The tech giant Apple has announced the release of the much-awaited iOS 18 which brings numerous innovative features, enhancements, and customisations to iPhone users. The update is compatible with iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 series, iPhone 14 models, ⁠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).

Let’s look at some of its exciting features:

•⁠ ⁠Apple Intelligence: The company introduces personalised intelligence, drawing on user context to provide relevant information (available in beta on US English later this year).

•⁠ ⁠Writing Tools: New language capabilities, text summarisation, and notification prioritisation.

•⁠ ⁠Image Creation: Generate images to express yourself, craft Genmoji, and revisit memories with personalised movies.

•⁠ ⁠Siri: Apple has rolled out enhanced language understanding and awareness of personal context in iOS 18.

•⁠ ⁠Customisation: Rearrange apps and widgets, personalize the Home Screen layout, and adjust icon sizes.

iPhone Apps Updates

The Messages app now allows for more creative expression with animated text effects, customisable Tapback reactions, and scheduled messaging. Safari has also been revamped with automatic page highlights, a redesigned Reader and improved password management.

The Photos app has been organised to automatically group memories by theme, making it easier to revisit favourite moments. The Calendar app now features a redesigned monthly view and integrates reminders for better planning.

For gamers, the new Game Mode optimises performance for continuous gameplay. Language switching is also simpler with the Multilingual Keyboard. Additionally, Live Voicemail transcribes voicemails in Indian English.

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The Phone app now allows the recording and transcription of live calls, smart dialling, and seamless SIM switching. The Calculator app has been updated with a Maths Notes calculator, unit conversion, and history.

Apple has made Journaling easier with the Journal app, allowing users to log their state of mind and track mindful minutes. Freeform has also been enhanced with scene organization, diagramming mode, and board sharing. Coming to SharePlay, it now offers enhanced screen sharing capabilities which makes collaboration and sharing easier.

Apart from that iOS 18 also introduced several accessibility features, including Eye Tracking, Music Haptics, and Vocal Shortcuts.

•⁠ ⁠Eye Tracking: Controls iPhone with eye movements.
•⁠ ⁠Music Haptics: Syncs Taptic Engine with song rhythms.
•⁠ ⁠Vocal Shortcuts: Record sounds to trigger specific actions.

Other Updates:

•⁠ ⁠Game Mode: Optimizes performance for continuous gameplay.
•⁠ ⁠Multilingual Keyboard: Easy language switching.
•⁠ ⁠Live Voicemail: Transcribes voicemails in Indian English.
•⁠ ⁠Locked and Hidden Apps: Enhanced app protection.

Control Centre:

•⁠ ⁠Redesigned with new groups of controls.
•⁠ ⁠You can access more fluidly with a single, continuous swipe down
•⁠ ⁠Customisable controls.

How to download iOS 18?

It is good to back up your device using iCloud or iTunes before updating, then ensure your iPhone model is on the list of compatible devices. The new iOS updates require space at least 5GB. Note that you need a stable Wi-Fi connection to download the update. It is mandatory that your iPhone has at least 50% battery life or is connected to the charger while updating.