Apple will release the iOS 18 operating system for eligible iPhone models starting today, September 16. While the new iPhone 16 series, which come with iOS 18 pre-installed, will be available starting September 20, eligible older generation models will receive the update starting September 16.
Unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June this year, iOS 18 introduces a number of new features and tools, as well as a redesign of several elements of the iPhone software. Apple Intelligence is a major highlight of this release, but isn’t expected to be available as a stable update until next month.
iOS 18: What’s new
Customizing the home screen
iOS 18 brings expanded Home screen customization options, giving users more flexibility in rearranging apps and widgets. Users can now change color themes and apply unique app icons specifically for dark mode to add a personal touch.
Revised Control Center
Control Center has been redesigned with an updated set of controls that can be accessed with a swipe up gesture, making it easier to adjust connected smart devices at home. The new design allows access to these settings directly from the lock screen, with the option to use the action button for even quicker access. Control tiles can now also be rearranged as desired.
App lock for more privacy
iOS 18 introduces a long-awaited feature: App Lock. Users can now lock individual apps and hide them in a secure folder, providing more privacy and protecting sensitive information.
News app updates
The Messages app includes several new features, such as broader compatibility with other messaging platforms through RCS support. New features like emoji and sticker reactions, scheduled message sending, text formatting, and dynamic text effects improve the user experience. Satellite messaging is now available for iPhone 14 and newer models, enabling communication in remote locations.
Changes to the Mail app
iOS 18 brings improved sorting capabilities to the Mail app, with on-device categorization that organizes emails into groups like Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. This smart sorting feature will be available in a future update.
Game mode for iPhones
Macs’ Game Mode comes to iPhones with iOS 18, offering options to optimize performance based on gaming requirements.
Revised Photos app
The Photos app has been completely redesigned in iOS 18, making it easier to access memories and organize your photo library. Smart features automatically manage collections, simplifying photo management.
Audio and Siri
Siri in iOS 18 introduces gesture-based interactions, such as nodding to confirm a command, enabling more hands-free capabilities. Additionally, voice isolation for AirPods Pro improves call quality, while personalized spatial audio for games will be introduced later this year. Need for Speed Mobile is the first game to support the feature.
Apple Intelligence: When will it come
A beta version of the first Apple Intelligence features is scheduled to be released next month as part of iOS 18.1, with further updates expected in the following months. While iOS 18 remains compatible with older iPhone models, the new Apple Intelligence features are limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The new iPhone 16 series, designed for Apple Intelligence, will support these new AI tools.
Apple said the AI features will initially be available on devices where Siri is set to US English, with additional languages and platforms to follow next year. By the end of this year, localized English versions will be supported for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. In 2024, these AI features will expand to other languages such as Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish.
iOS 18: Eligible older generation 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)
iOS 18: How to check, download and install
- Go to Settings.
- Tap “General Settings” and go to the “Software Update” section.
- If the update is available, you will see a Download and Install option on your iPhone. Tap it to start the process.
- Once the download is complete, you will have the option to update now, install later, or select “Remind me later.”
- Tap Install to update immediately, or choose other options as you wish.
- If prompted, enter your passcode to continue.
First published: September 16, 2024 | 11:38 am IS
