iOS 18 and macOS 15 to Include Updated Freeform App With 'Scenes' Feature

With iOS 18 and macOS 15, Apple intends to introduce a plethora of new features and enhancements affecting system applications and settings. Through industry sources, MacRumors has received details about the updated version of the Freeform app, which is set to include an interesting addition.

Freeform App Icon
Known as "Freeform Scenes," the new feature will give users the option to select specific sections or "Scenes" within their boards for easier navigation. Once selected and named, users will have the ability to easily return to them after viewing other areas of the board. Users will have the option to edit scenes after the fact as well, and will even be able to collaborate with others in doing so. Our sources claim that Freeform Scenes will be compatible with iCloud, allowing for easier sharing and editing.

The controls for the Freeform Scenes UI will be located near the zoom controls, towards the bottom left area within the app. Users will see a new sandwich-bar type icon with three vertical lines, and tapping or clicking the icon will show the Scenes UI. The Scenes UI includes a bar with individual arrow icons for easier navigation between Scenes, along with a square icon between the two arrows. Clicking or tapping the square icon will present the user with additional options to select or navigate between scenes.

Apple has also developed the following keyboard shortcuts for Freeform Scenes:

  • Save – Shift + Command + S

  • Next Scene - Option + Command + ]

  • Previous Scene – Option + Command + [

Although this feature is in testing, it is worth noting that not all features make it to release, and Apple also sometimes delays new additions until a later version of iOS. While Freeform Scenes is in development for ‌iOS 18‌ and macOS 18, it could be pulled or introduced at a later date.

For more details on what to expect with Apple's upcoming operating systems, check out our rumor roundup page for iOS 18.

Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

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Top Rated Comments

nortonandreev Avatar
12 months ago
I forgot this app exists. Is anyone actually using it?
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coffeemilktea Avatar
12 months ago
I wonder if Freeform Scenes will be one of those features that go on to become wildly popular... or if it'll be like Stage Manager or the Journal app, where Apple makes a huge deal about it only for people to use it for a few days before forgetting about it. ?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
frou Avatar
12 months ago
I actually love Freeform and use it synced between all my devices for mind-mapping and just organising information spatially (infinite canvas).

One of the better all-new apps from Apple in a while. Any further development that indicates it's not just a "one and done" product is welcome!
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
12 months ago
Before I see another "does anyone actually use this?" post, the app has 123,000 ratings and 4.6 stars on the App Store. So yes, people use it and like it. It's not for me, but I can see how it can be useful for brainstorming.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kylo83 Avatar
12 months ago
Does anyone really use it
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
davidec Avatar
12 months ago

I forgot this app exists. Is anyone actually using it?
I run a music studio and I make popular music making apps and plug ins. I couldn't live without it, I use it to make mockups of everything and send to UX teams and coders and it is just brilliant in how quick it is to throw together and create wireframes and assign comments to them. One of the genuinely useful apps that Apple has pioneered as opposed to a comes free with Mac version (Pages, Numbers et all as examples).
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)