Apple is gearing up to release iOS 18, its latest operating system, starting September 16. The new OS will bring a variety of exciting features to iPhones, enhancing user experience with customization options, a redesigned Control Center, and much more.
Among the key updates are a fully customizable home screen, an improved Photos app, and Safari enhancements. One of the most anticipated additions is Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools, including a ChatGPT-powered Siri and advanced content editing capabilities. However, these Apple Intelligence features will not be available until iOS 18.1, which is expected to launch in October 2024.
Let’s dive into the devices eligible for the iOS 18 update and explore the key features that it will bring to iPhones.
iOS 18: Eligible iPhones
The iPhone 16 series will ship with iOS 18 pre-installed, and many older models will also receive the update, covering over 25 devices. Below is a list of iPhones eligible for iOS 18:
- 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 SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
However, not all iOS 18 features will be available across all models. Specifically, Apple Intelligence will be limited to select devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the entire iPhone 16 lineup.
iOS 18: New Features
iOS 18 is packed with features aimed at providing greater personalization, control, and accessibility:
- Customizable Home Screen Layouts: Users can now freely arrange app icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen. Additional options like dark mode icons and tint customizations will allow for even more personal aesthetic choices.
- Redesigned Control Center: The Control Center has been revamped, offering more customization options and the ability to resize controls, including third-party app shortcuts. Users will also see tighter integration with the Lock Screen and Action Button.
- Enhanced Photos App: The Photos app receives a major update, with a new interface that organizes memories by events, trips, and collections. The introduction of a Clean Up tool will simplify photo editing, making it easy to remove unwanted elements.
- Messaging Improvements: iOS 18 adds satellite messaging for off-grid communication, animated text effects, and a Send Later feature for scheduling messages. Support for RCS messaging ensures richer communication with non-iMessage users, while the Mail app gets new categorization features and time-sensitive tools for better email management.
- Safari and Maps Upgrades: Safari gets a redesigned Reader for improved readability, alongside a new Distraction Control feature to remove unwanted content. Maps now include topographic views, hiking trails, and offline navigation support.
- Gaming and Audio Enhancements: Game Mode will boost response times and frame rates, while AirPods get upgraded Siri interactions, enhanced voice isolation, and personalized spatial audio.
- Accessibility Features: New accessibility options, such as eye-tracking, Music Haptics, and Motion Cues, ensure that iOS 18 offers a more inclusive experience.
Apple Intelligence: The Future of iOS
One of the standout features of iOS 18 will be the rollout of Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-driven enhancements designed to make Siri smarter and more intuitive. While most of these features will come in iOS 18.1, here’s what users can look forward to:
- ChatGPT-Powered Siri: Siri will utilize AI to deliver more precise, context-aware responses. It will be capable of retrieving specific information from emails, texts, and other apps, making it smarter and more interactive than ever before.
- Image Playground: This new tool allows users to generate, edit, and explore creative images from descriptions or existing photos, offering a unique edge for users who enjoy artistic expression.
- Focus Mode Enhancements: Notifications will be more intelligently managed with Intelligent Breakthrough & Silencing, which lets users control which messages can bypass Do Not Disturb settings based on their activity.
- Advanced Messaging and Mail Features: Apple Intelligence will bring smarter email and message summaries, offering quick responses and suggestions based on received content. This will streamline communication and improve productivity.
