Apple has officially released iOS 18, a significant software update that introduces Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools integrated into the operating system to enhance user interactions with tasks like writing, generating images, and engaging with Siri in more intuitive ways. Besides AI capabilities, the update includes revamped customization features such as a redesigned Home Screen with enhanced flexibility for app and widget arrangement, an overhauled Control Center, and new features like scheduling texts in the Messages app and Tapback support for all emojis through the Genmoji tool.
Privacy features have also been bolstered in iOS 18, offering users the ability to use Face ID or Touch ID to lock apps, hide apps from the Home Screen, and grant apps access to specific contacts rather than entire contact lists, ensuring more control over data sharing. While Apple Intelligence features are reserved for iPhone 15 Pro models and newer devices with M-series chips, iOS 18 delivers performance enhancements like Game Mode for older iPhones, along with updates to Safari, Photos, Mail, and more.
Despite the iOS 18 rollout starting today, the Apple Intelligence features are set to arrive in iOS 18.1 later this year, with users encouraged to explore the numerous new features and improvements offered by the update immediately. iOS 18 is compatible with over 25 iPhone models, ranging from the latest iPhone 16 series to older models like the iPhone SE (2nd generation), ensuring a wide range of users can benefit from the enhancements and additions brought by the update. To install iOS 18, users are advised to back up their devices, connect to a stable Wi-Fi network, and navigate to the Software Update section in the Settings app to begin the download and installation process.