Apple has announced a range of AI features with iOS 18, significantly enhancing Siri, Notes, Photos, Mail and other apps – but these features will only be available on a limited range of models. For everyone else, there’s a host of smaller upgrades to almost every app that will add up to big changes in the way you use your iPhone.
We have some concerns about the way that Apple Intelligence could affect email communications but there are other features, such as Vehicle Motion Tracking, that we can’t wait to try.
So, when will iOS 18 be available, which iPhone models will it support, and what new features will it introduce? Read on for all the latest news and rumours about iOS 18.
When will iOS 18 be released?
Apple announced a new version of iOS at its Worldwide Developers Conference, more commonly known as WWDC, on 10 June 2024.
Still, we’ll have to wait until autumn 2024 for the final version, which will roll out with the iPhone 16. If you can’t wait that long, there’s an opportunity to join the Apple Beta Program (find out more on our sister site, Macworld), which grants you access to the unfinished versions of the latest iOS builds.
It’s important to note that these iterations of the software are still under development and often have bugs and other issues. So, we’d only recommend that route if you’re confident of working with beta software or have an iPhone that you don’t mind being a test machine.
Which iPhones will be compatible with iOS 18?
Apple has now confirmed which iPhones will be compatible with iOS 18. Here’s the full list of devices:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)
However, Apple Intelligence will only be available on the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max and, presumably, iPhone 16 models.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
What new features will be available in iOS 18?
Apple announced a deluge of new features that will arrive in iOS 18. Here are some of the biggest and best:
- Home screen customisation: There will be much more flexibility in how you customise your home screen, with new arrangements for app icons, new icons for dark mode and the ability to colour tint app icons to match your wallpaper.
- New controls gallery: You’ll even have the option to swap out the torch and camera on your lock screen.
- New privacy options for apps: You’ll be able to lock your apps. Locked apps won’t show notifications or appear in search or Spotlight suggestions. You can choose to hide them completely if you prefer.
- iMessage changes: New formatting options include bold, italic and strikethrough. There will also be animated text effects and the option to tapback with any emoji or sticker. You’ll be able to schedule messages as well. As expected, iMessage will also get RCS support.
- Mail will receive a new organisational tool, known as on device categorisation. It’ll automatically sort emails into one of four categories: primary, transactions, updates, and promotions, grouping emails from brands together.
- Photos will receive its biggest redesign ever, with a new display and new organisational tools, including Recent Days, which will filter out screenshots and images of items like receipts to show you your best new photos. You’ll also be able to share entire collections with a single tap.
- Maps: New topographical maps will be added for hiking and walking.
- Calendar: Reminders can now appear in your calendar.
- Wallet: Tap to cash will allow you to instantly transfer cash from phone to phone.
Apple Intelligence
As well as the above features, which will be available on all handsets that can support iOS 18, there will be new AI features only available on the iPhone Pro, Pro Max and new iPhone 16 models.
These new tools will significantly enhance the capabilities of Siri and a range of apps.