For the first time, After Effects could utilize multiple CPU cores to render frames in parallel, rather than processing them sequentially on a single core.

Professional reviews and technical benchmarks highlight that while v18.0 pushed boundaries, it remained highly resource-dependent. After Effects 18.0 is here! - Adobe Community

Motion Graphics Templates (.mogrt) were upgraded to allow users to swap out images and videos directly within Adobe Premiere Pro . This turned After Effects projects into dynamic, reusable templates for editors.

A dedicated toggle in the Composition panel that provides a horizon line and vanishing point, enabling designers to orient objects accurately in 3D space.

Initial MFR support was limited to the Render Queue , with later updates planned for Composition Preview and Dynamic Link. 2. Enhanced 3D Design Space

A diagnostic tool designed to help users identify which specific layers and effects are slowing down playback, enabling more efficient project optimization.

The most significant technical shift in v18.0 (initially in public beta) was the introduction of Multi-Frame Rendering.