iOS 18 will soon be launched globally for iPhone users, Apple confirmed on Monday. It will bring a host of new features, many of which will be powered by Apple Intelligence – the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) suite. The upcoming iPhone update, which was first announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 in June, also unlocks new home screen customization options, in addition to other quality of life improvements. In a follow-up announcement after the iPhone 16 launch, Apple confirmed the release date and the list of devices that will receive the iOS 18 update.
iOS 18 update release date
According to Apple, the iOS 18 update will be released globally as a free software update next Monday (September 16), a few days before the iPhone goes on sale in India, the US, and other regions. However, not all Apple Intelligence features will be available to users with the first iOS 18 update.
The Cupertino-based tech giant says the first set of generic AI features will be released to iPhone users with the iOS 18.1 update next month. Other Apple Intelligence additions such as Smart Siri and Image Playground will be introduced in the coming months. In addition to English, Apple Intelligence will be expanded over time to include Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish languages.
iOS 18 eligible devices
Apple says that all devices compatible with the iOS 18 developer and public beta updates will be eligible to receive the public version of the update. This includes flagship models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max to older handsets like the iPhone XR. The new iPhone 16 series also joins existing models among the devices that will receive the big update, which includes Apple Intelligence features. Here is the full list of iPhone models getting the iOS 18 update:
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2020)
However, not all of these models will get Apple Intelligence. Only iPhone models powered by Apple’s A17 Pro or later SoCs will be able to take advantage of Generative AI features. These models include the entire iPhone 16 series as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
