Apple has officially started rolling out the much-awaited iOS 18 in India from September 16. This latest software update for iPhones introduces several new features and improvements that are expected to enhance the overall iPhone experience. With iOS 18, users will finally get access to features like custom home screens, a redesigned Control Center, enhanced Safari and Maps, and more, which Apple introduced at its WWDC 2024 developer conference earlier this year.

Let’s take a detailed look at how to download iOS 18, its eligible devices, and the new features it includes.

How to download iOS 18

Downloading iOS 18 on your iPhone is easy, provided your device is eligible for the update. Before you begin, make sure your iPhone is sufficiently charged — preferably more than 50 percent — and that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. Then:

• Start by going to your iPhone’s Settings.
• Scroll down and tap “General.”
• Look for the “Software Update” option and tap on it.
• If your device is eligible, you’ll see the iOS 18 update available.
• Tap “Download and Install” to begin the installation process. You may be asked to enter your passcode.

The installation process may take some time depending on your device and internet connection. Note that Apple has announced the official release date for iOS 18 as September 16, but the rollout may take some time. So if you don’t see the update right away, wait a little longer.

iOS 18 eligible iPhones

While the iPhone 16 series will come with iOS 18 pre-installed, many existing iPhone models will also get the update. Apple is offering support for over 25 devices to ensure that as many users as possible can take advantage of this new operating system. However, not all devices will support every feature – especially the Apple Intelligence feature, which will be exclusive to the new models, i.e. the entire iPhone 16 series and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Here is the list of iPhones 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)

New features of iOS 18

Apple has added several new features to iOS 18, designed to enhance personalization, control, and usability.

Custom home screen layout

One of the most exciting aspects of iOS 18 is the ability to completely customize your home screen layout. Users can now freely arrange app icons and widgets, creating a unique, personalized look. Additionally, dark mode icons and customizable tints can be applied, giving users more control over the appearance of their device.

Redesigned Control Center

Control Center has undergone major changes. Users can now resize controls, including third-party apps, to suit their needs. Integration with the lock screen and action buttons has also been improved, providing quick access to essential tools and controls.

Photos app enhancements

Significant upgrades have been made to the Photos app in iOS 18. A new interface organizes memories based on events, trips, and collections, making it easier to browse your photo library. A new “Clean Up” tool simplifies the process of removing unwanted elements from photos, improving your photography workflow.

Messaging and communication

iOS 18 features satellite messaging, making off-grid communication possible in remote areas. Other new features include animated text effects and a “send later” function for scheduling messages. The Messages app will also support RCS, which will improve communication with non-iMessage users and improve the messaging experience.

Advanced Safari and Maps

Safari has been updated with a redesigned Reader Mode for improved readability. The “Distraction Control” feature will allow users to filter out unwanted content while browsing. Additionally, the Maps app will include topographical views, hiking trails, and offline support, making navigation easier even without an internet connection.

Gaming and audio enhancements

Gaming enthusiasts will love the new Game Mode in iOS 18, which optimizes response time and frame rate for smoother gameplay. For AirPods users, improved voice isolation, personalized spatial audio, and upgraded Siri interactions provide more intuitive control.

Accessibility improvements

iOS 18 also includes a number of accessibility features, including eye tracking, which allows users to control their device with eye movements, and music haptics, which provides tactile feedback when listening to music.

Upcoming Apple Intelligence Features

One of the most anticipated features in iOS 18 is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools designed to revolutionize user interactions with Apple devices. However, these features won’t be available until the release of iOS 18.1 in October 2024.

Talking about the features, Apple says that its upcoming Apple Intelligence will focus on enhancing personalization, context awareness, and seamless app integration. Siri will also get a significant update, becoming more conversational and able to understand context from emails, messages, and calendar events, while offering improved voice synthesis and predictive text. Siri will also be able to perform complex, cross-app tasks and handle interrupted commands with more flexibility.

Additionally, Apple will also introduce a new Image Playground platform that will allow users to create and customize images from suggested concepts with text, photos, or multiple artistic styles. Notifications and communications will also be managed more intelligently with improved prioritization in Focus mode, summary tools in Mail and Messages, and more efficient Smart Reply options.