iOS 18: Release Date, Compatible iPhones, and All New Features

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By Lauren FisherJun 13, 20240 comments

What Did Apple Say About iOS 18 in WWDC 24?

Apple's WWDC'24 gave us a glimpse into the future with iOS 18. Let's dive into everything you need to know about this exciting update!

Release Date: When Will iOS 18 Release?

Apple did not announce a specific release date for iOS 18 at WWDC 24. The Apple official website says iOS 18 will be coming out in Fall 2024. Plus, based on past release trends, here's what we can expect:

Public Release Window: Apple typically releases major iOS updates in September.
Predicted Release Date: Following this pattern, iOS 18 is expected for a public release in mid-September 2024. This timeframe often coincides with the launch of new iPhones.

Current Availability:

Developer Beta: If you're an impatient Apple enthusiast, you can try the iOS 18 developer beta which is already available. However, beta versions are not final software and might contain bugs or glitches.
Public Beta: Apple is set to release the public beta sometime in July, offering a wider audience a chance to test the new features before the official release.

Compatible Devices: Is Your iPhone Compatible With iOS 18?

iOS 18 will be compatible with a wide range of iPhones, including all devices currently running iOS 17. So, if you have an iPhone 11 or later, you're in luck! Here's the breakdown of iOS 18 compatible iPhones:

Compatible iPhones:

Important Note:

While the core iOS 18 features will be available on these devices, some advanced AI functionalities, like the supercharged Siri, might be exclusive to the latest iPhone models, particularly the iPhone 15 Pro and later.

New Features in iOS 18: A Sneak Peek at What Awaits

iOS 18 promises a bunch of exciting features that will enhance your iPhone experience:

Generative AI Power: Apple is integrating significant AI improvements throughout the system.
Siri Gets Supercharged: Get ready for a much smarter and more capable Siri, especially on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models.
Customization Galore: Expect greater personalization options to tailor your iPhone to your preferences.

Apple unveiled iOS 18 at WWDC 2024, showcasing a major update packed with features powered by a new technology called Apple Intelligence. Here's a breakdown of the exciting functionalities you can expect:

Introducing Apple Intelligence

Smarter Siri: Get ready for a Siri that's more context-aware, personal, and natural, thanks to Apple Intelligence. You can use voice commands or a new "type to Siri" option, and Siri can now take actions within apps for the first time. Edit photos, manage files, create folders - Siri's at your service!
AI-powered Writing Tools: Enhance your writing across all apps with features like rewriting, polishing, proofreading, and summarizing text. Change your tone, ensure clarity, and eliminate errors - all with the help of AI.
Image Playground: Unleash your creativity with Image Playground, an app that lets you generate custom images based on prompts or themes. Include pictures of loved ones for a personalized touch, and choose styles like Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.
Genmoji in Messages: No more limitations on emojis! Genmoji lets you describe the emoji you desire, including your friends, and Apple will create it for you within the Messages app.
Smart Memories in Photos: Craft personalized Memories by describing what you want, and Apple Intelligence will curate photos and videos that match your description. Memories come complete with a storyline, music, and chapters for a captivating narrative.
Clean Up Photos: Easily remove unwanted objects from your photos with a new Clean Up tool in the Photos app.

Personalization and Customization

Revamped Home Screen: Rearrange apps and widgets with more freedom, incorporating open spaces and wallpapers for a truly customized look. Make icons and widgets larger, explore a darker dark mode option, and even add colored tints.
Control Center Gets an Upgrade: Everything in Control Center can now be rearranged for ultimate convenience. Put the controls you use most front and center, customize sizes and groups, and even add a variety of new quick actions from third-party apps. Split Control Center into multiple screens for dedicated sections like HomeKit, media, and connectivity, and swipe between them easily.
Lock Screen Enhancements: The Flashlight and Camera icons on your Lock Screen can now be swapped for other controls or removed entirely. For even faster access, assign controls to the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro models.

A Streamlined Photos Experience

Simplified Photos App: The redesigned Photos app makes finding your best photos and memories easy. The Library and For You tabs have merged into a single, simplified view that highlights your most cherished moments. Collections organize photos by theme for easy browsing, and you can pin them for quick access.
New Carousel View: Enjoy a visual highlight reel of your best content with the new carousel view. Live Photos and videos will even autoplay as you browse.

Enhanced Messaging and Communication

Schedule Texts: Messages finally supports scheduling texts, allowing you to send messages at a predetermined time.
Richer Text Reactions: The Tapback feature for reacting to texts now embraces any emoji you desire.
Text Effects and Formatting: Spice up your messages with text effects for words, phrases, or emojis. Add formatting options like bold and italic for extra emphasis.
RCS Messaging for Android Users: Say goodbye to green bubbles! iOS 18 transitions to Rich Communication Services (RCS) for messages with Android users, offering a more seamless messaging experience.
Satellite Connectivity in Messages: Even without cellular or Wi-Fi, you can still connect with loved ones using Messages via satellite on iPhone 14 and later models. This feature works with texts, emojis, and Tapbacks.

Looking Forward: Mail, Safari, Notes, and Maps

On-Device Mail Categorization: Coming later in 2024, Mail will automatically categorize emails into sections like promotions, transactions, and personal emails, keeping your inbox organized. A new digest view will consolidate relevant emails from businesses for a comprehensive look at your correspondence.
Safari Highlights: Get a quick grasp of key information on webpages with Safari Highlights. This feature surfaces summaries of articles, locations of restaurants, and even provides access to maps for shops on webpages.
Enhanced Reader Mode: Reader mode gets a boost with summaries and tables of contents, making it easier to focus on the content you crave.
Live Audio Recording and Transcription in Notes: Take note-taking to the next level with live audio recording and transcription in the Notes app.
Math Notes: The Notes app also introduces Math Notes, a feature that can automatically solve equations and expressions, a handy tool for students and math enthusiasts.

Enhanced Focus on Entertainment

Game Mode: Gamers, rejoice! iOS 18 introduces Game Mode, which minimizes background activity to dedicate processing power to your games. It also reduces latency from game controllers and AirPods. Speaking of AirPods, Personalized Spatial Audio is now supported for an even more immersive gaming experience.

Seamless Money Management and Security

Tap to Cash: Sending money to friends is easier than ever with Tap to Cash. Simply tap your iPhone to another iPhone to transfer funds using Apple Cash, eliminating the need to share contact information.
Enhanced Apple Pay: Apple Pay now supports paying with rewards points and installments offered by select credit cards. Event tickets in Wallet have also been redesigned to include maps, venue information, and more.
Passwords App and Improved Privacy: The Passwords section in Settings has evolved into a dedicated Passwords app, securely storing your iCloud Keychain logins and passwords. This app also supports passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, verification codes, and more, accessible across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Windows PCs.
App Lock and Hide Features: Bolster your privacy with the ability to lock any app, requiring Face ID or Touch ID for access even when your iPhone is unlocked. You can also hide apps, removing them from the Home Screen and tucking them away in a hidden folder within the App Library that requires authentication to access. Hidden or locked apps won't send notifications and won't be searchable.
Granular Contact Sharing and Secure Accessory Connections: When apps request access to your contacts, you can now grant permission to specific contacts only, keeping the rest of your contact list hidden. Additionally, a new method for connecting third-party accessories has been implemented to prevent apps from seeing other devices on the network.

AirPods Pro 2 Innovation

Gesture-based Siri Response: AirPods Pro 2 users in iOS 18 can leverage a new gesture-based Siri response option. Simply shake your head for "no" or nod for "yes." Decline calls with a head shake for ultimate convenience.
Enhanced Noise Cancellation: Tune out the world with Voice Isolation, a new feature in AirPods Pro 2 that effectively reduces background noise.

iOS 18 Makes iPhones and iPads More Accessible for Everyone

Apple revealed a toolbox of new accessibility features coming to iOS 18 back in May, making iPhones and iPads even more user-friendly for everyone.

Reduce Motion Sickness and Stay Comfortable on the Road

Say goodbye to motion sickness on long car rides! A new feature called Vehicle Motion Cues helps prevent that uneasy feeling by minimizing sensory mismatch. While you're a passenger, the screen will display animated dots that move along with the vehicle's motion, providing a visual cue that complements what you're actually feeling. You can choose to have it activate automatically or turn it on/off through the Control Center.

Eye Tracking: Navigate by Sight Alone

Eye Tracking is a revolutionary feature that lets you control your iPhone or iPad entirely with your eyes. This innovative technology utilizes the front camera and advanced AI to track where you're looking on the screen. With just your gaze, you can activate buttons, perform swipes, and execute various gestures.

Feel the Rhythm: A New Way to Experience Music

Music Haptics brings a whole new dimension to how you experience music. When activated, the iPhone's Taptic Engine cleverly generates subtle vibrations, taps, and textures corresponding to the music you're listening to. This feature works with millions of songs in the Apple Music library, and developers can even integrate it into their own music apps.

Speak Your Commands: Personalized Shortcuts with Vocal Shortcuts

This exciting feature lets you create custom voice commands that Siri can understand. By assigning specific phrases (or "utterances"), you can instruct Siri to launch shortcuts or even perform complex tasks, all through the power of your voice.

Beyond the Headlines: What Else to Look Out For

While these are some of the highlights, keep an eye out for more details on:

Lock Screen Enhancements: Rumors suggest a revamped lock screen with exciting new functionalities.
Health and Fitness Updates: Apple might introduce new health-focused features to keep you on top of your well-being.
Improved App Integrations: A tighter bond between stock apps and third-party apps could be on the horizon.

Stay Tuned!

As September approaches, we'll likely get a clearer picture of what iOS 18 has in store. Stay tuned for further updates, and let us know in the comments below which feature you're most excited about!