Apple fans, the wait is over! iOS 18 is officially rolling out today, bringing a fresh set of features and improvements to iPhones around the world. The update is scheduled to go live at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET/5 PM UTC, and millions of users will be eagerly checking their settings to see if their device is eligible for the download. But before you dive in, here’s everything you need to know about the iOS 18 rollout, which iPhones are supported, and what’s coming in future updates.
iOS 18 Supported iPhones: Is Your Device Eligible?
If you’re wondering whether your iPhone can handle iOS 18, here’s the full list of supported devices. The oldest models still getting the update are the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, which were launched back in 2018. If your device was released in 2018 or later, you’ll be able to download the update directly from your settings.
Here’s the complete list of iPhones compatible with iOS 18:
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2022), iPhone SE (2020)
If your iPhone is on the list, you can go to Settings > General > Software Update to check if iOS 18 is available for download. Be patient—it may take some time for the update to reach all devices due to the high number of users downloading it simultaneously.
Key Features of iOS 18
While Apple always packs its new software releases with exciting features, iOS 18 comes with several significant updates to improve both usability and performance. Here are some of the top features iPhone users can expect from this update:
- Revamped Lock Screen Customization: More widgets, new interactive wallpapers, and better customization options for a personalized look.
- Health and Fitness Enhancements: Improved tracking for mental well-being, sleep, and fitness activities with better integration in the Health app.
- Siri Upgrades: A smarter, more responsive Siri with added contextual understanding for tasks such as email composition, scheduling, and reminders.
- Natural Language Search in Photos: Now you can find images in your gallery simply by describing them—search for “beach day” or “sunset” and get instant results.
However, one highly anticipated feature, Apple Intelligence, isn’t rolling out with iOS 18 today. Apple is saving this AI-powered update for iOS 18.1, expected next month.
Apple Intelligence: What to Expect in iOS 18.1
While iOS 18 brings plenty of enhancements, Apple Intelligence—the company’s much-hyped AI suite—won’t be arriving until the iOS 18.1 update, scheduled for release in October 2024. This AI-driven feature is designed to improve user experience across several key areas by enhancing Siri’s capabilities, enabling smart replies in messages and email, and introducing advanced photo and video editing tools.
Here are some of the Apple Intelligence features to look forward to in iOS 18.1:
- Writing Tools: Automatic grammar and spell-checking across apps, with contextual improvements to make your writing smoother and more polished.
- Photo Clean-Up: Smart suggestions for editing and cleaning up images, like removing unwanted objects or correcting exposure levels with a single tap.
- Siri Enhancements: A more natural voice, better product knowledge, and enhanced multitasking abilities, making Siri more useful in everyday tasks.
If you’re curious about the latest advancements in AI, you might find this article on OpenAI O1 (Strawberry) and its potential to transform industries particularly interesting.
Not Available in the EU or China: Why Apple Intelligence Is Being Delayed
While Apple Intelligence will be available in the U.S. upon the release of iOS 18.1, it won’t roll out in the EU or China due to regulatory restrictions. Apple is currently in discussions with EU regulators over privacy concerns and data handling, which have slowed the rollout in Europe. The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires stricter oversight to ensure that user data remains secure and that Apple complies with fair competition standards.
For users in the EU and China, this means waiting longer to experience Apple Intelligence. In the EU, users can technically access the features by changing their Apple ID region to the U.S., but this workaround involves several inconveniences, such as canceling current subscriptions, using a fake billing address, and losing access to regional apps. In China, the restrictions are even more stringent, with Apple Intelligence not functioning on any iPhones purchased in mainland China.
Apple has hinted that Apple Intelligence will eventually be available in the EU, but only after additional safeguards are put in place. For now, users in the EU and China will have to wait to experience the full potential of iOS 18.1.
What’s Next for iPhone Users?
While today’s iOS 18 rollout is exciting, the real magic is set to arrive with iOS 18.1 and Apple Intelligence. Users with newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 will be the first to experience these advanced features. For those with older devices or in restricted regions like the EU or China, you can still benefit from iOS 18’s improvements, including enhanced performance, better app integration, and additional customization options.
In the meantime, iOS 17.7 is also launching today for users who prefer not to upgrade to iOS 18. This update focuses primarily on security patches, ensuring that older iPhones continue to receive essential updates without needing to jump to the latest iOS version.
With iOS 18 officially rolling out today, millions of iPhone users will experience the latest enhancements from Apple’s software team. Whether you’re excited about the new lock screen features, improved health integration, or Siri’s latest upgrades, there’s plenty to explore in this update. And with iOS 18.1 and Apple Intelligence just around the corner, the future looks bright for iPhone users.
