Apple will start rolling out the much-awaited iOS 18 in India from tomorrow, bringing several exciting features and significant upgrades for iPhone users. This new OS update will introduce a variety of improvements, including a customisable home screen, updated Photos app, Safari enhancements, and more. Additionally, Apple will bring Apple Intelligence – a suite of AI-powered tools for select devices. Notable features will include ChatGPT-powered Siri, content editing capabilities, and image generation. However, Apple is not planning to introduce the Apple Intelligence features before the release of iOS 18.1 in October 2024.

Let’s take a detailed look at the iPhones that will get the new iOS update and what features they will bring.

iOS 18: Eligible iPhones

While the upcoming iPhone 16 series will debut with iOS 18, Apple will bring the new OS to several older iPhone models, covering over 25 devices. Here is the detailed list of iPhones that will be eligible for the iOS 18 update:

• iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
• 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 SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation)

Despite this broad compatibility, not all devices will support every new feature. Notably, Apple Intelligence will only be available on a limited number of devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the entire iPhone 16 lineup.

Features of iOS 18

iOS 18 will include a number of new features designed to enhance personalization, control, and accessibility:

Custom home screen layout: Users will be able to freely arrange app icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen, creating a unique and customized look. Dark mode icons and customizable tints will enable users to match their aesthetic preferences.

Redesigned Control Center: Control Center will be completely redesigned to support customization and better organization. Users will be able to resize controls, including third-party apps, and integrate them more seamlessly with the lock screen and action buttons.

Photos app enhancements: The Photos app will get its biggest update ever, with a new interface that organizes memories by events, trips, and collections. A new clean up tool will simplify the process of removing unwanted elements from photos.

Messaging improvements: iOS 18 will include satellite messaging for off-grid communications, animated text effects, and the ability to schedule messages with a new Send Later feature. RCS support will allow for better communication with non-iMessage users, while the Mail app will have features like categorized inboxes and time-sensitive tools for easier email management.

Advanced Safari & Maps: Safari will have a redesigned reader for better readability and a feature called Distraction Control to remove unwanted content. Maps will include topographical views, hiking trails, and offline support for better navigation.

Gaming and Audio Enhancements: Game mode will improve response times and frame rates, while AirPods will benefit from enhanced Siri interactions, voice isolation, and personalized spatial audio.

New accessibility featuresEye tracking, music haptics, and motion cues will enhance the iPhone’s accessibility options, ensuring that users with different needs can fully enjoy the iOS 18 experience.

Upcoming Apple Intelligence Features

The main feature of iOS 18 will undoubtedly be Apple Intelligence, a powerful AI-based system that will change the way users interact with their device. Central to this upgrade will be an enhanced Siri, which will use an on-device semantic index to provide more intuitive and context-aware responses.

ChatGPT-powered Siri: Siri will be able to pull up specific information from email, text, or other apps when users ask questions, thanks to its AI integration. For example, if you ask about a movie your friend recommended, Siri will pull up the relevant text conversation.

Image Playground: This new tool will allow users to create, edit, and generate images from descriptions or existing photos. Users will be able to explore different artistic styles, from contemporary illustration to 3D animation, giving iPhone users a creative edge.

Focus Mode Enhancements: Notifications will be smarter in iOS 18, prioritizing important messages and managing interruptions based on user activity. The new Intelligent Breakthrough and Silencing feature will allow users to customize which notifications can bypass Do Not Disturb settings.

Advanced Mail and Messaging: Emails and text messages will feature improved summaries and response creation, allowing users to get smart replies based on the content of the messages they receive. These updates will ensure faster, more efficient communications.