Apple Releases iOS 18: 'The Biggest Update in iOS History'—Here's How to Upgrade
- iOS 18 is Apple’s biggest leap yet, but not every iPhone is invited to the party.
- Got an iPhone X or older? You'll have to sit this one out.
- New features, bigger updates—this iOS changes everything.
- Ready to shake up your home screen? Keep reading to figure out how.
Apple’s latest software update, iOS 18, is finally here, bringing what the company hails as its "biggest upgrade in history." Packed with new features, it promises to overhaul the user experience, but not every iPhone will be able to handle it.
iPhone Compatibility: Is Your Device Eligible?
Before you get too excited, it’s important to note that iOS 18 is only compatible with iPhones as recent as the iPhone XS. If you’re still using an iPhone X, 8, 7, or earlier, you won’t be able to upgrade. However, for users with an iPhone SE 3rd generation or newer, you're in luck—this update is within reach.
For those unsure if their device can handle the new system, check if your phone is running iOS 17. Both versions have the same device requirements, meaning if your iPhone is on iOS 17, it’s ready for iOS 18.
Photo via Apple Inc. // iOS 18 is Apple's most customizable iOS update ever.
How to Install iOS 18
If your iPhone is eligible, installing the update is simple:
- Go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Tap Software Update.
Once the iOS 18 update is available, follow the on-screen instructions. Expect the process to take around 30 minutes—it’s always wise to back up your data before proceeding.
Major Features of iOS 18
This update introduces some game-changing features across apps and customization options:
1. Advanced Home Screen Customization
No longer are users forced into rigid app layouts. iOS 18 lets you position apps and widgets anywhere on the screen—a freedom Apple fans have long desired. You can now design your home screen in more creative ways, whether that’s arranging apps around a background image or simply giving the interface a more personal touch.
Additionally, dark mode is extended to app icons, and users can add color tints, making customization both aesthetic and functional.
Photo via CNBC // Customize your iPhone like never before with iOS 18! Now, you can make your Home Screen look just how you want it.
2. Overhauled Control Center
Another standout feature is the revamped Control Center. Users can now create custom groups for functions like "Home" or "Media," with the ability to resize and organize widgets. It’s a change that gives more control and easier access to key features from the lock screen.
Photo via 9to5Mac // The Control Center is also getting a major overhaul.
3. Apple Intelligence
While it won't be included in the initial iOS 18.0 update, Apple Intelligence is expected to roll out gradually over the next few months and into 2025. Some highlights of Apple Intelligence include:
- Enhanced Siri: A redesigned Siri with advanced AI capabilities.
- Object Removal in Photos: The "Clean Up" feature to eliminate unwanted objects.
- Writing Tools: Including grammar check, rewrite suggestions, and summarization.
But that's not all. Apple Intelligence is a broad term that includes a wide range of new features coming to iPhone. We've answered all of your top questions about Apple's new AI features here.
3. Redesigned Photos App
Apple promises the Photos app will receive its "biggest redesign ever." The new single view interface includes a photo grid, a dates grid, and a collection menu that organizes your library into themes, such as "screenshots" or "groups."
In a notable improvement for data security, Apple introduces a Recovered album to safeguard photos and videos that aren’t in your main gallery, reducing risks of data corruption.
4. New Passwords App
Security gets a boost with the introduction of a dedicated Passwords app. This feature securely stores your passwords, passkeys, and verification codes, all encrypted end-to-end. Plus, Face ID or Touch ID can be used to lock the app. The app will even alert users if any of their passwords have been compromised in a data breach.
Messages Gets a Fresh Look
If you’re a frequent texter, iOS 18's Messages app brings some exciting updates. The biggest highlight? You can now react to messages with any emoji, along with additional formatting options like underlining, striking through, or bolding text. Additionally, compatibility with Android phones is being vastly improved in Apple's latest software release.
New text-animating effects have also been added, including options like "Shake," "Explode," "Ripple," and "Jitter," adding more flair to everyday messaging.
Apple even goes further with practical upgrades, such as the ability to schedule messages for later and send texts via satellite in the absence of cellular or Wi-Fi connections—a game-changer for those often off the grid.
Why Update to iOS 18?
For those still on the fence about updating, iOS 18's customization options and enhanced security features make it a worthwhile download. The newly designed Photos app, expanded Messages functionalities, and more personalized home screen layouts signal a clear shift towards user-centric control.
While some users may hesitate to install the update due to potential compatibility concerns, it’s worth noting that Apple has run extensive public beta testing since July 2024, which has smoothed out most issues. Early adopters have praised its stability, with one beta tester stating, “I’ve been using the beta for about a month and have found it incredibly stable.”
Updating Your Device
If you’ve already received a notification to update, Apple recommends backing up your phone to iCloud or a computer before installation. If the update doesn’t appear right away, try refreshing the Software Update page or restarting your phone.
Keep in mind that the update is over 7GB in size, so ensure you're connected to Wi-Fi before beginning the process. Set aside around 10-15 minutes to download and install the update, and remember—your phone must be plugged in and at least 50% charged.
A Final Word
With iOS 18, Apple is giving users more control over how their iPhones look, feel, and function. Whether it’s customizing the home screen, enhancing security with the new Passwords app, or simply having more fun with the revamped Messages, this update offers something for everyone.
And if your iPhone isn’t eligible for iOS 18? Maybe it’s time to consider an upgrade—you wouldn’t want to miss out on the "biggest upgrade in history."
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