Image: Apple
iOS is Apple’s proprietary mobile operating system. Running exclusively on iPhones, it is the software that powers your entire device.
Apple constantly updates iOS to introduce new features, remove bugs, and improve your data security. Updating your iOS to the latest version will keep your device safe and provide the best experience with Apple's products.
iOS 18.2.1 is the most current version available for iPhones. It provides a minor bug and security update for your iPhone. iOS 18.2 originally introduced new Apple Intelligence features like Image Playground, Genmoji, and ChatGPT support.
We've got all the details surrounding the release of iOS 18.2.1. Read on to learn how to update Apple’s most recent version of iOS, find out which iPhones are compatible with version 18, and discover more about the latest features.
What is iOS?
Originally developed in 2007, iOS is Apple’s mobile phone operating system. Engineered to run exclusively on Apple hardware, iOS is the software that runs your iPhone. In 2019, Apple rebranded its iPad software as iPadOS, though the two systems are closely linked. Similarly, the Apple Watch runs watchOS, while the Apple TV runs tvOS.
Note that iOS is not the same as Android, which is Google's open-source smartphone operating system. Android runs devices like the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy.
What is the latest version of iOS?
Currently, iOS 18.2.1. is Apple’s latest version of the operating system. It's a minor security update and bug fix. iOS 18.2 introduced new Apple Intelligence features such as the Image Playground and Genmoji.
iOS 18.3 is in beta and will likely get a public release in late January.
What devices run iOS 18?
Here are all of the current Apple iPhones that will run on iOS 18:
iOS 18-compatible iPhones
| iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max |
| 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 XR, XS, XS Max |
| iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd gen |
Apple did not exclude any iOS 17 devices with its upcoming operating system. Any iPhone that runs iOS 17 can upgrade to iOS 18. The final version of iOS 17 found on most devices was iOS 17.6.1.
You should not try to keep your device running iOS 17 after the release of iOS 18. Old versions of iOS are more susceptible to security threats.
The history of iOS
The launch of iOS coincided with the release of the first-generation iPhone in 2007. Apple releases a new version of iOS annually, with iterative updates throughout the year. Progressive software overhauls deliver bug fixes, improvements to existing functions, and brand-new features. In 2008, the iOS App Store launched, allowing access to a few hundred apps. Since then, the roster of iOS apps has risen beyond 2 million.
What's new in iOS 18?
With each annual iOS update, Apple introduces important security updates, bug fixes, and new features. Additionally, sub-versions bring welcome changes. Here are the biggest updates out of iOS 18.
Home Screen customization
Image: Apple
iOS 18 offers one of the largest upgrades ever to your iPhone's Home Screen. You can now place apps and widgets anywhere on your screen. There are also ways to change the color and tint of apps to match your iPhone's wallpaper. Apple also introduced new privacy features that allow you to lock even more apps with Face ID..
iMessage updates
iMessage received a massive update with iOS 18. Within your chat bubbles, there are new text formatting options including bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough, plus new text effects animations for individual words. Apple also introduced scheduled iMessages. This allows you to set a message to send at a specific time in the future.
There are also some new features for the technology that iMessage uses to send your messages. Apple is introducing Messages via satellite and support for RCS (Rich Communication Services) with Android devices.
Photos app redesign
Image: Apple
Photos is one of the most important apps on your iPhone and it received a complete makeover in iOS 18. The app will now intelligently organize your photos by topics and introduces a new Carousel feature for viewing your favorite pics.
Emergency SOS Live Video
Image: Apple
Apple introduced a new capability to its slate of Emergency SOS features. Emergency SOS Live Video uses your phone's camera to share live video with emergency responders. This can help them find your location and communicate instructions before they arrive on the scene.
Control Center revamp
Apple introduced new screens for your Control Center that allow for control galley customization and easier access to your smart-home features. You can swipe down for these additional screens and swap out the controls found on your Lock Screen.
Mail organization and priority messages
The Mail app is also getting reorganized with the introduction of new categories. Emails can now be labeled as primary, transactions, social, and promotions.
Maps updates
The Maps app is getting topographic maps for hiking. You can save maps offline on your iPhone and even create custom hikes.
Tap to Cash in Apple Wallet
Apple Cash has been part of the Wallet ecosystem for quite a while, but there's never been a way to pay someone without having their phone number or email. Tap to Cash uses Apple's Airdrop system to securely and privately pay someone by simply bringing your phones together.
Journal app updates
A small update to the Journal app introduces the ability to track mental health goals and search your past journal entries.
iPhone Game Mode
iPhone Game Mode brings a Mac feature to your smartphone. Game Mode is designed to minimize background activity so your iPhone can commit more resources to gameplay. Apple claims it increases your frame rates and provides a better overall gaming experience.
iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence
The first set of Apple Intelligence features rolled out with iOS 18.1 on October 28, 2024. These included initial writing tools and a personalized version of Siri. iOS 18.2 was released on December 11, 2024 and introduced the first image generation tools and ChatGPT support.
Apple Intelligence is Apple's entry into smartphone artificial intelligence. It's only available to iPhone 15 Pro models and the iPhone 16 series. Our Apple Intelligence guide can give you a full overview of this new AI system.
There are new language tools to help you write, summarize content, and prioritize notifications. There are also generative AI image features that allow you to create custom emojis and images for iMessage. Siri will also be personalized and fit your needs, so you can give it specific instructions using the information in your phone and ask specialized questions.
How to update to iOS 18
If it’s been a while or you’ve never performed a software update, you’ll want to do so immediately. While app improvements and emojis are nice, iOS updates also frequently include critical safety updates that improve the security of your device.
Here’s how to update to the latest version of iOS:
- Head to Settings > General > Software Update
- Choose Download and Install to obtain the most recent software release for your iOS device.
Since upgrades are typically large, we suggest downloading over Wi-Fi.
You can also enable automatic iOS updates by:
- Navigating to Settings > General > Software Update
- Tapping Automatic Updates
- Toggling on Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates.
However, if it’s been a while and your Apple iPhone still hasn’t updated, go ahead and perform a manual update. As Apple’s Craig Federighi reveals, iOS auto-updates often arrive several weeks after release.
Best iPhones for iOS 18
Whether you’re an existing iPhone user looking for an upgrade or switching from Android, a new iPhone is a compelling purchase. Our favorite iOS devices include the newest iPhone 16 series and last year's iPhone 15 series. Remember that the iPhone 15 Pro models and iPhone 16 series are the only models that will get access to Apple Intelligence.
Older models such as the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone SE 3rd gen (2022) are also excellent options for iOS 18, especially if you can find a good deal. While these devices don't include the newest bells and whistles, they do have 5G connectivity and will let you hook up to Apple's ecosystem at a cheaper price point.
iPhone 14 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 14 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Max McCaskill
Max started his career as a newspaper reporter covering public policy. Today, he uses his skills to help readers navigate the complicated world of wireless technology. When he’s not writing, you’ll probably find him sharpening his photography skills, fly fishing, or complaining about SEC football.
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