iOS 18 Rollout: How To Download On iPhone, Enhanced Features

Apple is launching the global rollout of iOS 18, its latest operating system, starting September 16. Packed with new features and enhanced customization options, this update introduces significant upgrades, including an intelligent Siri and more control over the Home Screen and Control Center.

While the upcoming iPhone 16 series will come pre-installed with the new software when it hits shelves on September 20, users with older iPhones can start downloading the update now.

iPhones compatible with the latest iOS 18 update are iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 11 series, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and iPhone SE (second generation or later).

iOS 18 Features 

Home Screen Customization and Control Center Redesign

The most prominant feature of iOS 18 is the ability to customize the home screen. Users can now place app icons anywhere on the grid and pick from new “Dark” and “Tinted” options for recoloring these icons. Additionally, Apple has redesigned the control center to offer more customization options, including rearranging and resizing controls across multiple pages.

iMessage Enhancements and Photos App Redesign

iOS 18 brings several new features to iMessage, including using any emoji as a Tapback reaction, text effects like “Shake” and “Explode,” and formatting options such as bold and underline. The update also allows users to schedule messages for later delivery. Additionally, the Photos app has undergone its most significant make-over yet with an all-in-one layout replacing the previous tabs system.

More Security and New Passwords App 

iOS 18 allows users to lock any app behind Face ID, Touch ID, or an iPhone’s passcode for enhanced security . It also debuts a feature to hide apps in a locked folder. The update is equipped with a new Passwords app that consolidates features previously available through the iCloud Keychain in the Settings app, with an aim to simplify management of passwords and two-factor authentication codes.

Distraction Control and Game Mode 

iOS 18 comes with a Distraction Control feature in Safari that can be used to hide certain website elements like newsletter sign-up forms and cookie permission prompts. However, it’s not to be confused with an ad blocker. The update also features Game Mode, which was first seen on the Mac, to the iPhone. This feature minimizes background activity during gameplay for consistent high frame rates and reduces audio latency with AirPods.

Things to keep in mind before upgrading to new iOS 18 update

• First of all, check if your iPhone is compatible with the iOS 18 update.
• Make sure your iPhone data is backed up using iCloud or iTunes.
• Ensure your data has enough storage. The new update would require at least 5GB of free storage.  Therefore, make space to download the latest OS effortlessly.
•  Stable Wi-Fi connection is required to avoid any delay or hindrance.
• Additionally, keep your iPhone charged to at least 50% or keep the device plugged in as the update will take time.

How to download iOS 18 update

Step 1: Go to your iPhone’s “Settings” app

Step 2: Select “General” and tap on “Software update”

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions for iOS 18 update

Step 4: The iPhone would take about 30 to 60 minutes to successfully install iOS 18 update

Step 5: After the download is complete, customise your iPhone as per your choice 

Also Read: Which iPhones Will Support iOS 18? Here’s The Full List

In Future…

The AI tools will be launched in a beta version as part of iOS 18.1, with more updates planned in the near future. However, these advanced features will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. The iPhone 16 series, specifically built to accommodate Apple Intelligence, will fully support these AI tools.

Initially, Apple’s AI will be available to devices with Siri set to US English. Over time, Apple plans to widen support for English-speaking regions like the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa by the end of the year. Users can expect the AI features to extend to languages like French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese.