Apple iOS 18 rolls out to iPhones today: What's new
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Apple's iOS 18 is available starting Monday, Sept. 16. Photo: Courtesy of Apple
Apple's newest iPhone models launch Friday, but starting Monday iPhone owners with compatible devices can update to the latest operating system, iOS 18.
The big picture: The new version of the software that powers the iPhone will allow greater customization, but users will have to wait for a future update to use "Apple Intelligence," the company's new AI offerings.
iOS 18 release date
Apple's new operating system will be available Sept. 16, days before the Sept. 20 launch of the new iPhone 16 devices, the company said.
Flashback: In past years, the latest software was available at 10am PT or 1pm ET on the first day. The initial rush to update can lead to longer download times.
- To download the software, go to your iPhone's settings, then "General" and then "Software Update."
iOS 18 supported devices
Compatible devices for the new OS are the iPhone SE (secnd generation or later) and models from 2018's iPhone XR on.
iOS 18 features
Zoom in: The iOS update is an annual fall tradition that brings new features to Apple's smartphones, including:
- New ways to customize the Home Screen, Lock Screen and Control Center.
- The Photos app is getting a makeover to make it easier to manage large collections and avoid seeing unwanted content, like screenshots and receipts.
- Messages will also be more customizable, including the ability to schedule a message, reply quickly with any emoji or add text effects.
- Apple also said the update will include support for RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging to "bring richer media and delivery and read receipts for those who don't use iMessage."
- But the green message bubble iPhone users see when texting someone who uses an Android phone isn't going anywhere.
Between the lines: Apple has a webpage and a 22-page document highlighting the new and upcoming features.
Apple Intelligence
What's next: Apple's AI features, first unveiled in June, will come — in beta form and only in U.S. English — next month.
- Dubbed "Apple Intelligence," features include AI-based writing help, summarization and photo editing.
Yes, but: It won't be available for all iPhones when it arrives — just iPhone 15 Pro models, iPhone 16 and later models with Siri, with device language set to U.S. English.
- Other features — including the Image Playground art generator and AI-generated custom emoji — are expected before the end of the year and others not until 2025, Axios' Ina Fried reports.
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