note.
  • Home: Integrates automated scenes, smart locks, climate controls, and favorite accessories configured in the Apple Home app.
  • Watch & Remote: Contains tools like Ping My Watch and the Apple TV Remote.

Third-Party App Categorization

Developers using the iOS 18 Controls API can surface custom controls directly inside this gallery. Rather than being mixed arbitrarily into system utilities, third-party controls are automatically cataloged under their respective application headers. Users can scroll to the app’s name or use the top search bar to view all supported quick actions provided by that specific app.

Layout Preview and Selection

Each entry within a category shows a visual preview of the icon alongside a descriptive label. Once a control is selected from its category, it drops onto the active Control Center grid, where users can drag it into position and resize it into 1x1, 2x2, or wider rectangular configurations.