Technology

iOS 18 features, compatibility: Here’s everything you need to know

Published by

Staff Reporter

2 years ago

CALIFORNIA: Apple has unveiled iOS 18, a significant update that revolutionizes the iPhone experience, alongside the highly anticipated iPhone 16. This latest operating system brings a plethora of exciting features, enhancements, and improvements, prioritizing personalization, efficiency, and security.

With iOS 18, users can now customize their Home Screen and Control Center to suit their preferences.

The update also introduces a redesigned Photos app, making memory management and photo organization easier than ever. Additionally, the Messages app has been enhanced with advanced formatting, satellite messaging, and more.

Users can now record important conversations with the call recording feature.

iOS 18 Compatibility

iOS 18 is accessible to many devices, but 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.

iOS 18 also includes a dedicated Passwords app for secure password management, intelligent Mail categorization for streamlined email management, and Safari enhancements for faster and more secure browsing.

How to Check If You Are Eligible for iOS 18

To check manually, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Furthermore, Apple has intensified its focus on privacy and accessibility, incorporating enhanced privacy controls and improved accessibility options.

Advanced Features in iOS 18

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 message 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 include 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 an enhanced monthly 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