When Will iOS 18 Be Released? Full Installation Guide and Key Features Explained

First revealed at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, iOS 18 brings a host of new features, a redesigned interface, and various software improvements to the iPhone. One of the main differentiators, Apple Intelligence, won’t be fully available until next month as a stable update.

Apple is rolling out iOS 18 to eligible iPhone models starting today, September 16. The newly introduced iPhone 16 series, which comes with iOS 18 out of the box, will be available starting September 20, while older, compatible models will start receiving the update today.

First unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, iOS 18 brings a slew of new features, a redesigned interface, and various software improvements to the iPhone. One of the main highlights, Apple Intelligence, won’t be fully available until next month as a stable update. The rollout is set to begin at 10:30 PM in India, meaning it’ll be available in the US in the afternoon.

iOS 18 Key Features:

Customizing your home screen:
iOS 18 offers more customization options, allowing users to rearrange apps and widgets with greater flexibility. It also introduces new color themes and the ability to apply unique app icons specifically for Dark Mode.

Modernized Control Center:
Control Center has been redesigned to make it easier to access smart home devices with a swipe up gesture. It can now also be opened from the lock screen, and users can rearrange control tiles or access them faster with the action button.

App lock for privacy:
The highly requested App Lock feature allows users to lock individual apps and store them in a secure folder, ensuring greater privacy for sensitive information.

News app improvements:
The Messages app now supports cross-platform messaging via RCS and adds features like emoji reactions, scheduled messages, dynamic text effects, and text formatting. For iPhone 14 and later models, Satellite Messaging is available for remote communication.

Email App Updates:
The Mail app offers improved sorting capabilities, with on-device categorization that organizes emails into categories such as primary, transactions, promotions, and updates. This feature will be included in a future update.

Game mode:
Game Mode, borrowed from Mac, will now be available on iPhone, optimizing performance to suit game demands.

New look for the Photos app:
The Photos app has been significantly redesigned to make it easier to organize and access your photos, with intelligent features that automatically create curated collections.

Audio and Siri Updates:
Siri now supports gesture-based commands like nodding your head to confirm actions, improving hands-free functionality. Additionally, iOS 18 introduces voice isolation for AirPods Pro, improved call clarity, and personalized spatial audio for games, which will be available later this year with the release of Need for Speed ​​Mobile.

Apple Intelligence Features:
Apple Intelligence, a set of AI-powered features, will debut in beta as part of iOS 18.1 next month, with more updates to follow. The features will initially be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models and will gradually roll out to other regions and languages ​​over the course of 2024.

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Which devices will be supported by iOS 18?

iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

iPhone XS, XS Max, XR

iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)

How to install iOS 18?

Go to Settings.

Go to the General section, then select Software Update.

If an update is available, select “Download and Install.”

Once downloaded, you can choose to update immediately, install later, or set a reminder.

If you select “Install”, you may be asked to enter your password to complete the process.

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