Apple’s new version of the iPhone operating system, iOS 18, is officially arriving on September 16, the company announced at its latest iPhone 16 event.
As previously announced at WWDC 2024, iOS 18 introduces a host of new features. Among the highlights are a set of customization options, such as being able to arrange apps and widgets on the Home Screen and customize buttons. Other features include new text effects, the ability to lock and hide apps, new ways to manage your Mail inbox, the introduction of iMessages over satellite, a significant redesign of the Photos app and more.
For now, you can test the updates through the iOS 18 public beta, though you should keep all the caveats that come with beta software in mind.
Which devices support iOS 18?
You may be wondering if your iPhone supports the new update. The company says you can download iOS 18 on the following models:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (second generation or later)
When will iOS 18 be available to download?
The major release will be available on September 16 as a free software update. However, if you want to try out iOS 18 a little earlier, the public beta is available to download at beta.apple.com.
It’s also important to note that some features won’t be available in certain countries, languages or devices. For instance, the Safari “Highlights” feature, which automatically detects relevant information, will only be available in English in the U.S. Meanwhile, the new live audio transcription capability in the Notes app can be accessed on iPhone 12 and later in English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K. and the U.S.
Which devices support Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is the company’s new generative AI offering, which will be integrated into most of Apple’s apps. It enables your iPhone to take certain actions, like help compose emails and respond to text messages with Smart Replies.
You’ll get the most out of the Apple Intelligence features with the new iPhone 16 models, which CEO Tim Cook said were specifically designed for the technology. It’ll also be available on iPad and Mac devices with M1 and later.
Apple Intelligence will be available in beta this fall.
This story was originally published June 11 and was updated to reflect that the iOS 18 release date was announced.