Apple has now confirmed the launch of its blockbuster iOS 18 upgrade and there’s a simple ay to make sure you get it first.
It’s been a massive week for Apple with the US technology giant announcing the release of its new Apple Intelligence which will make devices a whole lot smarter along with software updates for the Mac, Apple Watch and iPad. Perhaps the biggest news for Apple addicts is the upcoming release of iOS 18 – that’s Apple’s latest and greatest operating system which will replace iOS 17 later this year.
It comes packed with changes including an improved way to customise the Home Screen, better messaging and a new Password App that makes it easier to keep your private codes secure.
If Apple follows its usual launch cycle, we won’t see an official release of iOS 18 until September but there is a very easy way to get all of the new features on your iPhone long before the masses.
Apple has confirmed that it’s releasing a Public Beta version of iOS 18 soon.
This can be downloaded and used by iPhone users for free. Apple offers this pre-release upgrade to help gather data about bugs and glitches so they can be fixed before its general release.
Apple is yet to announce when its Public Beta will go live but you sign up for alerts here. This means you’ll be told the moment it becomes available and how to install it. You’ll just need a compatible device – see the full list below.
Compatible iPhones with iOS 18
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)
So what is new in this release?
There’s a whole swathe of changes coming in iOS 18 including that new way to customise your Home Screen.
Once installed, iOS 18 lets you arrange apps and widgets in any open space – rather than being locked to the usual grib – this includes being able to place them right above the dock for easy access or perfectly framing a wallpaper.
If you love Dark Mode the apps can also get this look plus you can add a tinted effect using any colour you fancy.
The Control Center option has been redesigned to provide easier access to many of the things you do every day and it’s also fully customisable. Plus, for the first time, you can even switch the controls at the bottom of the Lock Screen making it easier to access the apps or features you most often use.
The next big change is a major refresh to the Photos app which offers a more simplified view of your images. New collections help you browse by themes without having to organise content into albums. Plus, collections can be pinned to keep favourites easily accessible.
If you spend hours every day sending endless messages then you can add any emoji as a quick Tap Back plus there’s an easy way to add more animations – such as “Explode” or “Shake” – when sending a text to friends. These can even be assigned to emojis as well to make them feel more fun and interactive.
Another nice bonus in Messages is being able to schedule a message to be sent at a specific time.
The new Passwords app makes it easy for users to access their passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes.
Other features include a simple way to transfer cash by simply tapping devices together, a new Game Mode that enhances the gaming experience with more consistent frame rates and Safari now offers an even easier way to discover information on the web with Highlights and a redesigned Reader experience.
“We are thrilled to introduce iOS 18. It is a huge release with incredible features, including new levels of customization and capability, a redesigned Photos app, and powerful ways to stay connected with Messages. There are so many benefits for everyone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “This release also marks the beginning of a tremendously exciting new era of personal intelligence with Apple Intelligence delivering intuitive, powerful, and instantly useful experiences that will transform the iPhone experience, all with privacy at the core. We can’t wait for users to experience it.”
