As of today, Monday, September 16, iOS 18 has been formally made available for download by the general public. It brings with it some notable improvements as well as some minor customizations for your device. There are a few crucial things to think about before starting the installation.
A more customizable home screen, a redesigned photo album and control center, the ability to lock and hide apps, and RCS support for better text messaging with Android users are some of the major updates in iOS 18.
Here is all the necessary information if you are ready to download and install iOS 18 right now.
Discover the nine most noteworthy hidden features of iOS 18 in addition to the seven things you should do as soon as you download the update.
While not all iPhone models are compatible with iOS 18, a large number of devices are supported. It is available for download and installation on the iPhone XR and XS, which were both released in 2018, as well as on later models.
The iPhone 16 series, available for pre-order now, will officially launch on September 20. It will come equipped with iOS 18 from the outset.
Regrettably, the Apple Intelligence feature is set to begin its rollout next month, specifically in October, coinciding with the launch of iOS 18.1 If you are eager to experience certain AI functionalities immediately, such as text message summaries and voice memo transcriptions, you may opt for the developer beta version; however, this requires either the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or the iPhone 16.
It is unlikely that all users will be completely satisfied with the features introduced in iOS 18, which underscores the necessity of exercising caution before upgrading from iOS 17. To safeguard your data, it is advisable to perform a backup of your iPhone before proceeding with the update to iOS 18. This precaution will enable you to revert to iOS 17 should you find that iOS 18 does not meet your expectations.
You may choose to update your iPhone through iCloud (Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now), but this method is not suitable for restoring to a previous iOS version. Instead, it is recommended to back up your iPhone using your computer and create an archive backup.
To learn more about creating a local archive on a Mac or Windows computer, see Jeff’s post on how to successfully back up your iPhone.For detailed instructions on how to properly create a local archive on your Mac or Windows computer, refer to Jeff’s guide on backing up your iPhone effectively.
After successfully backing up your compatible iPhone, it is essential to follow these steps to ensure a seamless installation process:
Verify whether your iPhone is plugged in or completely charged. Attempting to download a significant software update such as iOS 18 is not feasible if your battery level is below 50%. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your device plugged in throughout the process. Additionally, even when connected to power, your battery should exceed 20%, so allow sufficient time for charging.
Establish a strong Wi-Fi connection with your iPhone. Downloading iOS 18 is not possible via mobile data, necessitating a connection to a robust Wi-Fi network. While utilizing a hotspot is an option, it may result in a slower download experience.
Furthermore, verify that your device has adequate storage space. Major software updates like iOS 18 require several gigabytes of space, so it is crucial to have sufficient storage available. If your iPhone is low on storage, navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to remove large files and applications. Alternatively, you can download iOS 18 using your computer, which does not necessitate freeing up space on your device.
Additionally, consider exploring these simple strategies for optimizing your iPhone’s storage.
Downloading NowdownloadingNow comes the easy part—downloading and installing iOS 18.
On your supported iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If you do this right at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET, you may need to wait a bit for the update to appear, so be patient. Once it does show up, go into Upgrade to iOS 18 at the bottom of the page and then hit Update Now to install iOS 18 on your phone. Enter your passcode and accept the terms and conditions to begin the update process.
You should see a loading bar, along with an estimate of how long it will take to download and install iOS 18. Once the download is complete, your phone will restart, and iOS 18 should be downloaded on your device.
