Technology

iOS 18 release date, new features and compatible devices

Published

2 months ago

June 11, 2024

Apple announced a range of AI features with iOS 18, significantly improving Siri, Notes, Photos, Mail and other apps, but these features will only be available on a limited number of models. For everyone else, there are a host of smaller upgrades to almost every app that together will make big changes to the way you use your iPhone.

When will iOS 18 be available, which iPhone models will it support, and what new features will it introduce? Read on for all the latest iOS 18 news and rumors.

When will iOS 18 be released?

Apple announced a new version of iOS on June 10, 2024 at the Worldwide Developers Conference, better known as WWDC.

However, we will have to wait until the autumn of 2024 for the final version, which will be rolled out with the iPhone 16. If you can’t wait that long, there is an option to participate in the Apple Beta program (read more on our sister site, Macworld)which gives you access to the unfinished versions of the latest iOS builds.

It is important to note that these iterations of the software are still in development and often contain bugs and other issues. So we only recommend this route if you’re confident you can work with beta software or if you have an iPhone that you don’t mind serving as a testing machine.

Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 18?

Apple has now confirmed which iPhones will be compatible with iOS 18. Here’s the full list of devices:

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 13mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12mini
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 (2nd generation or later)

However, Apple Intelligence will only will be available on the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max and probably iPhone 16 models.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

What new features will be available in iOS 18?

Apple has announced a flood of new features coming to iOS 18. Here are some of the biggest and best:

Home screen customization: There will be a lot more flexibility in customizing your home screen, with new controls for app icons, new dark mode icons, and the ability to color app icons to match your wallpaper.
New control gallery: You even have the option to switch the flashlight and camera on your lock screen.
New app privacy options: You can lock your apps. Locked apps won’t show notifications or appear in search results or Spotlight suggestions. You can choose to hide them completely if you prefer.
iMessage changes: New formatting options include bold, italics, and strikethrough. There are also animated text effects and the ability to tap with an emoji or sticker. You can also schedule messages. As expected, iMessage also gets RCS support.
Mail is getting a new organizational tool known as device categorization. It automatically sorts emails into one of four categories: primary, transactions, updates, and promotions, grouping emails across brands.
Photos gets its biggest redesign yet, with a new view and new organization tools, including Recent Days, which filters out screenshots and images of items like receipts to show you your best new photos. You can also share entire collections with one tap.
Maps: New topographic maps are added for walking and hiking.
Calendar: Reminders can now appear in your calendar.
Wallet: Tap to Cash allows you to instantly transfer cash from phone to phone.

Apple Intelligence

In addition to the above features, which will be available on all handsets that can support iOS 18, there will be new AI features that will only be available on the iPhone Pro, Pro Max and new iPhone 16 models.

These new tools will significantly enhance the capabilities of Siri and a range of apps.