iOS 18 coming today: Check features, eligible iPhones and more

Apple will start rolling out the highly anticipated iOS 18 in India starting September 16, bringing a host of exciting features and significant upgrades for iPhone users. This new OS update will introduce a range of improvements, including a customisable home screen, updated Photos app, Safari enhancements and more. Additionally, Apple will be bringing Apple Intelligence—a suite of AI-powered tools for select devices. Notable features will include ChatGPT-powered Siri, content editing capabilities, and image generation. Although Apple is planning to roll out Apple Intelligence features not before the release of iOS 18.1 in October 2024.
Let’s take a detailed look at the iPhones that will receive the new iOS update and the features it will bring.
While the upcoming iPhone 16 series will debut with iOS 18 pre-installed, Apple will bring the new OS for many older iPhones models, covering over 25 devices. Here is the comprehensive list of iPhones that will be eligible for the iOS 18 update:
Despite this broad compatibility, not all devices will support every new feature. Specifically, Apple Intelligence will be available only on a limited set of devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the entire iPhone 16 lineup.
iOS 18 will introduce a range of new features designed to enhance personalisation, control, and accessibility:
Custom Home Screen Layouts: Users will be able to freely arrange app icons and widgets anywhere on the Home Screen, allowing for a unique and tailored look. Dark Mode icons and customizable tints will further enable users to match their aesthetic preferences.
Redesigned Control Centre: The Control Center will be overhauled to support customisation and better organisation. Users will be able to resize controls, including those from third-party apps, and integrate them more seamlessly with the Lock Screen and Action Button.
Photos App Enhancements: The Photos app will receive its biggest update yet, featuring a new interface that organises memories through events, trips, and collections. A new Clean Up tool will simplify the process of removing unwanted elements from photos.
Messaging Improvements: iOS 18 will introduce satellite messaging for off-grid communication, animated text effects, and the ability to schedule messages with the new Send Later feature. RCS support will allow for richer communication with non-iMessage users, while the Mail app will gain features like categorised inboxes and time-sensitive tools for easier email management.
Advanced Safari and Maps: Safari will get a redesigned Reader for better readability and a feature called Distraction Control to eliminate unwanted content. Maps will include topographic views, hiking trails, and offline support for improved navigation.
Gaming and Audio Enhancements: Game Mode will improve response times and frame rates, while AirPods will benefit from upgraded Siri interactions, voice isolation, and personalised spatial audio.
New Accessibility Features: Eye Tracking, Music Haptics, and Motion Cues will enhance the iPhone’s accessibility options, ensuring that users with different needs can fully enjoy the iOS 18 experience.
The headline feature of iOS 18 will undoubtedly be Apple Intelligence, a powerful AI-based system that will transform how users interact with their devices. Central to this upgrade will be an enhanced Siri, which will use an on-device semantic index to provide more intuitive and context-aware responses.
ChatGPT-Powered Siri: Siri will be able to retrieve specific information from emails, texts, or other apps when users ask questions, thanks to its AI integration. For example, if you ask about a movie your friend recommended, Siri will pull up the relevant text conversation.
Image Playground: This new tool will allow users to create, edit, and generate images from descriptions or existing photos. Users will be able to explore different artistic styles, from contemporary illustration to 3D animation, offering a creative edge to iPhone users.
Focus Mode Enhancements: Notifications will be smarter, with iOS 18 prioritising critical messages and managing interruptions based on user activity. The new Intelligent Breakthrough & Silencing feature will allow users to customise which notifications can bypass Do Not Disturb settings.
Advanced Mail and Messaging: Email and text messages will feature improved summarisation and response generation, providing users with smart replies based on the content of the received messages. These updates will ensure quicker, more efficient communication.