At its latest iPhone 16 event, Apple announced that iOS 18, the new version of its iPhone operating system, will be officially released on September 16th.
As previously announced at WWDC 2024, iOS 18 introduces a host of new features. Among the notable features are a set of customization options, such as the ability to arrange apps and widgets on the home screen and customize buttons. Other features include new text effects, the ability to lock and hide apps, a new way to manage your email inbox, the introduction of iMessages via satellite, and a major redesign of the Photos app.
For now, you can test the update through the iOS 18 public beta, but you should keep in mind all the caveats that come with beta software.
Which devices support iOS 18?
You may be wondering if your iPhone is compatible with the new update. According to the company, iOS 18 will be available for download on the following models:
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 or later)
When will iOS 18 be available to download?
The major release will be available as a free software update on September 16, but if you want to try iOS 18 a little earlier, you can download the public beta from beta.apple.com.
It's also important to note that some features aren't available in certain countries, languages, or devices. For example, Safari's “Highlights” feature, which automatically finds relevant information, is only available in English in the US, while the new live audio transcription feature in the Notes app is available in English on iPhone 12 and later in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the US.
Which devices support Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is the company's new generative AI service that will be integrated into most of Apple's apps, allowing your iPhone to perform certain actions like helping you compose emails or replying to text messages with Smart Replies.
CEO Tim Cook said the new iPhone 16 models will take full advantage of Apple Intelligence capabilities because they are designed specifically for the technology, and it will also be available on M1 and later iPad and Mac devices.
Apple Intelligence will be available in beta this fall.
This article was originally published on June 11th and has been updated following the announcement of the iOS 18 release date.