iOS 18 launches today, September 16, as Apple confirmed the software update at the most recent Apple Event. Here is what to expect.
The new mobile operating system update will roll out around 1pm ET / 10am PT / 6pm BST, although the actual release time varies between different regions.
iOS 18 Compatible Devices
You will need an iPhone XS or newer to download iOS 18. This means any iPhone that has an A12 Bionic Chipset or newer. These requirements are the same as iOS 17, so if you currently have this update, you can get iOS 18.
When Apple Intelligence features do eventually launch, they will be limited to iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Here is a full list of all iOS 18-compatible iPhones.
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
How to Download iOS 18
To see whether or not iOS 18 is available to download on your iPhone, visit Settings > General > Software Update. If available, you will see an iOS 18 update message at the bottom of the screen. Tap the option Download and Install, then enter your passcode. Agree to the Terms and Conditions, then wait for iOS 18 to install.
iOS 18 will require anywhere between 5GB and 10GB of free storage space to download and install. To check your current storage, visit Settings > General > iPhone storage. Here, you will be presented with certain options to free up space, including but not limited to Offload Unused Apps and Optimize Photos.
iOS 18 Features
Advanced Home Screen Customization
iOS 18 now allows users the ability to reposition widgets and apps at the side or bottom of the Home Screen, freeing up room for the wallpaper that sits behind them. You will also be able to trigger a new dark mode for app icons and add color tints.
Control Center is getting remade in iOS 18, letting users separate it into distinct function groups like Home and Media. Furthermore, you can resize Control Center widgets, depending on which tools you utilize most often.
For the first time, you can now edit which Control Center widgets will appear on the Lock Screen.
Redesigned Photos App
iOS 18 introduces a major redesign of the Photos app. You will now see a single view, simplified with a photo and dates grid, while collections let you browse by themes (groups and screenshots) without the need to organize content into albums.
There is now a new ‘Recovered’ album feature, housing any photos and videos that are not part of your main gallery. Apple has said this reduces the risk associated with third-party apps and protects from database corruption.
Messages Upgrades
The Messages app is offering a ton of new features. For one, you can now react to messages using any emoji, and new text formatting allows you to bold, underline, and strikethrough your messages, as well as add new formatting like ripple effects.
Apple has also included the ability for messages to be scheduled in advance, and the Message app now supports the RCS standard, facilitating a richer experience when you communicate with people on Android phones.
Finally, iOS 18 expands the SOS via satellite feature. This allows compatible iPhones to send messages over satellite in times when Wi-Fi and cellular connections are not available.
Passwords App
For those who are used to using Keychain, iOS 18 is bringing with it a new dedicated built-in app for Passwords. As the name suggests, it acts as a one-stop shop for all verification codes, passkeys, and passwords.
The Passwords app will alert you if you are using weak passwords, if your details have been involved in a data breach, etc. All of this information is protected via end-to-end encryption, and you can lock it using Touch or Face ID authentication.