Apple has announced that iOS 18 will be available for download on September 16, alongside its new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4. The new iPhones, which will be released on September 20, will come with iOS 18 pre-installed, but existing iPhone users with compatible devices can download it for free. However, not all iPhones will be able to run iOS 18, and even those that can not access all new features like Apple Intelligence.
As is common with Apple’s software updates, older iPhone models are often left out of the eligibility list. For example, iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X missed out on iOS 17 last year. However, older devices will still gain some new features. Notably, AirPods Pro will receive an update later this year to function as hearing aids, following FDA approval. The gradual phasing out of older models from major updates is expected with each new iOS release.
If your iPhone was compatible with iOS 17, it will likely support iOS 18 as well. The list of compatible devices includes iPhone SE (2nd generation and later), iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and newer models through to the iPhone 16 series. However, iPhones from 2017 or earlier, like the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, won’t be eligible for iOS 18. These older phones will continue to work but won’t receive new features.
Apple Confirms iOS 18 Launch on September 16 with New Features for Compatible Devices
Apple Intelligence, the major feature of iOS 18, will only be available on newer devices. Only the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the upcoming iPhone 16 models will support this feature when it rolls out in October. Apple Intelligence will initially be available in English in the US, expanding to other regions later in the year. However, the EU rollout is delayed due to regulatory disputes.
iOS 18 introduces a variety of new features aside from Apple Intelligence. The new Passwords app will centralize security credentials, the Messages app will allow text formatting and animations, and RCS support will improve compatibility with Android devices. Other enhancements include a redesigned Photos app for better organization and customizable home screen layouts, allowing users to personalize the appearance and arrangement of apps.
For those eager to try iOS 18 ahead of time, a beta version is available. However, users should expect bugs and glitches typical of beta software. With only a few days left until the official release, most users may prefer waiting for the stable version rather than dealing with potential issues in the beta.
Alongside iOS 18, Apple will also release updates for other devices on September 16. These include macOS Sequoia, iPadOS 18, WatchOS 11, and visionOS 2. However, tvOS 18 is still in beta testing with no confirmed release date yet. Updates to AirPods Pro will also follow, bringing new functionality like hearing aid support, although this specific feature may not be available immediately.
iOS 18 promises a significant upgrade for compatible devices, especially for newer models. While older iPhones will miss out on some advanced features like Apple Intelligence, they will still benefit from other enhancements in the update. With software updates also coming to other Apple devices, it’s an exciting time for Apple users looking to explore new capabilities.
