iOS 18 Rollout Begins Today: Eligible iPhones, Key Features, and Installation Guide

Apple is officially releasing iOS 18 today, September 16, for eligible older iPhone models. This follows its announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024. The new iPhone 16 series, which comes pre-loaded with iOS 18, will be available starting September 20, while users of older iPhones can start receiving the update from today.

What's New in iOS 18?

iOS 18 introduces a range of exciting features and improvements that enhance the user experience. Here are some of the most notable updates:

Home Screen Customization: iOS 18 offers advanced home screen customization options, allowing users to rearrange apps and widgets with more flexibility. You can now apply unique color themes and customize app icons specifically for dark mode.
Revamped Control Center: The redesigned Control Center offers quick access to smart home controls, directly from the lock screen. You can now rearrange control tiles and access them even faster with the Action Button.
App Lock for Enhanced Privacy: A much-anticipated feature, App Lock, allows users to secure individual apps and hide them in a secure folder. This ensures greater privacy and protection for sensitive data.
Messages App Updates: iOS 18 brings new features to the Messages app, such as compatibility with other messaging platforms through RCS support, emoji and sticker reactions, scheduled messages, and satellite messaging for remote communication (available on iPhone 14 and newer models).
Game Mode for iPhones: A game-optimized mode, similar to that in Macs, comes to iPhones with iOS 18, improving performance based on the specific game's requirements.
Revamped Photos App: The Photos app has been redesigned, offering easier access to memories and better organization of your photo library. New smart features automatically curate photo collections, streamlining the photo management process.
Apple Intelligence: Apple Intelligence is one of the major highlights of iOS 18, but the full stable release will be available with iOS 18.1 in October. This AI-driven feature will offer advanced functionalities, but will initially be limited to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

How to Check, Download, and Install iOS 18Eligible iPhone users can follow these steps to download and install iOS 18:

Open the Settings app.
Go to General and tap on Software Update.
If iOS 18 is available, the option to Download and Install will appear.
Once downloaded, choose to install the update immediately or at a later time.
Enter your passcode if prompted, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Eligible iPhone ModelsHere is a list of iPhone models eligible for the iOS 18 update:

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 or later)

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What's Next for iOS 18?

The next big update, iOS 18.1, which will introduce Apple Intelligence in full, is expected in October. Initially, AI features will be available in the U.S. and select English-speaking regions. More languages, including Chinese, French, and Spanish, will be supported in 2024.

[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Apple updates may vary depending on region and device compatibility.]