iPhone aficionados! if you're buzzing with excitement about iOS 18, and want to dive into its release date, features and compatible devices, brace yourselves for a comprehensive journey into the future of your beloved device.
iOS 18 is said to be one of the biggest - if not the biggest - updates in the history of Apple's iPhone OS. With iOS 17 having already introduced impressive features such as stolen device protection and the option for sideloading apps and games, the bar is set high.
This naturally leads us to wonder: what could the biggest update in iOS history possibly include? This guide is designed to satisfy your curiosity, providing an estimated release date for iOS 18, a detailed look at its expected features, and a comprehensive list of compatible phones.
iOS 18 release date estimate and compatible phones
iOS 18 is likely to be announced at WWDC 2024 in June, with a public release expected around September 2024. This estimation is based on Apple's typical pattern of announcing new iOS versions at WWDC and releasing them in the fall.
Apple tends to provide software support for its iPhone models for about 5-6 years. Therefore, iOS 18 is expected to be compatible with the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 15 series (including 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max)
- iPhone 14 series (including 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max)
- iPhone 13 series (including 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max)
- iPhone 12 series (including 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max)
- iPhone 11 series (including 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max)
It's important to note that this is based on Apple's previous software support history and the company's typical patterns, and the official list of supported devices for iOS 18 will only be confirmed by Apple closer to the release date of the update.
iOS 18 features
Following the trend set by ChatGPT and Samsung's Galaxy AI, Apple is expected to heavily focus on AI improvements in iOS 18. This includes leveraging large language models for enhancing built-in apps like the Messages app and Apple Music.
Apple plans to adopt the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard in 2024, which will enhance iPhone to Android messaging. The company is expected to introduce this advancement with iOS 18, aiming to improve interactions with Android devices.
Siri is also expected to undergo significant improvements, leveraging large-language models to become more like a conversational chatbot. The aim is to enhance Siri's natural conversation capabilities and improve user personalization across devices.
It's important to note that these features are based on current information and rumours, and Apple's plans could change. We will update our article with the latest info as soon as any new announcements or confirmations come from Apple.