iOS 18 has been in testing since Apple introduced it at WWDC24 in early June. So, when can we get our hands on it? And what other cool stuff is coming next? Let’s find out!
iOS 18 Features
iOS 18 is arguably the biggest update since iOS 7. While the UI may not have changed drastically, Apple has packed it with new features and customization options for the Home Screen and Control Center, seamless RCS messaging with Android devices, a revamped Photos app, and a brand-new Passwords app.
Throughout the developer beta phase, I’ve shared posts detailing the new features in iOS 18. You can check out the links below for all the details.
- What’s New in iOS 18 Beta 1
- What’s New in iOS 18 Beta 2? iPhone Mirroring Added, But Not in EU
- What’s New in iOS 18 Beta 3 [Updated]
- What’s New in iOS 18 Beta 4
- What’s New in iOS 18 Beta 5?
- What’s New in iOS 18 Beta 6
- What’s New in iOS 18 Beta 7
iOS 18 Compatibility
The good news is that any device currently running iOS 17 will be able to upgrade to iOS 18, including the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and the second-generation iPhone SE and later.
- 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 (2nd generation or later)
However, only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be compatible with Apple Intelligence in the upcoming iOS 18.1 update.
Expected iOS 18 Release Date
In the past, Apple typically released major iOS updates in September, just a few days after the new iPhone lineup opened for pre-orders.
This is a past release schedule:
- iOS 17: Monday, September 18, 2023 (after September 12 event)
- iOS 16: Friday, September 16, 2022 (after September 7 event)
- iOS 15: Monday, September 20, 2021 (after September 14 event)
This year, Apple officially announced the iPhone 16 launch event for September 9, 2024, with the tagline ‘It’s Glowtime.’ This means the iPhone 16 will hit the shelves on September 20, and iOS 18 will be released before then. So, I predict iOS 18 might be released around September 16-19, 2024. And iOS 18 RC will be released on September 9, 2024, right after Apple’s keynote ends.
What’s Next?
Last year, Apple released first iOS 17.1 Beta on September 27, 2023 (just nine days after the official release of iOS 17). This year, Apple has taken a somewhat unusual approach by releasing iOS 18.1 Beta on July 29, 2024, exclusively for devices supporting Apple Intelligence. This update introduced features like Writing Tools, Mail Summary, Smart Reply, Call Recording, and Safari Summarize.
However, I still believe iOS 18.1 will officially roll out around October, based on the timing of previous updates:
- iOS 17.1: October 25, 2023
- iOS 16.1: October 24, 2022
- iOS 15.1: October 25, 2021
While the current iOS 18.1 Developer Beta is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with Apple Intelligence, I believe other devices will also receive the iOS 18.1 beta in late September.
Don’t forget that BetaProfiles.com also has a regularly updated timeline for iOS Betas, including the next release date.
Finally, follow @BetaProfiles on X (formerly Twitter) for the latest updates on the release dates of the earliest beta versions.
