iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 is finally out for everyone and offers many new features. What iPhones do you install it on and how?
Apple released iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, new operating system updates for iPhone and iPad. Like all Apple software updates, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are available for free.
iOS 18 is out!
Apple’s new software can be downloaded over-the-air to eligible iPhones and iPads in Settings > General > Software Update. Please note that due to high demand, it may take a few minutes for the update to roll out to all users.
If you have iOS 17, you can download iOS 18. It is available for iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone SE 2 and later. For iPad, iPadOS 18 works on 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation and later, all 11-inch iPad Pro models, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later. Apple has also released the iOS 17.7 update for those still using iOS 17.
While you’re waiting for iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 to download, you can check out our iOS 18 roundup and iPadOS 18 overview, which go into detail about all the new features that are included.
iOS 18 news
iOS 18 adds new home screen customization options with the ability to arrange apps and widgets using free spaces and add new app icon shades. The control center has been completely redesigned with support for multiple pages, third-party controls, and the ability to place controls on the lock screen and activate them with an action button.
The Messages app supports text scheduling, and the Tapback feature works with any emoji. There are new text effects you can add to words and phrases, and formatting like bold and italics. You can also use satellite messaging when you don’t have a connection, and RCS makes it much better for messaging your Android friends.
Apple has added a brand new Passwords app to manage credentials, and Phone calls can be recorded in the Notes app thanks to a new call recording feature. Notes can also transcribe audio recordings.
Safari supports Highlight to show the most important things on a web page and Distract to remove annoying elements, the Photos app has been redesigned with a unified look and new customization options through Collections, and the Maps app has support for topographical maps, trail networks, and creating your own walking and hiking routes .
You can lock any app using Face ID or Touch ID and also hide it. The Tap to Cash app provides an easier way to send money to other iPhone users in person, and there are a few new features for AirPods Pro. Many of these features are also available on iPad, plus there are some iPad-specific additions, such as new app tab bars and automatic handwriting improvements.
