iOS 18: Everything we know about the “biggest” iPhone update ever

iOS 18 is now official and is already being beta-tested. Here’s everything you need to know about the new software before it hits your iPhone.

iOS 18 is the next operating system update for iPhones, including the upcoming iPhone 16. Although there’s still some time before it’s released to the public, several beta versions have already revealed many features.

The latest iPhone update is Apple’s chance to catch up to Google and Samsung. Those two companies packed a ton of AI features into their latest phones, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro, and right now iPhones can’t quite compete.

Apart from AI features, iOS 18 also brings RCS for better texting with Android users, a redesign, new emojis, and a bunch of bug fixes. We discuss everything about the iOS 18, including the features, release date, and supported devices.

iOS 18: Expected release timeline

Apple

Apple made the iOS 18 official at the WWDC event in June. The company has also released the public beta for the software in mid-July, and a new developer beta towards the end of the month which also introduced Apple Intelligence features to iPhones.

The public release of iOS 18 should take place in September, shortly after the launch of the iPhone 16 lineup. For reference, the iOS 17 announcement came during WWDC 2023 but Apple only started rolling out the update in September 2023.

Which iPhones will get iOS 18 update?

Every iPhone that received the iOS 17 update will also be eligible for the iOS 18 update. This means every iPhone from the iPhone XR and XS or 2nd-generation iPhone SE up through the iPhone 16 will receive iOS 18 update.

Here’s a list of iPhones that may get the iOS 18 update.

• iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd gen), SE (3rd gen)
• iPhone 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max

While the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will get iOS 18, the once-popular iPhone X model is not on the list. Older devices like the iPhone 8 series also didn’t make the cut this year.

iOS 18 features

Apple

iOS will be rolling out a bunch of new features across various areas. You can customize your home screen with new options, including theming for app icons. Place your app icons wherever you want and automatically tint them with dark mode.

The Control Center gets a multipage layout, and there’s a new “Controls Gallery” where third-party developers can add widgets. Plus, you can swap the new controls onto the lock screen, replacing the flashlight and camera icons.

Aside from design changes, there are upgrades to system apps and functions. With iOS 18, your iPhone will support locking individual apps with Face ID. In the Messages app, Tapbacks are redesigned so you can reply with any emoji or sticker. The app also now supports scheduled sending, text effects, and text formatting options like underline, strikethrough, and more.

Apple

The Mail app now automatically categorizes your emails, all done on-device. Apple Maps adds detailed topographic maps and offline support. Apple Wallet gets new features like tap-to-pay for Apple Cash, a new Apple Pay Online platform, and better support for event tickets. Plus, the Journal app now lets you log your mood, track goals, and has a new Insights view and search support.

Apple is rolling out the biggest redesign ever for the Photos app in iOS 18. You’ll be able to create albums just by typing out a description. There’s also a new feature that lets you search for images using conversational language.

The app will now have a simplified, single-view grid with months and years to help you find files quicker. Plus, there’s a new Collections feature that automatically groups your images and videos into themes like pets or kids based on common topics.

iOS 18 will also be adding RCS. iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users will be able to send messages via satellite with Messages via Satellite, even without Wi-Fi or cell service, and SMS works the same way.

iOS 18: Apple Intelligence features

Apple Intelligence is a “personal intelligence” system that brings AI to iPhones. These features will only be available to iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max onwards.

Apple Intelligence introduces solid improvements to Siri. It can understand context, similar to ChatGPT. Apple says, “Siri will be able to find and understand things that it never could before.” The virtual assistant will have on-screen awareness about what you are currently looking at and have the ability to take in-app actions.

For instance, if you are filling in a form asking for your passport number, Siri will automatically be able to find a picture of your passport and extract the relevant number to fill in the field on your behalf. Apple has also teamed up with OpenAI to let you use ChatGPT within Siri.

Apple Intelligence will also be introducing new features like Writing Tools, which help you rewrite, proofread, and summarize text. There will also be Image Playground, which lets you create images in apps like Messages and Notes with unique styles like Sketch, Illustration, and Animation.