Image: Apple
Apple’s proprietary mobile operating system, iOS, debuted in 2007. Running exclusively on iPhones, iOS constantly receives updates designed to remove bugs and improve your device security.
iOS 18's released on September 16, a few days before the launch of the iPhone 16 series on September 20.
iOS 18 is set to be one of the most impactful iOS upgrades ever. It features new Home Screen upgrades, iMessage improvements, a Photos app redesign, and the eventual launch of Apple Intelligence for select iPhone models.
Apart from a few final security updates or bug fixes, iOS 17 will probably not offer more major updates. The most recent version of iOS 17 that you'll find on devices is iOS 17.6.1.
We've got all the details for the sunsetting of iOS 17 and the release of iOS 18. Read on to learn how to update Apple’s most recent version of iOS, find out which iPhones are compatible with iOS 17 and 18, and discover more about the latest features.
What is iOS?
iOS, previously dubbed iPhone OS, is Apple’s mobile phone operating system. Engineered to run on Apple hardware, iOS is at the core of iPhones. In 2019, Apple rebranded its iPad software as iPadOS. Similarly, the Apple Watch runs watchOS, while the Apple TV runs tvOS. (By now, you’re probably sensing a pattern.)
What is the latest version of iOS?
Currently, iOS 18 is Apple’s latest version of the operating system. It's currently slated for release on September 16.
The most recent iOS update you can download is iOS 17.6.1. This was a minor update and is likely to be one of the final iOS 17 updates as Apple prepares to move on to iOS 18.
What devices run iOS 18?
Here are all of the current Apple iPhones that will run on iOS 18. It's expected that the upcoming iPhone 16 series will also use iOS 18.
iOS 18-compatible iPhones
| iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max (expected models) |
| 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 can run iOS 17 will be able to upgrade to iOS 18. 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 is offering one of the largest upgrades ever to your iPhone's Home Screen. You'll now be able to 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 is also introducing new privacy features that allow you to lock even more apps with Face ID.
iMessage updates
iMessage is getting 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 is also introducing scheduled iMessages. This allows you to set a message to send at a specific time in the future. It's unclear if these messages will indicate that they were scheduled or if you can continue messaging someone when a scheduled message is set to send.
There are also some new features for iMessage's technology 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's getting 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 is introducing a new capability to its slate of Emergency SOS features. Emergency SOS Live Video can use 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 is introducing new screens for your Control Center that will 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
Apple Intelligence is Apple's entry into smartphone artificial intelligence. It includes generative AI and major updates for your messages, photos, and Siri. Check out our Apple Intelligence guide for a full overview of the feature.
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 now be personalized and fit your needs, so you can give it specific instructions using the information in your phone and ask more specialized questions.
These features were originally scheduled to release with iOS 18 but Apple has delayed them. Features will slowly begin rolling out by the end of 2024 and stretch into 2025. When Apple Intelligence does come out, it will only be available for the iPhone 15 Pro models and the iPhone 16 series.
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 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.
Pixel 8a 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 64MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
iPhone 14 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S24 FE 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Pixel 8 128GB
- 6.2 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
iPhone 15 128GB
- 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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