With the launch of new iPhone 16, Apple also rolled out iOS 18, offering major updates including enhanced Home Screen and Control Center customization, a redesigned Photos app for easier memory management, and new features in Messages and Phone, such as advanced formatting, satellite messaging, and call recording.
New Passwords app for secure management, better Mail categorization, and Safari browsing enhancements. Additional features include improved privacy controls, accessibility options, and the upcoming Apple Intelligence system, which will provide advanced writing tools and personalized features. Overall, iOS 18 focuses on greater personalization, efficiency, and security.
The new update rolled out several exciting features and improvements for users, with some limitations based on device compatibility.
iOS 18 Compatibility
iOS 18 is accessible to many devices, not all iPhones will support the new update. Those that were eligible for iOS 17 will likely be able to upgrade to iOS 18.
- iPhone SE
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS / XS Max
- iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max
For the unversed, if you own an iPhone 8 or iPhone X from 2017 or earlier, you will not be able to upgrade to iOS 18.
Check if you are eligible
To check manually, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
iOS 18 Features
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Screen | Customize the Home Screen and Control Center more deeply. |
| Photos Redesign | New simplified layout and automated collections |
| Messages Upgrade | Formatting options; text effects, emoji/sticker Tapbacks, satellite messaging, and RCS support for better media and group messaging. |
| Phone App | Transcribe live calls with transcripts saved to Notes. |
| Mail Improvements | Categorization of text messages Updates. |
| Safari Updates | Highlights for key information, redesigned Reader view, and Distraction Control to hide disruptive elements on webpages. |
| Passwords App | Secured passwords, passcodes, and verification codes |
| Privacy Features | New options to lock and hide apps |
| Apple AI | New AI features for writing refinement, photo editing, audio recording, and summarizing. |
| Apple Maps Enhancements | offline maps, and add notes to hot spots. |
| Game Mode | Enhanced gaming experience , improved accessory responsiveness, and new features for AirPods. |
| Apple Pay Updates | New payment options including rewards with Discover, loans with Affirm, and Tap to Cash for quick transfers. |
| Notes App Features | Instant math formula solving, collapsible sections, and improved entry sorting and searching. |
| Calendar Integration | Displays both events and tasks from Reminders, with enhanced month view. |
| Journal App | New insights view, search and sort capabilities, and integration with the Health app for tracking journaling and mindfulness. |
| Home App Updates | Guest access features for home automation and improved energy usage insights. |
| Emergency SOS | Live video sharing during emergency calls to provide additional context to dispatchers. |
| AirPods Updates | New features for call handling, Siri interactions, and gaming audio. AirPods Pro 2 will also offer a clinical-grade hearing aid capability. |
| Health App Updates | Redesigned Medical ID for emergencies |
| Accessibility Features | Eye Tracking for navigation, Music Haptics, Vocal Shortcuts |
Is iPhone 16 Upgrade really worthwhile? Comparing features with iPhone 15
