Apple has officially showcased iOS 18 at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2024, revealing a plethora of exciting updates. With a more customizable home screen, a revamped Control Center, significant changes to first-party apps, and the integration of Apple Intelligence, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Eager to know when and if your iPhone will get the iOS 18 update? The answer depends on your iPhone model. Let’s dive in.
Which iPhone Models Can Download iOS 18?
As with every iOS release, iOS 18 will be available on most, but not all, iPhone models. The minimum requirement is an A12 Bionic chip or newer. Unfortunately, if your iPhone has an A11 Bionic chip or older, you’re out of luck.
Compatible iPhone Models:
- 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 (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation)
It’s a solid list, but the iPhone X and iPhone 8 are no longer supported, as they lost support with the iOS 17 update last year. Note that while all these devices will get iOS 18, not all of them will support the new Apple Intelligence AI features. For those, you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max with an A17 Pro chip or devices with M1 chips and newer.
What’s New with iOS 18?
AI Enhancements
The standout feature in iOS 18 is the integration of AI, which brings significant improvements to Siri and integration across apps. However, this feature will be limited to the latest devices with the necessary hardware.
Home Screen Customization
Users can now personalize their home screen layout more freely, placing apps wherever they want and using a new theme engine for color customization.
Revamped Control Center
The Control Center has undergone a full redesign, offering faster access to controls, the ability to add and rearrange panels, swipe through different pages, and better media and Home controls. It also supports third-party app controls.
Enhanced Apps
- Messages: Gains RCS support.
- Mail: Improved sorting options.
- Maps: New topographical features.
- Wallet: Introduces a new “Tap to Cash” feature.
- Photos: Major redesign with a new gallery view and options to sort by years or months.
Privacy Improvements
iOS 18 continues Apple’s commitment to privacy with features like hiding apps from the home screen and placing them behind a hidden folder that requires authentication to access.
Game Mode
A new Game Mode minimizes background app activity, providing smoother gameplay and better responsiveness with AirPods and wireless game controllers.
Getting iOS 18
iOS 18 is already available to developers as a beta, with the official release expected to roll out to compatible iPhones starting this fall.
Get ready for a host of new features and enhancements with iOS 18, and make sure your iPhone is on the list of compatible devices to enjoy the latest and greatest from Apple.
