Apple’s Latest iOS; Shiny & New!
Apple releases the latest version of their software on Sept. 18th to run on iOS devices, named iOS 18. It includes a ton of new features, some of which are only available on their newest phones. But most of the refinements and new apps are available on all models, and it’s well worth considering the upgrade.
iOS 18 will run on all iPhones that are able to run iOS 17, which includes the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone SE 2, and newer.
- All iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, and 11 models
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen)
Though iOS 18 will be compatible with many older iPhones, on-device AI capabilities require an iPhone 15 Pro or later. These options will not be available until Apple releases iOS 18.1, probably some time in October. Here’s their article all about it: Apple Intelligence.
What’s new in iOS 18?
New Home Screen and Control Center customizations
Apple overhauled the Control Center in iOS 18, and it’s one of the biggest changes to the iPhone and the iPad outside of the new Apple Intelligence features. The interface is much more customizable, there are more Control Center options, and controls can be accessed from new places.
Revamped Photo App
In the Photos app, you can create custom Memories by typing in a description, with Apple Intelligence choosing appropriate photos and videos based on your description. Memories include a storyline, included music, and chapters for a full narrative arc. A Clean Up tool can be used when editing images to remove unwanted objects from the background of a photo.
Apple merged the Library and For You tabs into a simplified view that focuses on surfacing your best photos and memories. With Collections, it’s easy to find photos organized by themes like recent days, trips, and people and pets. Collections can be pinned for quick access to your most used content.
Mail Improvements
The Mail app in iOS 18 is set to feature “on-device categorization,” a system that sorts incoming emails into distinct categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions.
This feature isn’t new for Gmail users who are used to Gmail’s tabbed inbox, which has been well-received overall. That’s because it reduces user clutter and enhances email management.
Text effects and custom “Genmoji” in Messages
There’s a Genmoji feature in the Messages app that lets you create any emoji you want without being limited to the built-in options. You can enter a short description of what you want, even including your friends, and Apple will make it for you.
RCS Support
RCS will bring multiple improvements to conversations with Android users, and Apple is adopting RCS after years of pushing from Google.
- Support for higher resolution photos and videos.
- Support for larger file sizes and file sharing.
- Audio messages.
- Cross-platform emoji reactions.
- Real-time typing indicators.
- Read receipts.
- Ability to send messages over cellular or Wi-Fi (SMS is cellular only). There is no cost to send an RCS message over Wi-Fi.
- Improved group chats.
- Better security. Google’s version of RCS has end-to-end encryption, which Apple does not intend to use. Apple will instead work with the GSMA to develop a more secure form of encryption that is baked natively into RCS.
Other new features coming to iOS 18
In addition to the AI features, there are a ton of other additions that are not AI related and are available on a much wider range of iPhones. There are new customization options for the Home Screen, with the option to rearrange apps and widgets with open spaces and around wallpapers. Icons and widgets can be made larger and have a darker option for dark mode, plus there’s an option to add a colored tint.
Steps to upgrading to iOS 18
As usual, when considering any major upgrade, the first thing you should do is to make sure that your iPhone is fully backed up. You can do this either to your computer or to the cloud. You can check that under Settings:(Your Name):iCloud:iCloud Backup and choose “Backup now.” Alternatively, you can connect your iOS device to your computer and let it back up there.
How to Download and Install iOS 18
On your iPhone, go to Settings:General:Software Update. From September 18th on, you will see an option to upgrade to iOS 18.
Where can I learn more:
Apple has their own page that outlines in-depth all the new features contained in this upgrade.
Apple also has a cute promotional video that hypes some of the biggest features.
What if I’m unsure and want some help to do this upgrade?
Excellent! Contact Us when you are ready and we’ll make sure to take care of you!
