iOS 18 release: Is my iPhone compatible?

FILE-iPhone 15 phones are seen in this illustration photo taken at a store on October 10, 2023. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Apple is hosting a special event Monday to debut its new iPhone 16 and there’s a belief that the tech giant may confirm the official launch date for iOS 18, its latest operating system update.

When is the iOS 18 release? 

The iOS 18 update is scheduled to debut this fall.

Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 18?

The iOS 18 update is compatible with certain iPhone models and Apple has a list on its website:

  • 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 XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone SE (second generation or later)

What are the iOS 18 features?

The iOS 18 update has a myriad of features available for iPhone users to enjoy that include the following: 

  • Additional customizable home screens.
  • Genmojis, artificial intelligence-generated emojis that users can create with a description.
  • Users can schedule a message
  • A redesigned photos app, including allowing users to search through photos by the month or year taken.
  • Image playground, a feature that lets users create images or get suggested concepts related to their conversations in messages.
  • Rewrite, proofread and summarize text in mail, notes, pages and third-party apps.
  • Transcription services in the notes and phone app

Engadget noted that Apple Intelligence is one of the biggest updates with iOS 18, but its features will be gradually released in the next couple of months. 

How can I update my iPhone to iOS18 when it launches?

Anytime you’re planning to update your iPhone, Apple explains that it’s important to back up your phone to keep your data safe by creating a copy and saving the information from your iPhone or iPad.

After the data is backed up on your device, make sure your iPhone is charging.

Once this step is completed, you will need to do this: 

  • Go to Settings > General, then tap software update.
  • If more than one software update option is available, you will need to pick the one that you want to install.
  • Tap "install now." If you see download and install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap install now.