Even should you’re not planning to purchase one of many new iPhones, your present iPhone (XR and later) can now get a bunch of latest options following the discharge of iOS 18.
Among the many new options in iOS 18 are a redesigned Pictures app, new methods to customise your Dwelling display screen and wallpaper, new Messages reactions, privacy-related options and dozens of different smaller modifications. There will even be some AI options, dubbed Apple Intelligence coming to some iPhones (discover out in the event that they’ll be in your iPhone under).
This free software program replace brings interface tweaks, bug fixes, and new options. It’s like getting a brand new iPhone with out paying a penny. On this article, we talk about all the pieces it is advisable learn about iOS 18, together with which iPhones will be capable to run iOS 18, the brand new options – and the brand new options nonetheless to return as a result of they weren’t prepared in time for the launch of iOS 18. We’ll additionally talk about any issues and fixes, the newest replace and what’s coming within the subsequent replace to iOS 18.
We even have details about the beta program together with the newest model of the general public and developer betas.
Replace December 5: The discharge candidate for iOS 18.2 is out now for beta testers. The large launch is anticipated on Monday, December 9.
iOS 18: Newest model
- iOS 18.1.1: November 19, 2024
iOS 18 arrived on Monday, September 16. macOS Sequoia, watchOS and iPadOS 18 have been additionally launched on the similar time.
The newest model is iOS 18.1.1 which incorporates fixes for 2 safety vulnerabilities which have really been utilized in assaults on Intel-based Macs. In notes accompanying the replace, Apple writes: “Apple is conscious of a report that this problem could have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac methods.” The mounted points embrace a flaw in JavaScriptCore framework and a flaw in WebKit.
iOS 18.1 arrived on October 28, and brings the primary set of Apple Intelligence options to iPhone 16 fashions and iPhone 15 Professional and Max. There will probably be extra Apple Intelligence options launched in iOS 18.2 and iOS 18.3. If you wish to know extra concerning the staggered launch of Apple Intelligence options, learn: Apple Intelligence is a gradual rollout—right here’s what you’ll get, and when.
iOS 18.1: New options
iOS 18.1 brings a number of Apple Intelligence options to iPhones which are suitable with Apple Intelligence (that’s the iPhone 15 Professional, 15 Max, and all the iPhone 16 vary). New options embrace:
- Writing Instruments – Rewrite, proofread, and summarize textual content.
- Siri – New look. Kind to Siri so that you don’t have to talk to your iPhone. Conversational context so Siri remembers what you had already requested and maintains the context.
- Pictures – Enhancements to go looking. Clear As much as take away issues from pictures. Reminiscence films.
- Notifications – Notification summaries. Cut back interruptions Focus.
- Mail – Good reply. Precedence messages.
- Notes – Transcritipns of audio recordings or telephone calls.
- Cellphone – Report telephone calls.
- Digital camera – Digital camera Management button can be utilized to change to TrueDepth digicam. Spatial picture seize for 16 Professional and Max.
- AirPods – Listening to Take a look at and Listening to Air options for AirPods Professional 2.
There have been additionally bug fixes and safety updates in iOS 18.1.
iOS 18.2: Launch date and new options
- iOS 18.2 launch date: December 9?
iOS 18.2 is at the moment in beta with the discharge candidate accessible.
The primary thrust of iOS 18.2 is new Apple Intelligence options, particularly these centered round pictures. There are updates to Writing Instruments, ChatGPT integration with Siri, Picture Playground, Genmoji, and Visible Intelligence for iPhone 16 telephones. You’ll be able to count on the next:
- Writing Instruments updates – extra choices.
- Genmojji – new emoji you’ll be able to create.
- Picture Playground – capability to generate pictures primarily based on textual content prompts.
- Picture Wand – makes use of Apple’s picture era instruments to create a picture and add as context to a word.
- ChatGPT integration – use ChatGPT with Siri.
- Default Apps – new part in Settings.
- Visible Intelligence – get data utilizing the Digital camera Management button.
- AE/AF Lock – new toggle to lock publicity and focus by way of the Digital camera Management button.
- Discover My – share the placement of one thing with a trusted individual.
- Mail – AI-powered auto-categories to assist handle your Inbox.
- Quantity limits – set quantity limits for iPhone speaker.
As well as, a brand new framework known as “BatteryIntelligence” is current within the 18.2 beta and can calculate the remaining cost time primarily based on the quantity of energy the telephone is receiving. See: Your iPhone could lastly inform you how lengthy it should take to cost.
iOS 18: Issues and bugs
Messages bug: A Messages bug that would trigger crashes and should even consequence within the lack of priceless knowledge was reported. It gave the impression to be related to an Apple Watch function that lets customers share their watch face over Messages (or Mail). Clearly, these are fairly a distinct segment set of circumstances and one of the best ways to keep away from it seems to be to not reply to observe faces in a thread. We now have extra data right here: Hyperlink-sharing bug in iOS 18 Messages could cause iPhone crashes, knowledge loss. Apple mounted this bug in iOS 18.0.1.
Unresponsive contact display screen: iPhone 16 Professional homeowners have complained of show ‘useless spots’, with faucets and swipes are being ignored. It’s thought that that is associated to the Digital camera Management button. Apple addressed this bug in iOS 18.0.1.
Digital camera freezes in macro mode: This was addressed in iOS 18.0.1.
There are issues that macOS Sequoia’s iPhone mirroring function might expose private knowledge at work. Servco Safety has highlighted the issue to Apple who claims to be engaged on a repair.
You probably have any issues with iOS 18 you could possibly downgrade. Learn: How one can downgrade an iPhone from iOS 18 to iOS 17.
iOS 18: Ought to I set up iOS 18 on my iPhone?
So long as your iPhone can run it, we suggest updating to iOS 18. The brand new options–all of which we talk about under–look engaging sufficient, and, thus far, the one downside (see above) won’t have an effect on many individuals. We deal with how How iOS 17 and iOS 18 examine individually. Additionally check out: All of the little particulars and hidden options in iOS 18 you gained’t wish to miss.
Nonetheless, we do suggest you wait every week or extra in order that any points with the early launch might be addressed: regardless of the beta program, there are sometimes points as soon as the software program replace will get put in on mass-market iPhones. It’s additionally clever to not be one of many first downloaders as a result of the obtain will seemingly take so much longer should you attempt quickly after it turns into accessible.
iOS 18: How one can set up
Putting in iOS 18 and any subsequent updates is a breeze. Simply open the Settings app in your iPhone and go to Common > Software program Replace; iOS will verify for any accessible updates and information you thru the method of putting in them. You merely should comply with the directions, which we clarify in our iOS updating information. And it’s simpler nonetheless should you’ve turned on Computerized Updates, which you are able to do from the identical display screen.
A little bit work getting ready your iPhone earlier than putting in the replace can assist keep away from issues. We advise you comply with these steps:
- Again up your iPhone: Again up earlier than putting in the brand new model and you’ll all the time be capable to recuperate your iPhone with the older model of iOS working on it ought to issues go fallacious. Learn: How one can downgrade an iPhone.
- Make area in your iPhone: In case your iPhone doesn’t have numerous accessible area internally we suggest having a little bit of a tidy-up so you’ll be able to reclaim some iPhone storage. Easy methods to do that might embrace deleting apps you don’t use, deleting outdated Notes, Messages, and duplicated pictures.
- Replace your iPhone to the newest model: Don’t skip an replace and go straight to iOS 18. When you haven’t put in iOS 17.6.1 but achieve this now.
iOS 18 compatibility: Which iPhones get iOS 18?
The next iPhones get assist for iOS 18, the identical lineup of supported gadgets as iOS 17.
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)
Learn: iOS 18 compatibility: Which iPhones assist iOS 18 and iOS compatibility checker
Among the new options won’t be supported on the older telephones, as a result of they lack the {hardware} mandatory (a robust sufficient Neural Engine or GPU to run AI stuff, or sufficient RAM). That is typical of latest iOS releases. In 2022, for instance, the iPhone 8 and iPhone X missed out on a bunch of cool stuff on account of their older processor. It’s no shock, due to this fact, that the {hardware} necessities are steep for the AI-related options aka ‘Apple Intelligence’—iPhone 15 Professional or later.
Like iOS 17, iOS 18 doesn’t assist iPhone 8 or the iPhone X which got here out in 2017, however since these telephones are capable of run iOS 16, they are going to proceed to get assist by way of safety updates for a minimum of one other yr. With the discharge of iOS 18 although, Apple will cease supporting iOS 15, which can imply that iPhone 7, 7 Plus, iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, and iPhone SE (1st era) will not get assist. Usually, Apple has offered software program updates for the previous two variations of iOS. See: How lengthy does Apple assist iPhones.
iOS 18: Newest beta
Apple’s beta testing program for builders and public testers has been working since June/July and continues past the launch of iOS 18 to most people. There’s additionally a separate iOS 18 Sequoia 15.2 beta that features some as but unavailable Apple Intelligence options.
If you wish to run the developer beta, it is advisable be a registered Apple software program developer, which has each free and paid ($99/£79) variations. We clarify How one can be part of Apple’s beta program individually. Developer betas might be dangerous although, so we suggest signing up for the Public Beta as an alternative, which must be extra steady. Beware although: whether or not a public beta or a developer beta, any beta software program just isn’t as steady as the ultimate model and the iOS and your apps could not work correctly. Learn Do you have to set up the iOS 18 beta? for recommendation.
As soon as registered, whenever you go to Settings > Common > Software program Replace in your Mac, you’ll see a brand new tab for Beta Updates, which can checklist the model of the beta you’re working: select both iOS 18 Developer Beta or iOS 18 Public Beta. When you need assistance putting in the developer or public betas learn our How one can get the iOS beta article. When you then wish to uninstall it, we now have a information for that: How one can take away the iOS beta.
iOS 18 options nonetheless to launch
The next promised options aren’t but in beta:
- ChatGPT integration
- Picture Playground
- Genmoji
- Superior Siri options like on-screen consciousness, private context, and actions inside apps
- The picture options have been mentioned to reach at launch, however more moderen stories say it should come later this ye
iOS 18 options: What’s new in iOS 18
There have been many new options in iOS 17 together with a brand new app known as Journal, Reside Voicemail, and a brand new approach to make use of Stickers, amongst dozens of different smaller modifications. Rumors recommended that iOS 18 could be “one of many largest iOS updates — if not the most important — within the firm’s historical past.” As anticipated, in iOS 28 Apple will embrace some main new AI options, dubbed Apple Intelligence, though these options will solely be accessible on iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max and newer iPhones.
Not all the brand new options have been accessible at launch. The primary Apple Intelligence AI options have been launched in iOS 18.1 and others are arriving with subsequent updates. Options, comparable to the brand new classes in Mail, will come “later this yr”. Learn: Options lacking when iOS 18 launched.
Customization
There will probably be a extra customizable Dwelling Display screen, Lock Display screen, and Management Middle in iOS 18.
A number of stories had claimed that Apple would permit higher personalization of the Dwelling display screen, together with permitting customers to put icons wherever on the grid, permitting areas between them. Previous to iOS 18 icons might be reordered or put into folders, however all the time fill the display screen from left to proper and prime to backside.
In iOS 18 customers are capable of prepare apps and widgets wherever on the Dwelling Display screen, together with proper above the dock or framing a wallpaper. It is going to even be attainable to vary the lock display screen icons or take away them.
As well as, App icons and widgets can have a darkish or tinted impact to mix in. Learn: iOS 18: How one can change the colour of the app icons on your private home display screen and How one can put app icons, widgets, and folders wherever you need in addition to iOS 18: How one can make your app icons massive and label-free.
This “put icons wherever you need” function is one thing we’ve wished from Apple for a few years, and has been a staple of many Android telephones seemingly without end.
The Management Centre is getting a redesign to provide simpler entry to a consumer’s most-utilized controls. Customers will even be capable to add controls from supported third-party apps into Management Middle.
Is it sufficient? Learn: Apple is lastly letting you will have it your approach–kinda and You’ll be able to lastly customise your iPhone like Android–right here’s all the pieces you are able to do.
Apple
Pictures
New options in Pictures will assist customers discover their pictures and maintain massive libraries organized. It’s the most important redesign of Pictures ever and is meant to assist customers discover pictures quick. It will likely be simplified however nonetheless acquainted, based on Apple and can embrace a brand new Unified View, new Collections, and customization options.
Customers will be capable to filter out litter to slender all the way down to particular forms of content material. It will likely be attainable to browse by matters, time, folks, reminiscences, journeys, Current Days and Individuals and Pets.
A brand new carousel view will current highlights that replace every day – that includes favourite folks, pets, and locations.
Apple
Messages
Messages will achieve new methods to specific your self. Anticipate enhancements to textual content formatting and enjoyable new textual content results. Tapbacks are getting redesigned and can allow you to faucet again with any emoji or sticker. You’ll additionally be capable to amplify and animate letters, phrase, phrases, and emoji, and add formatting like daring, underline, italics, and strikethrough.
Additionally, you will be capable to schedule a message to ship later.
Messages will even assist RCS for extra dependable group messaging with those that don’t have an Apple gadget. Examine how your conversations with Android customers will look in iOS 18 and RCS on iPhone with iOS 18: Each query answered.
Apple can also be making it attainable to ship Messages by way of Satellite tv for pc so you’ll be able to textual content when off the grid from Messages app. iMessages despatched over satellite tv for pc are encrypted.
Apple
Mail will make it easier to handle incoming electronic mail higher with new on-device categorization. As electronic mail arrives it will likely be sorted into Main (private and time-sensitive), Transactions (confirmations and receipts), Updates (information and social notifications), and Promotions (advertising and marketing and coupons).
A brand new Digest will pull collectively all related emails from a enterprise, so for instance, it might deliver all flight data collectively.
The Mail Categorization options will probably be accessible later this yr.
Safari
A brand new Highlights function is designed to make it simpler to find data on the internet.
A redesigned Reader expertise will use machine studying to floor key data on a webpage in order that customers can evaluation a abstract to get the gist of an article. A desk of contents will probably be included for longer articles
Apple says customers will even be capable to shortly see the placement of a restaurant, lodge, or landmark; or hearken to an artist’s observe proper from an article concerning the track or album.
Additionally, you will be capable to snap away annoying advertisements.
Apple
Pockets and Apple Pay
There will probably be new methods to pay with Apple Pay. Customers can ship and obtain Apple Money by holding two iPhones collectively: Faucet to Money will allow you to share money with out exchanging electronic mail or quantity.
Tickets in Apple Pockets together with key occasion data like an occasion information with information concerning the venue, and advisable Apple Music playlists
Apple
iPhone mirroring on the Mac
iPhone Mirroring will grant customers entry to their iPhone by way of their Mac. It will likely be attainable to see notifications from the iPhone on the Mac, and drag and drop information between the gadgets.
Learn: How iPhone Mirroring enables you to entry your iPhone in your Mac in macOS Sequoia.
Different app updates:
- Journal – New options that will help you maintain observe of objectives, Insights view, calendar, writing streak, and truly search
- Maps – New topographic maps with trails (US nationwide parks solely)
- Sport Mode – Will decrease background exercise for the perfect body charges
- Notes app – formulation and equations entered whereas typing will probably be solved
- Calendar – incorporates duties from Reminders and a brand new month-to-month view
- Well being app – Medical ID redesigned
- Emergency SOS Reside Video
- Dwelling app – visitor entry
- Accessibility – Eye Monitoring
- iCloud – Apple is including a “Maintain Downloaded” possibility that forestalls the file from being moved to iCloud and retains the file on the gadget. Learn concerning the new Maintain Downloaded possibility.
Apple didn’t talk about all the pieces at WWDC. There have been various options that didn’t make the WWDC keynote.
Additionally see: Unannounced iOS 18 tweak enables you to see the time even when your iPhone is useless.
Privateness options
iOS 18 will enhance privateness. It is possible for you to to regulate who can see your apps, which contacts you share with that app, and which equipment apps can hook up with.
You may also management whether or not others can view your apps in your iPhone by locking an app so it gained’t open with out Face ID or a passcode. A brand new locked hidden apps folder can also be coming with iOS 18.
Builders can have a solution to seamlessly join third-party equipment with iPhones with out letting an app see all the opposite gadgets on a consumer’s community.
Apple
Apple Intelligence
Apple’s new synthetic intelligence system is coming in a sequence of updates to iPhone, Mac, and iPad with iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and iPadOS 18. Apple Intelligence will solely be supported by iPhone 15 Professional and iPhone 15 Professional Max although. (Right here’s why you’ll must improve your iPhone to get Apple Intelligence, additionally learn: Right here’s why newer iPhones and Imaginative and prescient Professional can’t run Apple Intelligence).
The {hardware} necessities are steep—iPhone 15 Professional or later. iPads will want a minimum of an M1 chip or later as will Macs. Apple Intelligence options will largely be processed on the gadget, which is totally different from different platforms the place AI processing is finished within the cloud. However Apple Intelligence will be capable to decide if cloud processing is required and can use it when acceptable.
Apple Intelligence options embrace the next:
Writing – Apple Intelligence will assist customers improve their writing and communications. Writing Instruments are in-built systemwide that can supply to rewrite, proofread, and summarize textual content in writing centered apps comparable to Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
Photographs – New picture capabilities will even come to M-series Macs. In Picture Playground customers will be capable to create pictures in three types: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.
Pictures – A brand new Reminiscences in Pictures function will create a video from pictures and movies primarily based on an outline offered by the consumer. Apple Intelligence will select the pictures and movies, develop a storyline primarily based on the pictures, and prepare them right into a film. As well as, a brand new Clear Up instrument will establish and take away undesirable objects from the background of a photograph.
Learn: Apple Intelligence FAQ: What it’s, what it does, and whenever you’ll get it and Apple Intelligence is a gradual rollout—right here’s what you’ll get, and when.
Siri
Siri can also be getting some AI updates and ChatGPT is to be built-in into Siri. As a result of some queries will probably be dealt with off-device Apple is introducing Personal Cloud Compute in order that when knowledge is shipped to server-based fashions for processing it isn’t saved or made accessible to Apple.
One of many easiest modifications to Siri is that it will likely be simpler to kind to Siri reasonably than having to talk to the on-device assistant. Apple could have lastly twigged that folks don’t all the time wish to speak to their telephones.
The brand new Siri is alleged to be extra “conversational” and pure, with options that “assist customers of their day-to-day lives.”
A brand new sensible responses framework will assist Siri bear in mind your individual private particulars in its replies: like folks, corporations, calendar occasions, areas, dates, and extra.
Later this yr, Siri is alleged to get cross-device media management. So you’ll be able to speak to Siri on one among your gadgets to regulate media playback on one other.
In an replace scheduled for early 2025, Siri is alleged to realize the power to regulate almost any app, with a whole lot of attainable instructions. This function will begin off with single instructions for Apple’s personal apps and develop to incorporate third-party apps and instructions with a number of steps. As well as, Siri will be capable to react to and take actions primarily based on what’s in your display screen. That is mentioned to enter beta for builders in January, with a rollout to customers in iOS 18.4 within the spring.
New accessibility options
Apple is planning a number of new accessibility options for iOS 18, together with Adaptive Voice Shortcuts, which can let customers activate or off particular accessibility options utilizing a customized phrase, and Reside Speech, which lets customers kind what they wish to say and have it learn out loud on telephone calls or video conferences, will get the power so as to add saved phrases to classes.
Options coming after the iOS 18 launch
Some iOS 18 options gained’t be part of the preliminary launch. Relatively, they are going to be launched later in 2024 or in 2025 as a part of an iOS 18 level launch (iOS 18.2 or iOS 18.4, for instance).
Listed below are a number of the extra vital options we count on to come later in an iOS 18 replace:
Mail app options – Auto-categorizing of mail, mail digests, and summaries in your inbox are all options anticipated later in 2024.
Dwelling assist for robotic vacuums – The Dwelling app gained’t be capable to begin or cease your Roomba till later in 2024.
Drag and Drop between iPhone and Mac – You’ll be capable to see and management your iPhone in your Mac when iOS 18 and macOS 15 are launched, however drag-and-drop assist between your Mac and iPhone will are available in an replace.
ChatGPT integration – The flexibility to name upon ChatGPT when utilizing Apple’s AI instruments will seemingly come later in 2024.
Superior Siri options – Siri options like its capability to see and react to what’s in your show, semantic indexing (the place Siri is aware of and makes use of data from throughout Messages, Mail, Contacts, and extra), and superior management over apps is all coming in 2025.
Car Movement Cues in iOS 18 will assist scale back movement illness.
Third-party NFC transactions – Apple will permit third-party NFC transactions starting with iOS 18.1–by request.
As well as, the entire Apple Intelligence options will initially assist solely American English, and could also be restricted to just some areas. Extra languages and areas are more likely to be accessible by way of 2025 and past.
Subsequent model of iOS
We all know that the subsequent model of iOS after Apple finishes growth of iOS 18 will probably be iOS 19. However what subsequent by way of software program? Anticipate much more Apple Intelligence options to return within the late 2025 replace to iOS and count on that iOS, iPadOS and macOS will probably be nearer than ever.
Over the previous a number of years, the discharge of the brand new model of iOS has been pretty constant, often falling on the Monday following Apple’s iPhone launch occasion:
- iOS 18: Monday, September 16, 2024
- iOS 17: Monday, September 18, 2023
- iOS 16: Monday, September 12, 2022
- iOS 15: Monday, September 20, 2021
- iOS 14: Wednesday, September 16, 2020
- iOS 13: Thursday, September 19, 2019
- iOS 12: Monday, September 17, 2018