iOS 18 has been officially released for public download as of today, Monday, September 16, introducing significant enhancements alongside minor adjustments to your device. Before initiating the installation, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
Key updates in iOS 18 include a more customizable home screen, a revamped control center and photo album, the capability to lock and conceal applications, and RCS support to facilitate improved text messaging with Android users.
If you are ready to download and install iOS 18 today, here is all the essential information you require.
Additionally, explore the nine most notable hidden features of iOS 18, as well as the seven recommended actions to take immediately after downloading the update.
iOS 18 is not compatible with all iPhone models; however, the range of supported devices is quite broad. Users can download and install it on the iPhone XR or XS, both of which were released in 2018, and subsequent models.
The iPhone 16 series, available for pre-order now, will officially launch on September 20. It will come equipped with iOS18 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.
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:
Ensure that your iPhone is either fully charged or connected to a power source. Attempting to download a significant software update such as iOS18 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.
Connect your iPhone to a reliable Wi-Fi network. Downloading iOS18 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.
Now comes the easy part — downloading and installing iOS18.
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 iOS18 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.
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