Apple is getting closer to addressing the bugs that have surfaced since the launch of iOS 18 with the release of iOS 18.0.1. This small but important update is expected to resolve major issues affecting iPhone 16 users, including touch screen glitches and iMessage crashes. According to reports, the build number of iOS 18.0.1 will be 22A3370, with the update expected to be released in the next few days.

In addition to bug fixes, Apple will also start releasing its much-awaited new features powered by Apple Intelligence to enhance the functionality of the device through AI. Although the initial rollout of Apple Intelligence will be limited to countries like the US, a wider release in India is expected in early 2025.

Let’s take a look at what the new iOS 18 update is expected to bring for iPhone users.

When is iOS 18.0.1 coming?

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the release of iOS 18.0.1 is expected to happen in mid or late October 2024. Reports from 9to5Mac and MacRumors suggest that the iOS 18.1 update has completed internal testing and is likely in the final stages of preparation. The public release of iOS 18.1 could happen by the end of this week or, at the most, early next week.

Notably, iOS 18.0.1 will follow the initial iOS 18.0 release, which launched with the iPhone 16 series in September. The new OS introduced a variety of features, but also introduced some notable bugs and performance issues. Apple has promised to resolve these to provide users with a better experience on both old and new iPhones.

Bug fixes coming with iOS 18.0.1

One of the most important issues that is expected to be fixed by iOS 18.0.1 is a bug affecting touchscreen responsiveness on the iPhone 16 series. Since the official release of iOS 18, many users have reported that their iPhones sometimes fail to register touch input, making the user experience frustrating.

Another issue involves iMessage, where a specific bug causes the app to repeatedly crash, especially when users share Apple Watch faces. This disruption not only disrupts communications but also carries the risk of data loss, which has naturally become a significant concern for users.

Apple is expected to resolve these crashes with the iOS 18.0.1 update. Additionally, the iOS 18.1 update is likely to include security patches and performance optimizations. Although these improvements may not be as noticeable to the average user, they are important for maintaining device security and stability.

iOS 18.1 and Apple Intelligence

While iOS 18.0.1 will focus on bug fixes, Apple is already preparing for the release of iOS 18.1, which is scheduled for late October. This update will introduce the much-awaited Apple Intelligence features that were unveiled during Apple’s keynote event earlier this year.

Apple Intelligence integrates AI-powered tools into the iPhone. These include new writing tools that provide intelligent suggestions and assist in content creation. Additionally, notification summaries will now be powered by AI, delivering only the most important notifications at the optimal time.

These features will be first available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 series. Specifically, Apple has said that in the initial release, Apple Intelligence will support US English, with support for more languages, including Indian English, expected in early 2025. Therefore, Indian users will have to wait a little longer.