By Nermeen Nabil Khear 
Apple debuted iOS 18 at WWDC 2024, and the highly anticipated software update is now available to download on all iOS 18-compatible devices.
Now in its third iteration (known officially as iOS 18.2), iOS 18 brings significant upgrades to core iPhone apps including Mail, Messages, Photos, Maps, and Wallet, while entirely new AI tools can be found on the best iPhones (i.e. the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 line) via the Apple Intelligence feature suite.
Below, we’ve detailed the iOS 18 release date(s), key iOS 18 features, and a list of iOS-compatible compatible devices. Interested in taking it for a spin? Here’s how to download iOS 18 if you haven’t already.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? The latest major iOS release
- When did it come out? September 16, 2024
- How much does it cost? It’s a free upgrade
iOS 18: release date
iOS 18 began rolling out to compatible devices on September 16, 2024, though the software update was actually announced way back at WWDC 2024 on June 10, 2024.
Between June and September, Apple released a steady stream of iOS 18 betas, giving both developers and users the chance to try out some of the best iOS 18 features well in advance of their arrival.
In the months since its initial release, Apple has rolled out two iterative iOS 18 updates: iOS 18.1 (on October 28) and iOS 18.2 (on December 11).
iOS 18: features
Below, we’ve detailed the biggest and best iOS 18 features. For the full list of confirmed features, check out as Apple’s dedicated iOS 18 features PDF.
Apple Intelligence
Rather than debuting with iOS 18 proper, Apple Intelligence came to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 line as part of iOS 18.1, which didn’t arrive (in the US, at least) until October 28.
You’ll find a full list of Apple Intelligence features in our dedicated Apple Intelligence hub, but as a general rundown, the toolset includes a smarter Siri, text summarization, writing assistance, and generative image creation.
Redesigned Photos app
iOS 18 brings the “biggest-ever redesign” to the iPhone’s Photos app. Essentially, it’s been unified into a single view, comprising a photo grid and a dates grid, to better help you find the photo you’re looking for. You’re able to filter photos by categories, too, like screenshots and groups.
There’s also a new ‘Recovered’ album feature in iOS 18, which houses any photos or videos that aren’t in your main photo gallery. According to Apple, this reduces the risk of database corruption or issues with third-party apps.
Advanced Home Screen customization
iOS 18 grants users the ability to rearrange app icons and widgets. For the first time, you’re able to position apps at the bottom or side of the screen, freeing up real estate for the wallpaper behind them. You’re also able to trigger a new dark mode for app icons in iOS 18, as well as add color tints.
Control Center upgrades
Like the Home Screen, Control Center has also been upgraded in iOS 18. You’re now able to separate the Control Center into distinct function groups, like Media and Home, and you can resize Control Center widgets, too.
For the first time on iPhone, iOS 18 also allows you to edit which Control Center widgets appear on the Lock Screen.
Messages upgrades
iOS 18 lets you react to messages using any emoji, and you’re also able to schedule messages to send at a convenient time in the future. Apple has added new text formatting to the Messages app, too, so you’re able to underline, strikethrough and bold your messages, as well as add new text formatting like ripple effects.
The Messages app also supports the RCS standard in iOS 18. This should facilitate a richer messaging experience when you’re communicating with someone who doesn’t own an Apple device.
Oh, and Apple has also expanded the satellite capabilities of compatible iPhones to let you send messages via satellite when cellular and Wi-Fi connections aren’t available. Neat!
A new Passwords app
iOS 18 brings with it a new, default iPhone app: Passwords. As the name suggests, Passwords acts as a one-stop shop for all your precious passwords, passkeys, and verification codes. As well as being a digital storage vault, the app will also alert you if you’re using weak passwords, or if your details have been involved in a data breach.
Naturally, all of the information inside the Passwords app is protected by end-to-end encryption, and, of course, you’re able to lock it behind Touch or Face ID authentication.
Mail categorization
iOS 18.2 leveraged the power of Apple’s new-and-improved on-device processing to categorize emails into four folders: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. In this version of iOS 18, the Mail app can provide easy-to-read digests, too, helping you to quickly scan for what’s important in the moment.
Wallet upgrades
The Wallet app has been upgraded with a new ‘tap to cash’ feature in iOS 18, which should help make paying friends easier. Certain event tickets will also now feature a more dynamic design.
ID-authenticated app locks
iOS 18 introduces optional Face ID authentication for all iPhone apps – not just Notes and banking apps. You’re also able to hide apps in a new Hidden Apps folder.
An upgrade for Power Reserve
Although not announced by Apple, the first iOS 18 beta revealed that the iPhone 15’s Power Reserve feature (which lets you access cards and locate your iPhone when the battery is otherwise out of juice) also now displays the time, so we can only assume that this upgrade has made it to the final iOS 18 build, too.
Math in any text field
You might not ever need to use a calculator with iOS 18, because if you enter a math problem in any text field, the operating system will solve it for you.
Choose your Home hub
If you have multiple devices that could serve as a Home hub, then one iOS 18 feature you’ll likely really appreciate is the ability to select which you want to use as your Home hub, so you can make sure the best, fastest option is selected.
Shoot videos without pausing audio
Previously, if you used the video camera mode on an iPhone, it would pause any music, podcasts, or other audio that was playing. But with iOS 18, you can record video without pausing your audio. This is a small change, but a welcome one.
iOS 18: Compatibility
Apple has confirmed that any iPhone newer than the iPhone XS is compatible with iOS 18 and its subsequent iterations (in other words, any iPhone with the A12 Bionic chipset or newer). Incidentally, that’s also the same device requirements as iOS 17.
It’s worth noting, though, that Apple Intelligence features are limited to the iPhone 16 line, along with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Below, we’ve detailed the full list of iOS 18-compatible iPhones. For more information, including confirmed iPadOS 18 compatibility, check out our dedicated iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 compatibility explainer.
- 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 XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
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