What we know so far about the update, when the rumored launch date is

iPhone 16 this, iPhone 16 that. What about those of us who don’t need an upgrade this year? Well, you still have something to look forward to.

Apple will hold its next special event on Monday, September 9, and many expect the technology company to then confirm the launch date for its latest operating system update – iOS 18.

CEO Tim Cook and other company executives first unveiled the new update and some of its features during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June this year, adding that it will improve messaging and communications for iPhone users.

More: Happy iPhone 16 release day! Apple’s presence in Florida: how many stores, where, interesting facts

“Messages play a central role in how we communicate with the most important people in our lives,” said Ronak Shah, Apple’s director of Internet technologies and product marketing. “That’s why in iOS 18 we’re giving you all-new ways to express yourself and stay connected.”

Here’s everything you need to know about iOS 18 and how you can attend Apple’s September event on Monday.

What features are included in iOS 18?

Some of the features that iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence bring, according to Apple and USA TODAY, include:

More customizable home screens
Genmojis, artificial intelligence-generated emojis that users can create with a description
Schedule a message
Redesigned photo app that allows users to browse photos by month or year taken, among other things
Image Playground, which allows users to create images or receive concept suggestions in messages related to their conversations
Rewrite, proofread, and summarize text in emails, notes, pages, and third-party apps
Transcription services in the Notes and Phone app

Details about iOS 18: Better (and planned) messaging is just the beginning of future features

Which phones will get iOS 18? Not every phone is compatible

iOS 18 will be available as a free download for iPhone Xs and later this fall. Apple notes that the update will be compatible with the following specific models:

iPhone15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone14
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone8
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

Is iOS 18 here yet? When can we expect a release announcement?

Not yet, but soon. While Apple’s own website only says “Fall 2024,” experts believe that officials will confirm the release date during the September event and that it could even come out this month.

Consumer technology magazine CNET expects the update to arrive within five days of the September 9 event, or at least within a week of its announcement. According to Apple’s history over the past decade, the company has released the last eight iOS updates within a week of their launch, and several more within a few days of the September event.

What is the latest iOS version today?

On September 6, the latest version of iOS and iPadOS 17.6 is available. iOS 17 was already introduced in September 2023.

How to update to iOS 18 when it comes out

Before you update your iPhone, it’s important to back up your phone. This way, you can protect your data by making a copy and saving the information from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

After you’ve backed up your phone, Apple recommends that you connect your phone to power and connect it to Wi-Fi. Then you can follow these steps:

Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
If more than one software update option is available, select the one you want to install.
Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update. Enter your passcode, then tap Install Now.

What else can we expect from Apple’s “Glowtime” event in September?

Apple’s next scheduled event in 2024 will take place at the technology company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. USA Today said the company’s September events usually revolve around the launch of new iPhones.

Many technology experts and writers are predicting that the tech giant will unveil the latest mobile phone – the iPhone 16 along with its Pro and Pro Max models. Apple hasn’t confirmed much yet, but the new phone is expected to have a larger screen, new camera features, and new colors to choose from.

News about the iPhone 16: Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 16 at an event on Monday. Here’s what we know and how to live stream the event

Apple has also not yet announced anything official about the possible cost of the iPhone 16, but many expect a price increase due to the new artificial intelligence features and higher production costs.

Others believe that in addition to the iPhone 16, updates will also come for the Apple Watch models and Apple Airpods.

Add the launch to the calendar What time is the Apple event “Glowtime”?

Experience the new product launch when it premieres. The Apple event will go live on Monday, September 9, at 1:00 p.m. EST. Anyone can watch it on apple.com, the Apple TV app, or the YouTube channel.

Contributor: Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY