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TechRadar

Axel Metz

iOS 18: new features, compatible devices, and everything you need to know

Apple iOS Android Future Philip Berne United States Google

Apple debuted iOS 18 at WWDC 2024, and the highly anticipated software update is now finally rolling out across compatible devices.

As for what to expect from iOS 18, it brings significant upgrades to core iPhone apps including Mail, Messages, Photos, Maps, and Wallet, while entirely new AI tools are headed to the best iPhones (i.e. the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 line) via Apple's new Apple Intelligence feature suite.

Below, we've detailed the iOS 18 release date, the key iOS 18 features, and a list of iOS-compatible compatible devices.

Cut to the chase

What is it? The latest major iOS release
When did it come out? September 16, 2024
How much does it cost? It's a free upgrade

iOS 18: release date

Apple announced iOS 18 at WWDC 2024 (Image credit: Apple)

iOS 18 began rolling out to compatible devices on September 16, 2024, though the software update was actually announced way back at WWDC 2024 on June 10, 2024.

Between June and September, Apple released a steady stream of iOS 18 betas, giving both developers and users the chance to try out some of the best iOS 18 features well in advance of their arrival.

iOS 18: features

Below, we've detailed the biggest and best iOS 18 features. For the full list of confirmed features, check out as Apple's dedicated iOS 18 features PDF.

Apple Intelligence

Rather than debuting with iOS 18 proper, Apple Intelligence is coming to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 line as part of iOS 18.1, which isn't expected to arrive until October (you can, however, take Apple Intelligence for a spin right now as part of the iOS 18.1 beta).

You'll find a full list of Apple Intelligence features in our dedicated Apple Intelligence hub, but so far we know that the toolset will include a smarter Siri, text summarization, writing assistance, and generative image creation.

Redesigned Photos app

iOS 18 brings the "biggest-ever redesign" to the iPhone's Photos app. Essentially, it's been unified into a single view, comprising a photo grid and a dates grid, to better help you find the photo you're looking for. You're able to filter photos by categories, too, like screenshots and groups.

There's also a new 'Recovered' album feature in iOS 18, which houses any photos or videos that aren't in your main photo gallery. According to Apple, this reduces the risk of database corruption or issues with third-party apps.

Advanced Home Screen customization

iOS 18 grants users the ability to rearrange app icons and widgets. For the first time, you're able to position apps at the bottom or side of the screen, freeing up real estate for the wallpaper behind them. You're also able to trigger a new dark mode for app icons in iOS 18, as well as add color tints.

Control Center upgrades

Like the Home Screen, Control Center has also been upgraded in iOS 18. You're now able to separate the Control Center into distinct function groups, like Media and Home, and you can resize Control Center widgets, too.

For the first time on iPhone, iOS 18 also allows you to edit which Control Center widgets appear on the Lock Screen.

Messages upgrades

iOS 18 introduces the ability to schedule messages (Image credit: Apple)

You'll be able to send messages via satellite in iOS 18 (Image credit: Apple)

iOS 18 lets you react to messages using any emoji, and you're also able to schedule messages to send at a convenient time in the future. Apple has added new text formatting to the Messages app, too, so you're able to underline, strikethrough and bold your messages, as well as add new text formatting like ripple effects.

The Messages app also supports the RCS standard in iOS 18. This should facilitate a richer messaging experience when you're communicating with someone who doesn't own an Apple device.

Oh, and Apple has also expanded the satellite capabilities of compatible iPhones to let you send messages via satellite when cellular and Wi-Fi connections aren’t available. Neat!

A new Passwords app

The new Passwords app in action on macOS Sequoia (Image credit: Apple)

iOS 18 brings with it a new, default iPhone app: Passwords. As the name suggests, Passwords acts as a one-stop shop for all your precious passwords, passkeys, and verification codes. As well as being a digital storage vault, the app will also alert you if you're using weak passwords, or if your details have been involved in a data breach.

Naturally, all of the information inside the Passwords app is protected by end-to-end encryption, and, of course, you're able to lock it behind Touch or Face ID authentication.

Mail categorization

In a future update (likely coinciding with the release of Apple Intelligence), iOS 18 will leverage the power of Apple's new-and-improved on-device processing to categorize emails into four folders: Primary, Transactions, Updates and Promotions. The Mail app will soon be able to provide easy-to-read digests, too, helping you to quickly scan for what’s important in the moment.

Wallet upgrades

iOS 18 adds a new 'tap to cash' feature to the Wallet app (Image credit: Apple)

The Wallet app has been upgraded with a new 'tap to cash' feature in iOS 18, which should help make paying friends easier. Certain event tickets will also now feature a more dynamic design.

ID-authenticated app locks

iOS 18 introduces optional Face ID authentication for all iPhone apps – not just Notes and banking apps. You're also able to hide apps in a new Hidden Apps folder.

An upgrade for Power Reserve

Although not announced by Apple, the first iOS 18 beta revealed that the iPhone 15's Power Reserve feature (which lets you access cards and locate your iPhone when the battery is otherwise out of juice) also now displays the time, so we can only assume that this upgrade has made it to the final iOS 18 build, too.

Math in any text field

You might not ever need to use a calculator with iOS 18, because if you enter a math problem in any text field, the operating system will solve it for you.

Choose your Home hub

If you have multiple devices that could serve as a Home hub, then one iOS 18 feature you'll likely really appreciate is the ability to select which you want to use as your Home hub, so you can make sure the best, fastest option is selected.

Shoot videos without pausing audio

Previously, if you used the video camera mode on an iPhone, it would pause any music, podcasts, or other audio that was playing. But with iOS 18, you can record video without pausing your audio. This is a small change, but a welcome one.

iOS 18: Compatibility

Apple Intelligence features will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Apple has confirmed that any iPhone newer than the iPhone XS is compatible with iOS 18 (in other words, any iPhone with the A12 Bionic chipset or newer). Incidentally, that’s also the same device requirements as iOS 17.

It's worth noting, though, that Apple Intelligence features will be limited to the iPhone 16 line, along with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Below, we've detailed the full list of iOS 18-compatible iPhones. For more information, including confirmed iPadOS 18 compatibility, check out our dedicated iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 compatibility explainer.