Apple Launches iOS 18: Here’s What’s New
Apple has officially begun rolling out iOS 18, the latest version of its operating system, which was first introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
This update, which will come preloaded on the new iPhone 16 series, is available for older models starting September 16.
How to Download iOS 18
To update your iPhone to iOS 18, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to General.
- Tap on Software Update.
- If iOS 18 is available for your device, tap Download and Install. You may need to enter your passcode.
- The download will continue in the background.
Keep in mind that while the official release date is September 16, the rollout may vary depending on your location and other factors.
Eligible Devices for iOS 18
iOS 18 will be available for over 25 devices, including:
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
Some features, like Apple Intelligence, will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 and newer models.
New Features in iOS 18
Home Screen: The update enhances the flexibility of rearranging apps and widgets, allowing users to customize color themes and app icons for dark mode.
Control Center: A redesigned Control Center introduces new controls accessible via a swipe-up gesture and customizable control tiles. Users can also access these settings directly from the lock screen using the Action Button.
Photos App: The Photos app has received upgrades with smart features designed to help users curate collections and manage their photo libraries more efficiently.
Siri: Siri now supports gesture-based interactions, offering more hands-free functionality.
Game Mode: iOS 18 introduces a Game Mode that optimizes performance based on different gaming requirements.
Mail App: The updated Mail app includes on-device categorization, organizing emails into primary, transactional, update, and promotion groups.
Apple Intelligence: A beta release of Apple Intelligence features is expected in a forthcoming iOS 18 update next month.