Even if you happen to’re not planning to purchase one of many new iPhones, your current iPhone (XR and later) can now get a bunch of recent options following the discharge of iOS 18.
Among the many new options in iOS 18 are a redesigned Photographs app, new methods to customise your House display and wallpaper, new Messages reactions, privacy-related options and dozens of different smaller adjustments. There are even be some AI options, dubbed Apple Intelligence accessible on some iPhones (discover out in the event that they’ll be in your iPhone under).
This free software program replace brings interface tweaks, bug fixes, and new options. It’s like getting a brand new iPhone with out paying a penny. On this article, we talk about all the pieces you should learn about iOS 18, together with which iPhones will be capable to run iOS 18, the brand new options – and the brand new options nonetheless to return as a result of they weren’t prepared in time for the launch of iOS 18. We’ll additionally talk about any issues and fixes, what’s new within the newest replace, and what’s coming within the subsequent replace to iOS 18.
As for what’s coming in iOS 19 when it arrives later in 2025, learn: iOS 19 Information: Launch date and rumors.
We even have details about the beta program together with the most recent model of the general public and developer betas.
Replace January 21: The discharge candidate for iOS 18.3 is out now, with the broad launch anticipated subsequent week.
Newest model and what’s new…
iOS 18: Newest model
- iOS 18.2.1: January 6, 2025
- iOS 18.2: December 11, 2024
iOS 18 arrived on Monday, September 16. macOS Sequoia, watchOS and iPadOS 18 launched on the identical time.
The most recent model is iOS 18.2.1 which is a small replace that features “vital bug fixes,” in accordance with Apple’s launch notes. Apple doesn’t share any particulars of the bugs in query and there are not any recognized widespread bugs in iOS 18.2.
iOS 18.2 arrived on December 11 and consists of quite a lot of Apple Intelligence options however that’s not all. Examine Why iOS 18.2 is a must have replace even when your cellphone doesn’t assist Apple Intelligence, and Find out how to get Apple Intelligence in your iPhone.
Previous to iOS 18.2, iOS 18.1.1 included fixes for 2 safety vulnerabilities which have really been utilized in assaults on Intel-based Macs. In notes accompanying the replace, Apple writes: “Apple is conscious of a report that this problem could have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac techniques.” The mounted points embody a flaw in JavaScriptCore framework and a flaw in WebKit.
iOS 18.1 arrived on October 28, and brings the primary set of Apple Intelligence options to iPhone 16 fashions and iPhone 15 Professional and Max. There might be extra Apple Intelligence options launched in iOS 18.2 and iOS 18.3. If you wish to know extra in regards to the staggered launch of Apple Intelligence options, learn: Apple Intelligence is a gradual rollout—right here’s what you’ll get, and when.
What’s new in iOS 18.3?
iOS 18.3 is a comparatively minor launch, with bug fixes, safety updates, and some tweaks to Apple Intelligence notification summaries.
- Visible intelligence – Add an occasion to Calendar from a poster or flyer, establish crops and animals
- Notification summaries – You’ll be able to allow or disable summaries for an app from the lock display (swipe left, select Choices), and notification summaries have italicized textual content. Notification summaries have been disabled for Information & Leisure apps for now.
- Calculator app – The “repeat operation” functionality whenever you maintain urgent the equals (=) key has been restored.
What’s new in iOS 18.2?
The principle thrust of iOS 18.2 is new Apple Intelligence options, particularly these centered round pictures. There are updates to Writing Instruments, ChatGPT integration with Siri, Picture Playground, Genmoji, and Visible Intelligence for iPhone 16 telephones. You’ll be able to anticipate the next:
- Writing Instruments updates – extra choices.
- Genmoji – new emoji you may create. See: Find out how to create your personal customized emoji with Genmoji.
- Picture Playground – capacity to generate pictures based mostly on textual content prompts.
- Picture Wand – makes use of Apple’s picture era instruments to create a picture and add as context to a be aware.
- ChatGPT integration – use ChatGPT with Siri. See: Find out how to use ChatGPT on the iPhone.
- Default Apps – new part in Settings.
- Visible Intelligence – get info utilizing the Digital camera Management button.
- AE/AF Lock – new toggle to lock publicity and focus through the Digital camera Management button.
- Discover My – share the placement of one thing with a trusted individual.
- Mail – New auto-categories (main, transactions, updates and promotions) to assist handle your Inbox.
- Quantity limits – set quantity limits for iPhone speaker.
- Digital camera Management – Enhancements.
- Information+ – Sudoku puzzles.
- AirTag – Merchandise location sharing
For extra details about the Apple Intelligence options in iOS 18.2 learn: How Apple Intelligence ranges up with iOS 18.2 and macOS 15.2.
What’s new in iOS 18.1?
iOS 18.1 brings a choice of Apple Intelligence options to iPhones which might be appropriate with Apple Intelligence (that’s the iPhone 15 Professional, 15 Max, and the whole iPhone 16 vary). New options embody:
- Writing Instruments – Rewrite, proofread, and summarize textual content.
- Siri – New look. Kind to Siri so that you don’t have to talk to your iPhone. Conversational context so Siri remembers what you had already requested and maintains the context.
- Photographs – Enhancements to look. Clear As much as take away issues from images. Reminiscence films.
- Notifications – Notification summaries. Cut back interruptions Focus.
- Mail – Good reply. Precedence messages.
- Cellphone – File cellphone calls.
- Notes – Transcriptions of audio recordings or cellphone calls. Learn: Find out how to report and transcribe voice calls in your iPhone
- Digital camera – Digital camera Management button can be utilized to modify to TrueDepth digital camera. Spatial photograph seize for 16 Professional and Max.
- AirPods – Listening to Take a look at and Listening to Air options for AirPods Professional 2.
There have been additionally bug fixes and safety updates in iOS 18.1.
What’s coming…
iOS 18: Newest beta
- iOS 18.3 launch candidate, January 21.
Apple’s beta testing program for builders and public testers has been operating since June/July and continues past the launch of iOS 18 to most people. There may be additionally a separate iOS 18 Sequoia 15.2 beta that features some as but unavailable Apple Intelligence options.
If you wish to run the developer beta, you should be a registered Apple software program developer, which has each free and paid ($99/£79) variations. We clarify Find out how to be part of Apple’s beta program individually. Developer betas could be dangerous although, so we advocate signing up for the Public Beta as an alternative, which must be extra steady. Beware although: whether or not a public beta or a developer beta, any beta software program will not be as steady as the ultimate model and the iOS and your apps could not work correctly. Learn Must you set up the iOS 18 beta? for recommendation.
As soon as registered, whenever you go to Settings > Normal > Software program Replace in your Mac, you’ll see a brand new tab for Beta Updates, which can record the model of the beta you’re operating: select both iOS 18 Developer Beta or iOS 18 Public Beta. When you need assistance putting in the developer or public betas learn our Find out how to get the iOS beta article. When you then wish to uninstall it, now we have a information for that: Find out how to take away the iOS beta.
iOS 18 options nonetheless to launch
The next promised options aren’t but in beta:
- Superior Siri options like on-screen consciousness, private context, and actions inside apps
Must you set up iOS 18?…
iOS 18: Ought to I set up iOS 18 on my iPhone?
So long as your iPhone can run it, we advocate updating to iOS 18. The brand new options–all of which we talk about under–look attractive sufficient, and, thus far, the one drawback (see above) is not going to have an effect on many individuals. We tackle how How iOS 17 and iOS 18 examine individually. Additionally check out: All of the little particulars and hidden options in iOS 18 you received’t wish to miss.
Nonetheless, we do advocate you wait every week or extra in order that any points with the early launch could be addressed: regardless of the beta program, there are sometimes points as soon as the software program replace will get put in on mass-market iPhones. It’s additionally smart to not be one of many first downloaders as a result of the obtain will possible take loads longer if you happen to strive quickly after it turns into accessible.
iOS 18: Issues and bugs
- Messages bug: A Messages bug that might trigger crashes and will even outcome within the lack of priceless knowledge was reported. It gave the impression to be linked to an Apple Watch function that lets customers share their watch face over Messages (or Mail). Clearly, these are fairly a distinct segment set of circumstances and one of the simplest ways to keep away from it seems to be to not reply to look at faces in a thread. We have now extra info right here: Hyperlink-sharing bug in iOS 18 Messages may cause iPhone crashes, knowledge loss. Apple mounted this bug in iOS 18.0.1.
- Unresponsive contact display: iPhone 16 Professional homeowners have complained of show ‘useless spots’, with faucets and swipes are being ignored. It’s thought that that is associated to the Digital camera Management button. Apple addressed this bug in iOS 18.0.1.
- Digital camera freezes in macro mode: This was addressed in iOS 18.0.1.
- Photographs redesign: Most likely essentially the most hated function of iOS 18 is the redesigned Photographs app. So we’ve written this: Find out how to repair the Photographs app and make it much less annoying.
- Inaccurate information notifications: There have been some pretend information notifications generated by Apple’s AI. Learn: Apple vows to ‘make clear’ AI summaries after spate of faux information alerts.
There are issues that macOS Sequoia’s iPhone mirroring function might expose private knowledge at work. Servco Safety has highlighted the issue to Apple who claims to be engaged on a repair.
In case you have any issues with iOS 18 you might be able to downgrade. Learn: Find out how to downgrade an iPhone from iOS 18 to iOS 17.
iOS 18: Find out how to set up
Putting in iOS 18 and any subsequent updates is a breeze. Simply open the Settings app in your iPhone and go to Normal > Software program Replace; iOS will examine for any accessible updates and information you thru the method of putting in them. You merely must observe the directions, which we clarify in our iOS updating information. And it’s simpler nonetheless if you happen to’ve turned on Automated Updates, which you are able to do from the identical display.
A bit work getting ready your iPhone earlier than putting in the replace may also help keep away from issues. We advise you observe these steps:
- Again up your iPhone: Again up earlier than putting in the brand new model and you’ll at all times be capable to get well your iPhone with the older model of iOS operating on it ought to issues go incorrect. Learn: Find out how to downgrade an iPhone.
- Make house in your iPhone: In case your iPhone doesn’t have a number of accessible house internally we advocate having a little bit of a tidy-up so you may reclaim some iPhone storage. Easy methods to do that might embody deleting apps you don’t use, deleting previous Notes, Messages, and duplicated images.
- Replace your iPhone to the most recent model: Don’t skip an replace and go straight to iOS 18. When you haven’t put in iOS 17.6.1 but achieve this now.
iOS 18 compatibility: Which iPhones get iOS 18?
The next iPhones get assist for iOS 18, the identical lineup of supported gadgets as iOS 17.
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Professional, Professional Max
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)
Learn: iOS 18 compatibility: Which iPhones assist iOS 18 and iOS compatibility checker
Among the new options is not going to be supported on the older telephones, as a result of they lack the {hardware} vital (a robust sufficient Neural Engine or GPU to run AI stuff, or sufficient RAM). That is typical of recent iOS releases. In 2022, for instance, the iPhone 8 and iPhone X missed out on a bunch of cool stuff attributable to their older processor. It’s no shock, subsequently, that the {hardware} necessities are steep for the AI-related options aka ‘Apple Intelligence’—iPhone 15 Professional or later.
Like iOS 17, iOS 18 doesn’t assist iPhone 8 or the iPhone X which got here out in 2017, however since these telephones are capable of run iOS 16, they may proceed to get assist by way of safety updates for no less than one other 12 months. With the discharge of iOS 18 although, Apple will cease supporting iOS 15, which can imply that iPhone 7, 7 Plus, iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, and iPhone SE (1st era) will now not get assist. Typically, Apple has offered software program updates for the previous two variations of iOS. See: How lengthy does Apple assist iPhones.
iOS 18 information
iOS 18 options: What’s new in iOS 18
There have been many new options in iOS 17 together with a brand new app referred to as Journal, Dwell Voicemail, and a brand new means to make use of Stickers, amongst dozens of different smaller adjustments. Rumors advised that iOS 18 could be “one of many greatest iOS updates — if not the most important — within the firm’s historical past.” As anticipated, in iOS 28 Apple will embody some main new AI options, dubbed Apple Intelligence, though these options will solely be accessible on iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max and newer iPhones.
Not all the brand new options have been accessible at launch. The primary Apple Intelligence AI options have been launched in iOS 18.1 and others are arriving with subsequent updates. Options, similar to the brand new classes in Mail, will come “later this 12 months”. Learn: Options lacking when iOS 18 launched.
Customization
There might be a extra customizable House Display screen, Lock Display screen, and Management Middle in iOS 18.
A number of experiences had claimed that Apple would permit higher personalization of the House display, together with permitting customers to put icons wherever on the grid, permitting areas between them. Previous to iOS 18 icons could be reordered or put into folders, however at all times fill the display from left to proper and prime to backside.
In iOS 18 customers are capable of organize apps and widgets wherever on the House Display screen, together with proper above the dock or framing a wallpaper. It should even be attainable to alter the lock display icons or take away them.
As well as, App icons and widgets can have a darkish or tinted impact to mix in. Learn: iOS 18: Find out how to change the colour of the app icons on your own home display and Find out how to put app icons, widgets, and folders wherever you need in addition to iOS 18: Find out how to make your app icons massive and label-free.
This “put icons wherever you need” function is one thing we’ve needed from Apple for a few years, and has been a staple of many Android telephones seemingly without end.
The Management Centre is getting a redesign to present simpler entry to a person’s most-utilized controls. Customers will even be capable to add controls from supported third-party apps into Management Middle.
Is it sufficient? Learn: Apple is lastly letting you have got it your means–kinda and You’ll be able to lastly customise your iPhone like Android–right here’s all the pieces you are able to do.
Apple
Photographs
New options in Photographs will assist customers discover their images and maintain huge libraries organized. It’s the most important redesign of Photographs ever and is meant to assist customers discover images quick. It will likely be simplified however nonetheless acquainted, in accordance with Apple and can embody a brand new Unified View, new Collections, and customization options.
Customers will be capable to filter out litter to slender right down to particular sorts of content material. It will likely be attainable to browse by subjects, time, folks, recollections, journeys, Latest Days and Individuals and Pets.
A brand new carousel view will current highlights that replace every day – that includes favourite folks, pets, and locations.
Not everybody likes these adjustments. When you don’t have a look at: Find out how to repair the Photographs app and make it much less annoying.
Apple
Messages
Messages will acquire new methods to precise your self. Count on enhancements to textual content formatting and enjoyable new textual content results. Tapbacks are getting redesigned and can allow you to faucet again with any emoji or sticker. You’ll additionally be capable to amplify and animate letters, phrase, phrases, and emoji, and add formatting like daring, underline, italics, and strikethrough.
Additionally, you will be capable to schedule a message to ship later.
Messages will even assist RCS for extra dependable group messaging with those that should not have an Apple gadget. Examine how your conversations with Android customers will look in iOS 18 and RCS on iPhone with iOS 18: Each query answered.
Apple can be making it attainable to ship Messages through Satellite tv for pc so you may textual content when off the grid from Messages app. iMessages despatched over satellite tv for pc are encrypted.
Apple
Mail will provide help to handle incoming electronic mail higher with new on-device categorization. As electronic mail arrives it is going to be sorted into Main (private and time-sensitive), Transactions (confirmations and receipts), Updates (information and social notifications), and Promotions (advertising and marketing and coupons).
A brand new Digest will pull collectively all related emails from a enterprise, so for instance, it might convey all flight info collectively.
The Mail Categorization options might be accessible later this 12 months.
Safari
A brand new Highlights function is designed to make it simpler to find info on the internet.
A redesigned Reader expertise will use machine studying to floor key info on a webpage in order that customers can overview a abstract to get the gist of an article. A desk of contents might be included for longer articles
Apple says customers will even be capable to rapidly see the placement of a restaurant, lodge, or landmark; or take heed to an artist’s monitor proper from an article in regards to the tune or album.
Additionally, you will be capable to snap away annoying advertisements.
Apple
Pockets and Apple Pay
There might be new methods to pay with Apple Pay. Customers can ship and obtain Apple Money by holding two iPhones collectively: Faucet to Money will allow you to share money with out exchanging electronic mail or quantity.
Tickets in Apple Pockets together with key occasion info like an occasion information with data in regards to the venue, and really helpful Apple Music playlists
Apple
iPhone mirroring on the Mac
iPhone Mirroring will grant customers entry to their iPhone through their Mac. It will likely be attainable to see notifications from the iPhone on the Mac, and drag and drop recordsdata between the gadgets.
Learn: How iPhone Mirroring permits you to entry your iPhone in your Mac in macOS Sequoia.
Different app updates:
- Journal – New options that can assist you maintain monitor of targets, Insights view, calendar, writing streak, and truly search
- Maps – New topographic maps with trails (US nationwide parks solely)
- Sport Mode – Will reduce background exercise for one of the best body charges
- Notes app – formulation and equations entered whereas typing might be solved
- Calendar – incorporates duties from Reminders and a brand new month-to-month view
- Well being app – Medical ID redesigned
- Emergency SOS Dwell Video
- House app – visitor entry
- Accessibility – Eye Monitoring
- iCloud – Apple is including a “Hold Downloaded” possibility that stops the file from being moved to iCloud and retains the file on the gadget. Learn in regards to the new Hold Downloaded possibility.
Apple didn’t talk about all the pieces at WWDC. There have been quite a lot of options that didn’t make the WWDC keynote.
Additionally see: Unannounced iOS 18 tweak permits you to see the time even when your iPhone is useless.
Privateness options
iOS 18 will enhance privateness. It is possible for you to to regulate who can see your apps, which contacts you share with that app, and which equipment apps can connect with.
You may also management whether or not others can view your apps in your iPhone by locking an app so it received’t open with out Face ID or a passcode. A brand new locked hidden apps folder can be coming with iOS 18.
Builders could have a option to seamlessly join third-party equipment with iPhones with out letting an app see all the opposite gadgets on a person’s community.
Apple
Apple Intelligence
Apple’s new synthetic intelligence system is coming in a collection of updates to iPhone, Mac, and iPad with iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and iPadOS 18. Apple Intelligence will solely be supported by iPhone 15 Professional and iPhone 15 Professional Max, and the iPhone 16 vary although. (Right here’s why you’ll must improve your iPhone to get Apple Intelligence, additionally learn: Right here’s why newer iPhones and Imaginative and prescient Professional can’t run Apple Intelligence).
The {hardware} necessities are steep—iPhone 15 Professional or later. iPads will want no less than an M1 chip or later as will Macs. Apple Intelligence options will principally be processed on the gadget, which is totally different from different platforms the place AI processing is finished within the cloud. However Apple Intelligence will be capable to decide if cloud processing is required and can use it when acceptable.
Apple Intelligence options embody the next:
Writing – Apple Intelligence will assist customers improve their writing and communications. Writing Instruments are in-built systemwide that may provide to rewrite, proofread, and summarize textual content in writing centered apps similar to Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
Photographs – New picture capabilities will even come to M-series Macs. In Picture Playground customers will be capable to create pictures in three types: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.
Photographs – A brand new Recollections in Photographs function will create a video from images and movies based mostly on an outline offered by the person. Apple Intelligence will pick the images and movies, develop a storyline based mostly on the images, and organize them right into a film. As well as, a brand new Clear Up instrument will establish and take away undesirable objects from the background of a photograph.
Learn: Apple Intelligence FAQ: What it’s, what it does, and whenever you’ll get it and Apple Intelligence is a gradual rollout—right here’s what you’ll get, and when.
Siri
Siri can be getting some AI updates and ChatGPT is to be built-in into Siri (as of iOS 18.2). As a result of some queries might be dealt with off-device Apple is introducing Personal Cloud Compute in order that when knowledge is shipped to server-based fashions for processing it isn’t saved or made accessible to Apple.
One of many easiest adjustments to Siri is that it is going to be simpler to sort to Siri relatively than having to talk to the on-device assistant. Apple could have lastly twigged that folks don’t at all times wish to speak to their telephones.
The brand new Siri is alleged to be extra “conversational” and pure, with options that “assist customers of their day-to-day lives.”
A brand new sensible responses framework will assist Siri take note of your personal private particulars in its replies: like folks, firms, calendar occasions, places, dates, and extra.
Later this 12 months, Siri is alleged to get cross-device media management. So you may speak to Siri on considered one of your gadgets to regulate media playback on one other.
In an replace scheduled for early 2025, Siri is alleged to achieve the flexibility to regulate almost any app, with lots of of attainable instructions. This function will begin off with single instructions for Apple’s personal apps and develop to incorporate third-party apps and instructions with a number of steps. As well as, Siri will be capable to react to and take actions based mostly on what’s in your display. That is stated to enter beta for builders in January, with a rollout to customers in iOS 18.4 within the spring.
New accessibility options
Apple is planning a number of new accessibility options for iOS 18, together with Adaptive Voice Shortcuts, which can let customers activate or off particular accessibility options utilizing a customized phrase, and Dwell Speech, which lets customers sort what they wish to say and have it learn out loud on cellphone calls or video conferences, will get the flexibility so as to add saved phrases to classes.
Options that arrived or are arriving later
Some iOS 18 options received’t be part of the preliminary launch. Slightly, they are going to be launched later in 2024 or in 2025 as a part of an iOS 18 level launch (iOS 18.2 or iOS 18.4, for instance).
Listed here are a number of the extra important options coming in later iOS 18 updates:
Mail app options – Auto-categorizing of mail, mail digests, and summaries in your inbox. (Arrived in iOS 18.2)
House assist for robotic vacuums – The House app received’t be capable to begin or cease your Roomba till 2025. (Coming in iOS 18.3).
Drag and Drop between iPhone and Mac – You’ll be capable to see and management your iPhone in your Mac when iOS 18 and macOS 15 are launched, however drag-and-drop assist between your Mac and iPhone will are available in an replace.
ChatGPT integration – The flexibility to name upon ChatGPT when utilizing Apple’s AI instruments arrived in iOS 18.2.
Superior Siri options – Siri options like its capacity to see and react to what’s in your show, semantic indexing (the place Siri is aware of and makes use of info from throughout Messages, Mail, Contacts, and extra), and superior management over apps is all coming in 2025. (Coming in 2025).
Car Movement Cues in iOS 18 will assist scale back movement illness.
Third-party NFC transactions – Apple will permit third-party NFC transactions starting with iOS 18.1–by request.
As well as, all the Apple Intelligence options will initially assist solely American English, and could also be restricted to just some areas. Extra languages and areas are coming later, the U.Okay., Australia and Canada gained supposed on the finish of 2024, different areas will acquire assist by way of 2025 and past.
Subsequent model of iOS
We all know that the subsequent model of iOS after Apple finishes improvement of iOS 18 might be iOS 19. However what subsequent by way of software program? Count on much more Apple Intelligence options to return within the late 2025 replace to iOS and anticipate that iOS, iPadOS and macOS might be nearer than ever.
Over the previous a number of years, the discharge of the brand new model of iOS has been pretty constant, normally falling on the Monday following Apple’s iPhone launch occasion:
- iOS 18: Monday, September 16, 2024
- iOS 17: Monday, September 18, 2023
- iOS 16: Monday, September 12, 2022
- iOS 15: Monday, September 20, 2021
- iOS 14: Wednesday, September 16, 2020
- iOS 13: Thursday, September 19, 2019
- iOS 12: Monday, September 17, 2018
