How to get iOS 18 – Everything you need to know

Apple’s latest software update, iOS 18, is now available publicly. It came out of beta testing yesterday (Sept. 16).

Most iPhone models from 2018 and onwards should be compatible with iOS 18. It will be automatically available with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro that go on sale at the end of this week.

If your device is eligible for the update it should appear under Settings > General > About > Software Update. From there it can be downloaded and installed.

The update includes a range of new features, including the new AI offering Apple Intelligence. However, Apple Intelligence will only launch in October and the company is marketing it as a ‘personal intelligence system’ and says it will embed AI at the center of Apple products.

Writing Tools will be able to proofread and summarize text for users and Image Playground can generate images, cutting out the need for third party apps. Siri will also have new AI capabilities.

Hiking is my favorite pastime, so I’m glad even more people will be able to experience the benefits of a walk in nature with our new hiking features in iOS18 with Apple Maps. pic.twitter.com/BNu2JAyIzZ

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 16, 2024

New Home Screen and Control Center customization are available right away though. Apps and widgets can be organized around users’ wallpaper and they can be color-tinted, light or dark.

Controls additionally have more customization too, with options from third-party apps now available in the center. The available controls on the Lock Screen can now be changed or removed altogether.

The Photos app has also been completely overhauled with a more simple layout. Collections of related photos (like ones including animals for example) are now automatically collated for users.

Messages have new formatting options like bold and italics. When contacting non-Apple users, Messages now supports rich communication services (RCS) for increased reliability in group chats.

Calls can also be recorded and transcribed in the Notes app, notifying participants before recording begins.

A new app specially for passwords will allow users to see their credentials in one place, with sync across devices available.

Feature image credit: Apple Newsroom

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