IOS 18 explained

iOS 18
iOS 18
Logo Size:80px
Screenshot Size:220px
Version Of:iOS
Developer:Apple Inc.
Family:iOS
Source Model:Closed with open-source components
Marketing Target:iPhones
Update Model:Software Update
Preceded By:iOS 17
Tagline:Yours. Truly.
Support Status:Supported on iPhone XR & XS, 11 through 16, and SE 2nd & 3rd gen
Other Articles:iPadOS 18 (derivative for iPad)

iOS 18 is the eighteenth and current major release of Apple's iOS operating system for the iPhone.[1] [2] [3] [4] It was announced on June 10, 2024, at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). It was made publicly available on September 16, 2024, as a free software update for supported iOS devices.[5] It is the direct successor to iOS 17 and was announced alongside iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, and tvOS 18.

System features

Apple Intelligence

See main article: Apple Intelligence. The Apple Intelligence platform is available in iOS 18.1 and beyond on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models as well as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. Apple Intelligence adds artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and large language model integrations to Siri and other operating system functions, such as the Photos app.[6] [7]

Apple's Intelligence features are set to be introduced gradually across several forthcoming updates. These features were not included in the initial release of the iPhone 16 models.[8]

Calculator

See main article: article and Calculator (Apple). iOS 18's Calculator introduces Math Notes, a new feature that allows users to perform and track calculations on separate sheets, solve mathematical equations, and plot functions on graphs. With integrated handwriting recognition, Math Notes automatically evaluates user input and displays the results in their own handwriting. The redesigned Calculator app, now shared between iOS and iPadOS, marks the first time an official calculator has been available for iPad.[9]

Messages

See main article: article and Messages (Apple). iOS 18 supports Rich Communication Services (RCS) on supported conversations, including support for read receipts and higher-quality multimedia sharing across various platforms. As with SMS, it is designated with green message bubbles and buttons to distinguish it from blue iMessage conversations.[10] [11] Availability of RCS messaging varies by carrier availability and compatibility.[12] Apple previously refused the adoption of RCS in iOS.[13]

In 2022, after being questioned about RCS potentially coming to iPhone to increase compatibility with Android, Tim Cook said that iPhone users were not expressing interest in RCS and instead suggested that a solution would be to switch to an iPhone to use iMessage. The person who asked the question followed up, explaining that they use an iPhone while their mom uses an Android phone, to which Tim Cook jokingly replied "Buy your mom an iPhone" to large controversy.[14] The quote was later cited in an anti-trust lawsuit against Apple Inc. filed by the United States Department of Justice.[15]

In iMessage, Animated effects can be applied to any letter, word, or phrase, and text formatting such as bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough can be applied to any part of the text as well.[16] Both can be used simultaneously but cannot be used with the same selected text, however.

Photos

See main article: Photos (Apple). iOS 18 includes a significant redesign of the Photos app.[17] [18] Slideshows known as collections are now automatically generated and visible at the top of the screen.[19] Support for encoding/decoding the ISO 21496-1 gain map standard for HDR images was added, which allows for cross-platform HDR compatibility while remaining backwards compatible with SDR displays.[20] This redesign has led to backlash from many users who find it too confusing and is said to be the most controversial change in iOS 18.[21] [22]

Home screen

iOS 18 allows users to customize the icon color as well as the icon position and size on the home screen.[23] A toggle to activate dark mode icons for first-party apps and many third party ones was implemented. Previous iOS versions arranged icons on a preset grid, but now users can place them anywhere. App Widgets may now be resized in-place or reduced to a normal app icon as desired.

In August 2024, a new feature was introduced which enables users to edit the iPhone home screen through iPhone Mirroring, and is available in the latest betas of iOS 18 and iOS 18.1.[24] [25]

Control Center

iOS 18 comes with a redesign to the Control Center, allowing for multiple pages of controls, resizable buttons, and third-party controls.[26]

Passwords

Apple introduced Passwords, a password manager aimed at simplifying password management for websites, applications, Wi-Fi, and verification codes.[27] [28] This new app is heavily inspired by the Passwords section in Settings and syncs with it.

Locking/hiding applications

In iOS 18, applications that are visible to the user can be locked or hidden. Locked apps require passcode/biometric authentication to run. Hidden apps are moved to a designated 'Hidden' folder in the App Library; accessing that folder requires passcode/biometric authentication.[29] Hidden apps do not show in other places on the phone such as Siri Suggestions and the Settings app.

RecoveryOS

The new iOS 18 operating system includes RecoveryOS on the iPhone 16 series that allows users to recover and restore firmware wirelessly using another iPhone. While all iPhones running iOS 18 can recover and restore firmware for iPhone 16 models, the wireless recovery process is only supported between iPhone 16 devices.[30]

Others

With iOS 18.1, iOS allows the detection and display of battery health information of a non-Apple battery.[31]

With iOS 18.2, users will be able to share a link with others or airlines to track the location of AirTags or other accessories in the FindMy app.[32] [33] [34]

Reports from law informant suggested that a new security feature was added that would reboot iPhones after 72 hours of inactivity to make it harder to hack,[35] [36] something that researchers were able to confirm while looking at the code for iOS 18.1.[37] [38]

Supported devices

All iPhones that support iOS 17 are also compatible with iOS 18. However, the level of support varies depending on the device's system-on-chip (SoC).

iPhones with the A12 Bionic and A13 Bionic SoCs have limited support for iOS 18, while devices with the A14 Bionic and newer SoCs receive almost full support, excluding Apple Intelligence features.

Apple Intelligence features require an A17 Pro SoC or newer, only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.[39] Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, featuring the A18 and A18 Pro SoCs, also support Apple Intelligence and full features.

The iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone SE (3rd generation) are the only supported iPhones that have Touch ID and the Home Button.

Compatible iPhone models include the following:[40] [41] [42]

Release history

Previous releaseCurrent releaseCurrent beta releaseSecurity response
VersionBuildRelease dateRelease notes
18.022A3351September 20, 2024Initial release for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lineup
22A3354September 16, 2024Developer documentation

Release notes

Security content

18.0.122A3370October 3, 2024Release notes

Security content

18.122B83October 28, 2024Developer documentation

Release notes

Security content

18.1.122B91November 19, 2024Security content

Release notes

18.2 beta 422C5142aNovember 20, 2024Release notes

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: January 12, 2024 . iOS 18: Everything We Know . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240115074916/https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ios-18/ . January 15, 2024 . MacRumors.
  2. Web site: Peter . Kostadinov . June 10, 2024 . iOS 18: Release date predictions, anticipated features, and compatible iPhones . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240610083825/https://www.phonearena.com/ios-18-release-date-features-news-compatible-iphones . June 10, 2024 . Tom's Guide.
  3. Web site: Miller . Chance . June 10, 2024 . iOS 18 is coming today: Here's everything we know . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240610181351/https://9to5mac.com/2024/06/10/ios-18-new-features-release-date-more/ . June 10, 2024 . 9to5Mac.
  4. Web site: Sareena . Dayaram . June 10, 2024 . iOS 18: New Features, Siri AI, Apple Intelligence and More Expected at WWDC . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240610152249/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/ios-18-new-features-siri-ai-apple-intelligence-and-more-expected-at-wwdc/ . June 10, 2024 . CNET.
  5. Web site: iOS 18 . 2024-09-15 . Apple . September 15, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240915201203/https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-18/ . live .
  6. Web site: Prospero . Mike . June 10, 2024 . Here are the devices that will support Apple Intelligence — no older iPhones allowed . June 10, 2024 . Tom's Guide . en . June 11, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240611153848/https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/here-are-the-devices-that-will-support-apple-intelligence-no-older-iphones-allowed . live .
  7. Web site: Adorno . José . January 4, 2024 . iOS 18: Release date, AI, supported iPhones, and everything we know . January 15, 2024 . Boy Genius Report . January 15, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240115074916/https://bgr.com/guides/ios-18/ . live .
  8. Web site: Spence . Ewan . Apple's New iPhone 16 Pro Delivers Delight And Disappointment . 2024-09-23 . Forbes . en . September 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240923125140/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2024/09/22/apple-iphone-16-pro-review-good-bad-specs-camera-control-apple-intelligence-new-iphone/ . live .
  9. Web site: Solve math with Math Notes in Calculator on iPhone . 2024-09-18 . Apple Support.
  10. Web site: Johnson . Allison . June 10, 2024 . Apple is bringing RCS to the iPhone in iOS 18 . June 10, 2024 . The Verge . en . June 10, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240610174135/https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/10/24171315/apple-messages-rcs-ios-18-imessage-green-bubble . live .
  11. Web site: Miller . Chance . November 17, 2023 . RCS messages will use green bubbles, Apple confirms . November 19, 2023 . 9to5Mac . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118203335/https://9to5mac.com/2023/11/16/apple-confirms-rcs-messages-will-have-green-bubbles/ . live .
  12. Web site: Apple officially rolls out RCS for iPhone, but many carriers still don't support it . 2024-09-19 . ZDNET . en . September 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240919042513/https://www.zdnet.com/article/apple-officially-rolls-out-rcs-for-iphone-but-many-carriers-still-dont-support-it/ . live .
  13. Web site: Ulanoff . Lance . November 16, 2023 . Hell freezes over – Apple to support RCS messages from Android phones next year . August 27, 2024 . TechRadar.
  14. Web site: Lawler . Richard . 2022-09-08 . Tim Cook says 'buy your mom an iPhone' if you want to end green bubbles . 2024-07-21 . The Verge . en . September 8, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220908054542/https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/7/23342243/tim-cook-apple-rcs-imessage-android-iphone-compatibility . live .
  15. Web site: Bitter . Alex . March 22, 2024 . Watch Tim Cook's famous 'Buy your mom an iPhone' quip that caught the attention of the Justice Department . 2024-07-21 . Business Insider . en-US . July 21, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240721043355/https://www.businessinsider.com/tim-cook-buy-your-mom-iphone-doj-apple-complaint-2024-3 . live .
  16. Web site: Rossignol . Joe . iMessage on iOS 18 Features Bold, Underline, Italics, and Text Effects . MacRumors . October 15, 2024 . June 10, 2024.
  17. Web site: iOS 18 Preview . June 10, 2024 . Apple . en-US . June 10, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240610182101/https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-18-preview/ . live .
  18. Web site: Apple redesigned the Photos app in iOS 18 to intelligently organize your memories . Karissa . Bell . 2024-06-10 . 2024-07-04 . . July 16, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240716160808/https://www.engadget.com/apple-redesigned-the-photos-app-in-ios-18-to-intelligently-organize-your-memories-174959393.html . live .
  19. Web site: Younker . Scott . 2024-07-08 . iOS 18 Photos — Apple explains the biggest redesign in years . 2024-07-16 . Tom's Guide . en . July 16, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240716225629/https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/apple-explains-the-photos-app-redesign-what-they-think-you-want . live .
  20. Web site: Mishaal . Rahman . 2024-10-29 . Google and Apple are making HDR photos work better on Android and iOS . 2024-11-11 . Android Authority . en.
  21. Web site: Lloyd Coombes . 2024-08-11 . User backlash has reportedly caused Apple to rethink iOS 18's Photos redesign . 2024-11-23 . iMore . en . November 21, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241121085107/https://www.imore.com/apps/user-backlash-has-reportedly-caused-apple-to-rethink-ios-18s-photos-redesign . live .
  22. Web site: Mark Wilson . 2024-09-18 . Hate the new iOS 18 Photos app? Try these fixes to make it more like the old version . 2024-11-23 . TechRadar . en . November 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241119112934/https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/hate-ios-18s-new-photos-app-try-these-fixes-to-make-it-more-like-the-old-version . live .
  23. Web site: March 27, 2024 . What to Expect From iOS 18, Apple's Biggest iOS Update Yet - iDevice Central . June 10, 2024 . iDevice Central . en-US . March 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240327194530/https://idevicecentral.com/apple/what-to-expect-from-ios-18/ . live .
  24. Web site: Mishra . Prakruti . 2024-08-14 . Apple adds home screen management to iPhone mirroring in new betas: Report . Business Standard.
  25. Web site: McAuliffe . Zachary . 2024-08-16 . Every Way You Can Customize Your iPhone's Home Screen in the iOS 18 Betas . 2024-08-14 . . en . August 14, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240814102001/https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/every-way-you-can-customize-your-iphones-home-screen-in-the-ios-18-betas/ . live .
  26. Web site: Hardwick . Tim . June 10, 2024 . iOS 18: New Control Center Features Multiple Customizable Screens . June 11, 2024 . MacRumors . en-US . June 10, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240610194756/https://www.macrumors.com/2024/06/10/apple-ios-18-control-center-multiple-screens/ . live .
  27. News: Tibken . Shara . Stern . Joanna . Joanna Stern . June 11, 2024 . Password App, iPad Calculator, Scheduled Text Messages: What's Coming Soon to Your Apple Devices . subscription . June 11, 2024 . . July 16, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240716160809/https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/ios-18-ipados-18-iphone-apple-features-fall-2024-70d28f09 . live .
  28. Apple iOS 18: What's New in the Latest iPhone Software Release . Todd . Spangler . 2024-06-11 . 2024-07-04 . The new Passwords app provides a single place to access passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords and verification codes. The app also includes alerts for users regarding common security weaknesses, such as passwords that are easily guessed or used multiple times, as well as those that appear in known data leaks. . . July 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240706173051/https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/ios-18-whats-new-apple-iphone-release-1236033603/ . live .
  29. Web site: Clover . Juli . June 10, 2024 . iOS 18 Lets You Lock and Hide Your Apps for Added Privacy . MacRumors.
  30. News: iPhone 16 allows wireless firmware recovery using another iPhone: Report .
  31. Web site: 2024-11-07 . iPhone Repair: Impact of iOS 18.1 on Aftermarket Parts . 2024-11-14 . en-US.
  32. Web site: Apple's Find My enables sharing location of lost items with third parties . 2024-11-23 . Apple Newsroom . en-US . November 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241123013103/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/11/apples-find-my-enables-sharing-location-of-lost-items-with-third-parties/ . live .
  33. Web site: 2024-11-11 . Apple Announces iOS 18.2's New AirTag Location Sharing Feature Coming to These 15+ Airlines . 2024-11-23 . MacRumors . en.
  34. Web site: Miller . Chance . 2024-11-11 . Apple teams up with airlines for new 'Share Item Location' AirTags feature in iOS 18.2 . 2024-11-23 . 9to5Mac . en-US . November 13, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241113110252/https://9to5mac.com/2024/11/11/ios-18-2-share-item-location-airtags-feature/ . live .
  35. Web site: Kantra . Suzanne . Apple's Secret iOS 18 Security Update Makes iPhones Safer Than Ever . 2024-11-23 . www.techlicious.com . en . November 21, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241121153425/https://www.techlicious.com/blog/a-new-reason-to-upgrade-to-ios-18/#:~:text=And%20Apple%20is%20leveraging%20that,been%20inactive%20for%2072%20hours.&text=You'll%20know%20that%20your,ID%20%E2%80%93%20just%20your%20PIN%20code. . live .
  36. Web site: Tom Pritchard . 2024-11-15 . iOS 18 will force your iPhone to reboot after 3 days — here's why that matters . 2024-11-23 . Tom's Guide . en.
  37. Web site: Espósito . Filipe . 2024-11-18 . Researcher reverse engineers iPhone's Inactivity Reboot feature . 2024-11-23 . 9to5Mac . en-US.
  38. Web site: Reverse Engineering iOS 18 Inactivity Reboot . 2024-11-23 . Reverse Engineering iOS 18 Inactivity Reboot . November 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241122160838/https://naehrdine.blogspot.com/2024/11/reverse-engineering-ios-18-inactivity.html . live .
  39. Web site: iOS 18 Preview . September 8, 2024 . Apple . en-US . June 10, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240610182101/https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-18-preview/ . live .
  40. Web site: Cipriani . Jason . September 12, 2023 . Here's every iPhone model that will get Apple's iOS 18 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230903152816/https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-every-iphone-that-will-get-ios-17/ . September 3, 2023 . December 6, 2023 . ZDNet . en.
  41. Web site: Espósito . Filipe . September 19, 2023 . These are the iPhone models compatible with iOS 17 . December 6, 2023 . 9to5Mac . en-US . September 22, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230922172607/https://9to5mac.com/2023/09/18/ios-17-compatible-iphone/ . live .
  42. Web site: Teague . Katie . November 14, 2023 . No iOS 17 Update on Your iPhone? Here's Why . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180407/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/no-ios-17-update-on-your-iphone-heres-why/ . December 7, 2023 . December 6, 2023 . CNET . en.

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