As Apple prepares to unveil its latest iPhone lineup in late 2024, a significant update is on the horizon for devices ranging from the iPhone XR forward: iOS 18 will be making its debut.
At the WWDC 2024 keynote on June 10, Apple revealed a suite of innovative iPhone features arriving with iOS 18. Among the updates are a revamped Photographs app, enhanced customization options for the Home display screen and wallpaper, new Message reactions, privacy-enhancing features, and numerous smaller refinements.
This software update brings a slew of user-friendly enhancements, resolves lingering technical issues, and introduces innovative features to further streamline functionality. Getting one’s hands on a brand-new iPhone without having to part with a single penny is akin to hitting the jackpot! We delve into every aspect you need to know about iOS 18, including its release date, compatible iPhone models, new features, and those that won’t make the cut at launch.
iOS 18 release date – Apple’s next-generation mobile operating system is expected to debut in the fall of 2023.
iOS 18 is reportedly due to roll out by Monday, September 16, 2024, despite Apple’s reluctance to confirm the exact release date. Apple is expected to announce the release date of its latest product during an event scheduled for around September 10.
As a significant software update, Apple’s iOS 17 debuted on Monday, September 18, 2023; it is reasonable to expect a similar release date for its 2024 iteration.
For several years, the release of iOS updates has maintained a consistent rhythm, typically occurring every Monday after Apple’s annual iPhone unveiling event.
- iOS 17: September 18, 2023 (Monday)
- iOS 16: Released on Monday, September 12, 2022.
- iOS 15: Released on Monday, September 20, 2021
- Apple announced iOS 14 on Wednesday, September 16, 2020?
- iOS 13: Released on Thursday, September 19, 2019.
- iOS 12 released on Monday, September 17, 2018.
When iOS 18 becomes available, updating to this latest version is likely to be seamless. Open the Settings app in your iPhone and go to Basic > Software program Replace; iOS will test for any accessible updates and information you thru the method of putting in them. As per your clarification on the guidelines we have outlined in our documentation. With Automated Updates enabled, simplicity is ensured, accessible from the same screen where you initially set this feature.
The latest iteration of iOS, now available in both developer and public betas – iOS 18 beta. This major update is poised to revolutionize your mobile experience with a plethora of innovative features, seamless integrations, and a plethora of bug fixes to ensure a smoother ride for all users.
- iOS 18 beta 7, the latest iteration for developers, was released on August 20. Just hours later, a corresponding public beta version, designated as iOS 18 public beta 5, became available to all users.
- iOS 18.1 beta 2 – Developer Beta: Up-to-Date as of August 12
Following Apple’s reveal of the iOS 18 details at WWDC, the company swiftly launched its beta program. While the developer beta is available for anyone seeking to test it, we strongly advise exercising caution, as developer betas are often marred by bugs and instability. As such, we do not recommend installing it on a primary system. Learn: .
Apple initiated the simultaneous development of iOS 18.1, releasing the first beta version to developers on July 29, compatible with iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max devices. This feature won’t be available at the initial release of iOS 18. See: .
As a result, various iterations of the iOS 18 beta are available, including a developer version of iOS 18, a developer version of iOS 18.1, as well as a public beta of iOS 18, but not one for iOS 18.1?
The latest developer beta releases, iOS 18 beta 6 and iOS 18.1 beta 2, became available on August 12, marking significant milestones in the ongoing development process. Apple has rolled out the second beta of iOS 18.1, which is an incremental update over the initial beta release. Here are some new features and enhancements that have carried forward from iOS 18 beta 5: Apple’s iOS 18 beta 6 introduces enhancements to the Photographs app, a revamped Bluetooth management system within the Management Center, and a plethora of “What’s New” splash screens.
The latest publicly available iOS beta release is now at version 18.4. Unveiled simultaneously with the developer beta, iOS 18 beta 6, an unusual occurrence given the typical one- to two-day gap between releases. The latest updates to the Music app introduce novel enhancements, including a revamped approach to accessing Bluetooth controls, as well as several fresh splash screens that debut with each app launch.
Despite Apple’s upcoming release of iOS 18 to the general public, the beta testing phase will continue, as it allows for refinement and addition of features that may not be available initially.
To get early access to the next version of iOS, join Apple’s beta testing program and explore the latest software updates. To eliminate beta from your system, heed this warning:
set up the iOS beta
To establish a developer beta, you must register as an Apple software development program member, available in both complimentary and premium ($99/£79) tiers. Since June 2023, Apple has made its iOS 16 beta available to all registered developers, granting universal access to the latest iteration of its mobile operating system. To successfully sign up for a developer beta and configure your settings, carefully follow these straightforward steps:
- Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store.
- Launch the application and select the “Account” option from the main menu.
- Sign in to Signal with your existing Apple ID.
As soon as you might be logged in you need to see the beta in Basic > Software program Replace > Beta Updates. To utilize this feature effectively, ensure you are running iOS 16.5 or a subsequent version.
This topic is covered in greater detail within our curriculum. If you wish to remove access to the iOS 18 beta, learn about the steps involved.
It’s recommended to establish a public beta rather than diving into the developer beta to minimize potential problems and ensure a smoother experience.
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The latest news surrounding Apple’s next-generation mobile operating system, iOS 18, has sparked widespread curiosity about which iPhones are compatible with this upgrade. As the tech giant gears up for the anticipated release of its next major software iteration, speculation is rife about the devices that will be able to run this innovative new system seamlessly.
While we can’t confirm the exact list of compatible iPhones just yet, industry insiders have provided some valuable insights into which handsets are likely to receive the iOS 18 update.
The upcoming iPhones will gain support for iOS 18, maintaining the same lineup of compatible devices as iOS 17.
- Apple’s forthcoming smartphone lineup consists of four models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- Apple has unveiled its latest lineup of iPhones, including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and the professional-oriented models, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- Apple’s latest flagship smartphone series features four distinct models: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- The new iPhone lineup: a trifecta of sleek design, cutting-edge tech, and unparalleled performance.
Can the latest iPhones dethrone the reigning champions in the market?
- Apple iPhone 11, Apple iPhone 11 Pro, and Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max.
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (Second generation or later)?
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Several of the most innovative features will not be compatible with older devices, as these phones lack the requisite hardware infrastructure – namely, a robust Neural Engine or graphics processing unit necessary for AI-driven applications, or sufficient random access memory. In line with industry trends, Apple’s latest iOS updates have consistently exhibited this behavior. In 2022, the iPhone 8 and iPhone X were hindered by their outdated processors, missing out on several advancements in the process.
Given the complexity of AI-driven features, it’s hardly surprising that robust hardware is a prerequisite – namely, an iPhone 15 Pro or subsequent model.
Although iOS 17 didn’t benefit iPhone 8 and iPhone X models released in 2017, their ability to run iOS 16 ensures they’ll continue receiving security updates for at least another year. Upon the release of iOS 18, Apple may discontinue support for iOS 15, potentially rendering iPhone 7, 7 Plus, iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, and the original iPhone SE obsolete.
Traditionally, Apple has provided software update support for the preceding two generations of iOS. See: .
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iOS 18 brings a slew of fresh features and improvements.
In the latest iteration of iOS, users are presented with an array of fresh features, including the introduction of the Journal app, Dwell Voicemail functionality, and a revamped Sticker experience, accompanied by numerous other subtle enhancements. Reports suggested that iOS 18 might be “one of the biggest and potentially most significant iOS updates in Apple’s history”. Speculation swirled around the possibility of major new AI features being unveiled by Apple. The hardware requirements are expected to be substantial—Iphone 15 Pro or a newer device.
Not all brand-new options will necessarily be available at launch. New features and classes, akin to those introduced in recent updates to Mail, are scheduled to arrive later this year through an upcoming software release. Learn: .
Customization
An additional customizable Home Display, Lock Screen, and Management Center are expected to feature in iOS 18.
Reports have circulated that Apple plans to introduce a new feature, allowing users to customize their home screens by placing icons anywhere on the grid and filling in gaps between them. Currently, icons can be rearranged or grouped into folders, yet they consistently occupy the entire screen area from left to right and top to bottom.
In iOS 18, users will gain the flexibility to place apps and widgets anywhere on their Home Screen, including options to position them above the dock or create custom arrangements that blend seamlessly with the surrounding wallpaper. The ability to customize lock screen icons or disable them altogether is definitely an option.
Additionally, app icons and widgets can blend seamlessly with a darkened or tinted aesthetic. Learning and acquiring new skills in addition to what you already know can greatly enhance your understanding.
The long-awaited “put icons wherever you need” feature, a functionality that’s been a mainstay on many Android devices for years, finally arrives with Apple’s latest release.
The Management Center is undergoing a redesign to simplify access to a user’s frequently used controls. Customers can integrate controls from supported third-party applications directly into Management Hub.
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Photographs
Photographs now offers enhanced discovery features, allowing customers to effortlessly find their cherished memories and efficiently manage vast image collections. The revolutionary redesign of photographs aims to facilitate seamless discovery for customers, empowering them to find images with ease. While simplifying the experience, the revamped design will still maintain its familiarity, incorporating a unified view, customizable collections, and user-friendly settings.
Customers will have the capability to finely tune their results by filtering out unwanted content, allowing them to narrow down their search to specific types of information. Users will be able to navigate through curated content organized by topics such as subjects, eras, notable figures, personal anecdotes, travels, recent events, and people and pets.
A fresh carousel display showcases daily highlights, featuring beloved people, pets, and places, replacing each other.
Messages
Messages will pioneer innovative ways to uniquely identify themselves. Envisioning innovative formatting options and thrilling new content possibilities. The redesigned tapbacks now enable you to re-engage in conversations by sending a wide range of emojis or stickers. You’ll also gain the capability to dynamically enhance and bring letters, phrases, and emojis to life, plus apply various formatting options such as bold, underline, italics, and strikethrough.
You’ll also have the flexibility to plan and send messages in advance, ensuring your communication reaches recipients at the most opportune moment.
Messages now enables reliable group communication via Rich Communication Services (RCS) for seamless interactions with non-Apple users. Examine and .
Apple is poised to enable users to send messages via satellite connectivity from within the Messages app, allowing for seamless texting even when off the grid. I Messages dispatched over satellite TV for computer are encrypted?
Your email inbox will now provide a more seamless experience for handling incoming emails, thanks to the introduction of innovative on-device categorization capabilities. When emails arrive, they will be categorized as Major (confidential and urgent), Transactions (verifications and confirmations), Updates (news and social alerts), and Promotions (marketing and offers).
The new Digest feature consolidates relevant business emails into a single location, streamlining the process by grouping similar messages together – such as aggregating all flight-related information in one place.
Mail categorization options are expected to become available later this year.
Safari
The latest Highlights feature has been developed to streamline online information discovery.
A revamped Reader feature will utilize machine learning algorithms to extract essential information from a webpage, providing users with a digestible summary that condenses the essence of an article. A comprehensive table of contents may be incorporated for more extensive pieces.
Apple suggests that users might quickly locate the position of a restaurant, hotel, or landmark, or listen to an artist’s notes directly from an article about their music or album.
Pockets and Apple Pay
New payment options are likely to emerge with Apple Pay’s evolution. Customers can seamlessly transfer and receive Apple Cash funds by sharing two iPhones simultaneously: With Faucet to Money, transactions can be made without the need for email exchanges or phone numbers.
What’s happening at Apple?
iPhone mirroring on the Mac
iPhone mirroring seamlessly integrates your iPhone with your Mac, allowing effortless access and control over your Apple devices. With the upcoming release, users will be able to seamlessly receive notifications from their iPhone directly on their Mac, as well as effortlessly transfer data by dragging and dropping files between devices.
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Different app updates:
- New features designed to help you track your goals include the Insights view, a calendar, writing streak statistics, and advanced search functionality.
- National park trail maps, new editions – US national parks only.
- Will significantly reduce background exercises to optimize and enhance overall body performance.
- Typing issues resolved, with formulations and equations accurately entered.
- invents seamless workflows by combining responsibilities from Reminders with an innovative monthly calendar perspective.
- – Medical ID redesigned
- – visitor entry
- – Eye Monitoring
- Apple introduces a “Hold Downloaded” option, allowing users to prevent downloaded files from being synced to iCloud and instead keep them locally on their device. Learning in regards to the subject matter requires dedication and perseverance.
Apple did not focus on every aspect during their Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). There have been countless instances of innovation that have transformed industries and revolutionized the way we live.
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Privateness options
iOS 18 will enhance privateness. You can control who sees your apps, the contacts you share with those apps, and what devices they can connect to.
You have the power to manage access to your iPhone apps by locking certain ones, requiring Face ID or Touch ID authentication and a passcode before allowing them to be opened. A feature-rich locked hidden apps folder may be introduced with iOS 18 for enhanced device security and user control over their app libraries.
To prevent apps from accessing multiple devices on a user’s network without permission, builders can implement a strategy that enables seamless integration of third-party equipment with iPhones while maintaining security and privacy.
Apple Intelligence
Apple’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence technology are set to revolutionize the user experience across its entire ecosystem of devices, including iPhone, Mac, and iPad, as part of the forthcoming iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and iPadOS 18 updates. Apple Intelligence will exclusively rely on the revenue generated from iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max sales alone. (, additionally learn: ).
Is hardware support for iPhone 15 Professional or later required? Starting in 2023, iPads and Macs will demand nothing short of an M1 chip or a more advanced processor. Apple’s Intelligence options will primarily operate locally on the device, a distinct departure from other platforms where AI processing typically occurs in the cloud. Apple Intelligence will autonomously determine whether cloud-based processing is necessary, leveraging this capability whenever feasible.
Apple intelligence options empower the future.
Apple’s Intelligent tools empower users to refine their written expression and enhance their communication skills seamlessly. Writing instruments are an integrated system-wide feature capable of rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing textual content within writing-focused applications such as Mail, Notes, Pages, and compatible third-party tools.
New picture capabilities could potentially be added to M-series Macs, expanding their creative possibilities. At Picture Playground, users will have the flexibility to craft their own images in one of three unique styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.
A novel Recollections in Photographs feature enables users to generate a captivating video from a selection of photos and videos, cleverly curated according to a personalized outline provided at the outset. Apple Intelligence will curate pictures and movies, crafting a narrative driven primarily by the visuals, and seamlessly integrating them into a cohesive film. With the introduction of a cutting-edge Clear Up device, unwanted elements from the backdrop of a picture are efficiently detected and removed.
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Siri
Apple will be incorporating AI advancements into Siri, with ChatGPT functionality integrated directly into the virtual assistant. To address user concerns, Apple is launching Private Cloud Compute, ensuring that data sent to cloud-based servers for processing remains private and inaccessible to the company itself.
One simple modification to Siri is making it easier to access Siri directly, rather than needing to converse with the on-device assistant. Apple may finally have realized that people don’t always need to talk to their phones.
Apple’s revamped Siri boasts an enhanced conversational tone and intuitive features designed to simplify daily life for users.
A newly introduced framework for personalized responses will enable Siri to recall individualized details in its answers, such as people, companies, calendar events, locations, dates, and more.
Later this year, Siri is expected to gain cross-device media management capabilities. You can potentially converse with Siri on one of your devices to control media playback on another.
Scheduled for early 2025, Siri is expected to gain the capability to seamlessly integrate with practically any app, offering users a wide range of possibilities through intuitive and conversational commands. The function initiates by providing a set of guidelines specifically designed for Apple’s personal apps, gradually evolving to encompass third-party applications and multi-step procedures. With Siri, you’ll be able to see your virtual assistant taking action and reacting directly to what’s happening on your screen. The new features will roll out to customers in iOS 18.4 this spring.
New accessibility options
Apple is planning to enhance its accessibility features by integrating Adaptive Voice Shortcuts, allowing users to activate or deactivate specific options using a personalized phrase, and Dwell Speech, which enables users to dictate what they want to say and have it read aloud during phone calls or video conferences, will gain the ability to categorize saved phrases.
Apple’s latest flagship OS, iOS 18, has finally arrived, bringing a slew of innovative features and improvements to users’ fingertips. But what lies ahead? What new possibilities await those who have just upgraded or are planning to upgrade soon?
What do you think is next for the iOS ecosystem?
Some iOS 18 features won’t be included in the initial release. The new features will be released in late 2024 or early 2025 as part of the upcoming iOS 18 update, specifically in versions such as iOS 18.2 or iOS 18.4.
By mid-2024, anticipate the introduction of advanced features to streamline your email experience, including auto-categorization of incoming messages, customizable mail digests, and intuitive summaries within your inbox.
The House app won’t have the capability to start or stop your Roomba until later in 2024.
When iOS 18 and macOS 15 debut, you’ll gain the capability to view and manage your iPhone on your Mac, with drag-and-drop functionality available for seamless data transfer and replacement between devices.
The ability to call upon ChatGPT while using Apple’s AI tools is likely to become available sometime in 2024.
Siri is poised to tap into the full potential of its capabilities by leveraging its ability to see and react to content within your shows, as well as enhancing its semantic indexing function that draws upon information from Messages, Mail, Contacts, and more. Additionally, superior management over apps is also on track for a 2025 release.
Initially, Apple’s Intelligence features will cater exclusively to American English-speaking users, with potential regional limitations in place. By 2025 and beyond, additional languages and regions will become increasingly accessible.
