Apple has officially launched iOS 18, though it may take some time before all users can access it. Those eager to get the update immediately can manually check by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.
If the update doesn’t appear immediately, refreshing the page or ensuring automatic updates are enabled should help. Owners of iPhone SE (second-gen), iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, or any model from iPhone 11 to 15 are eligible for the upgrade.
iOS 18 Features that You Need to Know Before Install
1. Apple Intelligence and AI Features
Apple Intelligence, a suite of generative AI tools, will roll out gradually in iOS 18.1. Initially available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and select iPads and Macs, the first features include improved Siri capabilities, enhanced photo editing, phone call transcription, and writing tools that generate, summarize, and tone-adjust text. Apple’s slow but steady approach to integrating AI highlights a focus on on-device privacy and stability.
2. Customize Your iPhone’s Interface
With iOS 18, customizing your home screen just got easier and more comprehensive. Users can now tint app icons to match their phone’s wallpaper, switch between dark mode automatically, or even adjust the app layout outside of the traditional grid. Moreover, you can change lock screen shortcuts, swapping out the default flashlight and camera with options like Calculator or Shazam.
3. Better Photo Organization
The Photos app in iOS 18 offers new organizational features. It automatically groups photos by themes like trips, people, and pets. Users can customize or reorder these groupings according to their preferences. Although this layout is optional, the ability to quickly sort and explore photo collections is a welcome feature.
4. Tap to Send Cash via Wallet
Sending money has become even simpler with the new Tap to Cash feature in Apple Wallet. If both the sender and receiver have iPhones running iOS 18, transferring funds is as easy as tapping the two devices together. While limited to Apple devices, it’s an innovative alternative to other peer-to-peer payment services.
5. Mindful Journaling with iOS 18
Apple’s Journal app, introduced in iOS 17, now includes more features in iOS 18. Users can log their emotions with mood shapes, sync their journaling habits with the Health app, and enjoy enhanced writing prompts and formatting options. This helps promote a more mindful approach to daily reflections and emotional tracking.
6. Improved Messaging with RCS Support
One of the biggest changes comes to messaging between iPhone and Android users. iOS 18 introduces support for the RCS messaging standard, allowing high-resolution image and video sharing and read receipts across platforms. Though Android users remain the “green bubble” recipients, this upgrade significantly improves media sharing quality. Additional features, like custom emoji reactions and text effects, enhance the overall experience for iMessage users as well.
7. Revamped Control Center
iOS 18 brings major changes to the Control Center, providing users the ability to customize and arrange controls across multiple pages. New options include third-party app controls, smart-home management, and media playback. This offers greater flexibility for power users looking to optimize their iPhone setup.
8. Offline Apple Maps and Trail Access
For adventurers and hikers, iOS 18 introduces offline trail maps through Apple Maps. Users can now download trail routes from national parks across the U.S., such as Yosemite, and access them without a network connection. Apple Maps also allows the creation of custom routes with multiple waypoints, ensuring better navigation for outdoor excursions.
9. Enhanced Security Features
Security improvements in iOS 18 make it easier to manage and secure sensitive information. Users can lock individual apps using Face ID or passcodes and hide apps in folders that require authentication to access. Furthermore, Apple’s revamped Passwords app allows for easy management of credentials, with features like passkey sharing and two-factor authentication integration.
10. Solve Math with Notes App
The Notes app has evolved beyond simple note-taking. In iOS 18, users can now perform basic math operations directly in the app. By typing out equations or assigning values to variables, Notes automatically calculates the result, providing a simple yet powerful tool for quick calculations.
Conclusion
iOS 18 marks a significant leap forward in usability, customization, and privacy for iPhone users. From enhanced security to AI-powered features, the latest update offers something for everyone. Whether you’re personalizing your home screen, sending cash via Wallet, or exploring offline trails, iOS 18 promises to improve the iPhone experience across the board.
