Update: iOS 18 is out now, so prepare to update!
Apple is releasing iOS 18 to hundreds of millions of devices today as the latest software release rolls out to all eligible iPhones.
iOS 18 comes with many changes to core iOS functionalities and features, including deep reworks of essential iOS apps, but it doesn’t come with the single most exciting new feature: Apple Intelligence. As the latter will be a staggered launch over the course of the next couple of months, it will take some time before all AI-powered features get released.
Apple Intelligence is coming with the next version of iOS, which will be iOS 18.1. Currently, the latter is available in beta, with an expected release date probably sometime in October.
Aside from iOS 18.1 bringing some features of Apple Intelligence, Apple has other new features that are
What devices will get iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 on September 16?
What time will iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 launch?
Apple usually releases software updates at 10:00 Pacific Time | 13:00 Eastern Time. Occasionally, the rollout begins slightly earlier, or slightly later, but generally, you can expect the update to become available at around that time.
How to update to iOS 18?
First and foremost, make sure to have enough space. You might be required to free up to 14GB of storage on your iPhone, with the update itself weighing around 6GB.
If you have automatic updates on your iPhone, it should automatically download and install the update. Otherwise, head to Settings > General > Software Update, and try to refresh the page. The available update should pop up immediately. Thereafter, follow the on-screen instructions.
If you’re on the iOS 18 developer or public beta and want to get on the regular release schedule (with no more beta updates getting released to your phone), then now is your last chance to do so. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates, then select Off.
What are some of iOS 18’s best new features?
With iOS 18, we get improved home screen customization, with mostly free-form app icon placement and icon color tinting. The Control Center is now freely customizable and paginated, allowing you to freely tailor the experience. You can also now change the lock screen shortcuts.
Essential apps like Photos are getting redesigned with a new design (which hasn’t been that warmly received by most beta testers), while Mail will be scoring an Apple Intelligence-fueled redesign with categorization later this year. Messages, on the other hand, scores new messaging effects and the ability to schedule texts, as well as support for RCS messaging.
Safari gets informative Highlights cards and an improved Reader mode. You can now also lock apps with Face ID. Apple Notes also gets Live Audio Transcription, as well as do complex math calculations automatically, and have richer editing options.
Wallet is getting a pretty important new feature called Tap to Cash, which essentially allows you to bring two iPhones together to pay privately. Essentially, this makes your iPhone a mobile POS station.
Finally, all your passwords and credentials now live inside the dedicated new Passwords app.
