On the heels of Apple’s grand “It’s Glowtime” iPhone 16 series launch event, the tech giant has begun rolling out the first stable build of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. This update, eagerly anticipated by iPhone and iPad users, is now available for download across a broad spectrum of Apple devices. Whether you own a relatively new iPhone or iPad, or a device that’s a few generations older, the latest software updates are designed to bring an exciting set of features, although not all devices will support the full range of capabilities.
Compatibility: Which Devices Get the Update?
Apple’s new iOS 18 update supports a wide range of iPhone models, ensuring that even older devices can take advantage of the latest advancements. Among the oldest eligible iPhones are the iPhone SE 2nd Gen and the iPhone XS/XR, both of which were launched in 2018. This inclusive support means that users with these older models won’t be left behind, though there may be some feature limitations compared to newer devices.
For iPad users, iPadOS 18 is rolling out to over 10 different models, including the 7th Generation iPad, first released in 2019. As with the iPhones, the update brings significant improvements, but certain features may only be fully supported on more recent devices. Users of the newer iPads, such as the latest iPad Pro models, can expect the most comprehensive experience with the update.
Key Features of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18
When Apple first introduced iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 during the WWDC 2024, the spotlight was on enhanced customization options, advanced machine learning capabilities, and a more intuitive user interface. Here are some of the most exciting features:
- Customization Enhancements: Users will now have more control over their home screen layouts, widgets, and app icons. iOS 18 introduces new widget sizes and styles, giving users a more personalized experience. You can now create custom themes for your iPhone or iPad, with choices for font styles, colors, and icon shapes.
- Privacy Upgrades: In line with Apple’s long-standing focus on user privacy, iOS 18 introduces additional privacy safeguards. Enhanced app tracking transparency, more detailed privacy reports, and secure passkey storage are now at the core of the new operating system, allowing users to better manage the access apps have to their personal data.
- Apple Intelligence: Although not available on all models, Apple Intelligence stands out as one of the most intriguing additions to iOS 18. This feature is a next-gen machine learning capability designed to provide users with smarter, more contextually aware recommendations. It powers everything from enhanced search suggestions to improved photo sorting and smarter app functionality. However, this feature will only be available on select newer iPhone and iPad models, leaving some older devices without it.
- Health and Fitness Improvements: The new software introduces more comprehensive health monitoring tools, particularly for iPhone and Apple Watch users. Integration with the Health app allows users to track their fitness and wellness metrics more seamlessly. These enhancements, coupled with the expansion of the app’s mental health tools, aim to give users better insights into their overall well-being.
- Siri Improvements: Apple has streamlined Siri in iOS 18, making the voice assistant more responsive and contextually aware. Siri can now execute more complex tasks with fewer voice prompts, and users can set up more advanced routines based on time, location, or activity.
- Performance Upgrades: As expected, the latest updates offer better performance optimizations, which means even older devices should experience improved speed and responsiveness. Battery life has also been optimized, giving users longer-lasting performance even when using more demanding apps.
Is Your Device Eligible?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the eligible devices for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18:
- iOS 18 Eligible iPhones: iPhone SE 2nd Gen, iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and newer models.
- iPadOS 18 Eligible iPads: iPad 7th Gen, iPad 8th Gen, iPad 9th Gen, iPad Air (3rd Gen), iPad mini (5th Gen), iPad Pro models (2018 and later), and newer models.
How to Download iOS 18 and iPadOS 18
To update your iPhone or iPad, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. The update will be available for download once it is live in your region. Make sure your device has sufficient battery life or is connected to a charger during the installation.
Conclusion
Apple’s iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates bring a host of new features aimed at enhancing user experience, performance, and privacy. While some older models may not have access to the full range of new capabilities like Apple Intelligence, the majority of iPhone and iPad users can look forward to an enriched interface and improved performance. Whether you have the latest iPhone or an older model, it’s worth exploring the new possibilities that iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 bring.
