Apple releases iOS 18: what's new, which iPhone models will get the update and how to download the firmware

By: Myroslav Trinko | 16.09.2024, 13:44

Apple will release the stable version of iOS 18 today, 16 September 2024.

Advanced home screen settings: iOS 18 lets you place app icons anywhere on the home screen grid, and change their colour. Users can also increase the size of shortcuts and remove the caption beneath them.
Updated Control Centre: like the home screen, it's now more customisable and has a new look.
New iMessage features: in iOS 18, the iMessage app received a number of new features, including the ability to use any emoji as a tap response, text effects, new text formatting options, RCS support to improve messaging with Android devices, and more.
Updated Photos app: the app has received its biggest redesign ever.
Lock apps with Face ID: iOS 18 introduced the ability to lock any app with Face ID, Touch ID or iPhone passcode for security purposes.
Passwords app: iOS 18 brings a new Passwords app with features that were previously available through the iCloud keychain in iPhone settings. The app makes it easier to manage passwords, keys, two-factor authentication codes, etc.
Game Mode: iOS 18 also introduced Game Mode. According to Apple, it minimises background activity during gaming and reduces audio lag when using AirPods as well as game controllers.

The new version of the OS will be available to owners of the following models:

The system will start rolling out to devices around 14:00 (EDT) or 11:00 (PDT). You will be able to download the firmware via iPhone settings.