Apple has officially release iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia, bringing enhancements to iPhones, and Macs worldwide apart from the Apple Watch and the iPad. It has also updated tvOS for the Apple TV and the HomeOS which powers the HomePod smart speakers and also provides firmware updates for the AirPods. The updates offer deeper customisation options, a redesigned Photos app, major improvements to Messages and Mail. It will also introduce Apple Intelligence next month — its take on generative AI that combines generative models with personal context while ensuring user privacy and security. These updates launch just days before Apple will launch the iPhone 16 series, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max with USB-C.
In iOS 18, users can personalise their Home Screen by arranging app icons and widgets in any configuration, framing their wallpapers or creating ideal layouts for each page. The Control Centre has been redesigned for greater flexibility, allowing users to organise controls—including favourites, media playback, Home controls, and connectivity—for quick access. Users can also choose between light, dark, or tinted appearances and enlarge app icons for a streamlined look.
The Photos app receives its most significant update yet, featuring a simplified layout and new collections like Recent Days, People & Pets, and Trips. On-device intelligence automatically organises the library, making it easier to find and relive special moments. Users can personalise their experience by customising the layout and pinning favourite collections for easy access.
Messages introduces formatting options such as bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough, along with new text effects that bring words and phrases to life. Users can schedule iMessages to send later and react using any emoji or sticker. The app now supports Rich Communication Services (RCS) for messaging with non-Apple devices, offering richer media and more reliable group messaging compared to SMS and MMS. Additionally, Messages via satellite allows users to send and receive texts when cellular and Wi-Fi connections are unavailable.
Mail now offers intelligent categorisation, organising messages into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. The Primary category focuses on essential messages, while other categories are grouped in a new digest view, allowing users to manage their inboxes more efficiently. Safari introduces Highlights, surfacing key information like addresses and summaries after a webpage loads. The redesigned Reader provides a streamlined view of articles, and the new Distraction Control feature allows users to hide disruptive webpage elements.
Apple has introduced a new Passwords app, consolidating passwords, passcodes, and verification codes in one place, backed by end-to-end encryption. This makes it easier for users to manage their credentials securely, with seamless syncing across devices and alerts for weak or compromised passwords.
Starting next month, Apple Intelligence will roll out to compatible iPhones as a part of iOS 18.1. This system leverages the power of generative models and personal context to deliver useful and relevant intelligence while protecting user privacy and security. Features include Writing Tools for refining text across apps like Mail, Notes, and Pages; enhanced search capabilities in Photos and Videos; and a more natural and flexible Siri that can understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify tasks.
iPadOS is largely an offshoot of iOS tuned for the larger canvas of the iPad, so there is largely feature parity between iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.
How to Upgrade to iOS 18
To experience iOS 18, users need an iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later. Since not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 18, a model newer than the iPhone X is required. Follow these steps to download and install the update:
1. Access Settings: Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
2. Navigate to Software Update: Tap on General, then select Software Update. This will display if the iOS 18 update is available for download.
3. Download and Install: Tap Download and Install to begin the update process.
4. Authorise Installation: Enter your passcode if prompted, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
5. Restart Your iPhone: After installation, your iPhone will restart to finalise the update.
These software updates come ahead of Apple’s official launch of the iPhone 16 this Friday. Users may experience busy servers due to global demand, so it may be advisable to attempt the update during off-peak hours.
Apple has made several subtle enhancements that may significantly impact user experience:
• Phone App: Recent calls search allows users to find previous calls using numbers, names, or transcribed voicemails. The microphone automatically selects Voice Isolation, Wide Spectrum, or Standard modes depending on conditions.
• Photos Utilities: A new Utilities section organises photos by categories such as Receipts, QR Codes, Documents, and more. Users can customise and reorder these categories for better accessibility.
• Messages Enhancements: Text effects and formatting options add a new dimension to iMessages. Users can now schedule messages to send later and use the Send Later feature by tapping the “+” sign next to the text entry field.
• Lock Screen Shortcuts: Users can now customise their Lock Screen shortcuts beyond the default flashlight and camera options, allowing quick access to preferred apps and functions.
• Maps Improvements: Topographical maps and hiking trails have been added, though currently limited to the U.S. and Japan. Users can create custom routes, view elevation graphs, and receive detailed hiking information.
• Calculator App: A new history feature allows users to view past calculations. The app also includes a unit converter and options for standard, scientific, and Math Notes modes.
• Calendar and Reminders Integration: The month view now shows both events and tasks, providing a comprehensive overview of the user’s schedule.
• Camera Enhancements: A new 5-second timer option has been added. Music playback will no longer pause when taking photos or videos.
macOS Sequoia Highlights
macOS Sequoia introduces iPhone Mirroring, expanding Continuity by enabling access to and control of iPhone directly from macOS. Users can swipe between pages on the Home Screen, launch apps, and respond to iPhone notifications directly from their Mac. Safari gains new features like Highlights and a redesigned Reader. The update also brings easier window tiling and introduces the Passwords app to Mac, consolidating credentials in one place.
How To Install iOS 18 and watchOS 11
iOS 18 is available as a free software update starting today for iPhone Xs and later models. Users can update their iPhones by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. macOS Sequoia is also available today as a free update for Mac users, accessible via the Apple logo in the top-left corner, then selecting Software Update.
For Apple Watch users, watchOS 11 can be installed after updating the iPhone to iOS 18. Open the Watch app, then head to General > Software Update. Apple TV users can update to tvOS 18 by going to System > Software Updates and selecting Update Software. Apple Vision Pro users can update to visionOS 2 by heading over to Settings > General > Software Update.
Apple Intelligence will begin rolling out over the next few weeks, with more features expected in the coming months. This suite of AI features will be available on the iPhone 16 lineup and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. The developer beta was introduced during WWDC 2024 in June, followed by the public beta on 15 July. Users can still join the Apple Beta Software Programme to access the latest beta versions of iOS. Before installing beta software, consider the following:
• Backup Your Device: Ensure you have a backup of your device and personal information.
• Use a Secondary Device: Beta software may contain bugs; avoid installing it on your primary iPhone.
• Provide Feedback: Participate actively by sharing feedback to improve iOS.
The iOS 18 developer beta version recently received its beta 3 release, featuring dynamic wallpapers, a revamped Messages experience with wider RCS coverage, new Photos app features, and more. To download this beta version before it’s publicly available, users must be part of the Apple Developer Program.
To install the iOS 18 beta:
1. Ensure Compatibility: You need an iPhone newer than the iPhone X running iOS 16.5 or later.
2. Access Settings: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
3. Enable Beta Updates: Tap on Beta Updates and select the iOS beta version you wish to access. This setting is off by default.
4. Select iOS 18 Public Beta: Once selected, your iPhone will begin receiving automatic updates to the latest beta version.
5. Follow Installation Prompts: If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
