iOS 18 features guide

iOS 18 represented a significant milestone in the history of Apple’s operating system. Alongside the usual bevy of updates and features, it also marked the debut of Apple Intelligence: the iPhone’s onboard AI.
In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at the various tools that iOS 18 offers, as well as which phones it’s compatible with.
You can find many of the supported handsets below, and in our wider iPhone range.
Which iPhones support iOS 18?
iPhones that are compatible with iOS 18 include:
• iPhone SE (2nd gen)
• iPhone SE (3rd gen)
• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
When did iOS 18 release?
iOS 18 was released on 16th September 2024 to coincide with the launch of the iPhone 16.
iOS 18 features
Home Screen
iOS 18 adds more ways to customise your Home Screen, such as the ability to resize app icons and change their colour based on your wallpaper for a cohesive look.
You can also lock and hide apps so they require Face or Touch ID to access.
Lock Screen
Personalising your lock screen is far easier on iOS 18. Swap them out for your preferred widgets and organise them in easy-to-access groups.
Photos
The iPhone’s photo gallery enjoys some significant updates, particularly when it comes to organising your collection. The Photos app can automatically arrange your images based on theme, such as photos with pets or people in them. You can then rearrange these groups to your preference and pin the ones you want to see most.
Messages
The Messages app received a facelift with support for animated effects. Make a message stand out by expanding it out of the text box, or set an emoji to animate when you send it.
Message scheduling is also included in iOS 18, so you don’t miss out on sending an important text.
iOS 18 can sort your emails into helpful categories, such as a Primary group for frequent contacts and time-sensitive emails. The Mail app will also show snippets of essential info without needing to open the full email, for example when checking into a hotel.
Passwords
There’s no need to store your passwords anywhere else, thanks to the Passwords app. All of your security credentials are stored here, alongside any relevant verifications you use to access your accounts.
Game mode
The performance power of iPhones has long made them a great gaming device, but the inclusion of Game mode takes things a step further. When loading a game, you can turn on this mode to help your iPhone maintain a smooth framerate and reduce lag.
Audio
Alongside the addition of Game mode, iOS 18 features spatial audio for a more rounded, three-dimensional sound. The impact in games is substantial, placing sounds realistically around the in-game environment rather than just directly in front of you.
If you use AirPods, specifically the Pro model, iOS 18 introduces voice isolation to reduce background noise while on a call. You can also use head motions to interact with Siri; simply nod or shake your head to say yes or no, respectively.
Calculator
Useful for students and for sorting a dinner bill, the Calculator app has been updated to include Maths Notes. With this function, you can quickly and easily make a calculation without needing to jump between the Notes and Calculator apps.
Hidden features
iOS 18 clearly adds a lot of features and tools, but there are some updates you might not immediately know about at first glance:
• Music no longer stops when opening the Camera app; a particular annoyance if you’ve ever tried taking a photo with AirPods in.
• The Control Centre includes a Power widget, so you don’t need to hold the Power and Volume buttons to turn your iPhone off.
• iMessage supports images up to 100MB, enabling you to send higher-resolution photos.
• If you travel regularly to work, you can set the Weather app so it separately highlights what the conditions are like at home and near your workplace.
How to download and install iOS 18
Updating your iPhone to iOS 18 is simple and straightforward:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Select ‘Upgrade to iOS 18’ > Update Now
- Enter your passcode and accept the Terms & Conditions
After following these steps, you’ll get an estimate of how long the process will take to complete. Once done, your iPhone will then restart to complete iOS 18’s installation.
Those are many of the useful features included with iOS 18. If you’re thinking of moving to a different iPhone and wondering what to do with your old data, we also have you covered with our step-by-step guide.