New York, USA - Apple today unveiled iOS 18, the latest version of its mobile operating system, during the opening keynote of the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024. The annual event, which kicked off on June 10, showcased the company's software updates and future plans.
Not All iPhones Will Receive iOS 18 Update
As with previous iOS releases, not all iPhone models will be eligible for the iOS 18 update. The new operating system's advanced features, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and the enhanced Siri capabilities, require the latest hardware and will only be available on devices equipped with Apple's A17 Pro chip or newer.
iOS 18 Compatible Devices
The following iPhones are confirmed to receive the iOS 18 update:
- iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Upcoming iPhone 16 series (all models)
Older iPhones with less powerful chips will still receive some of the non-AI-related enhancements and upgrades introduced in iOS 18, but they will miss out on the most advanced features.
iOS 18 Release Date and Beta Availability
Following the WWDC announcement, Apple has released a developer beta version of iOS 18, allowing developers early access to test and optimize their apps for the new operating system.
A public beta version of iOS 18, aimed at general users, is expected to be released in the coming weeks. This will provide a more stable and bug-free experience for those interested in trying out the new features ahead of the official release.
For the general public, iOS 18 will officially roll out in September 2024, coinciding with the launch of the new iPhone 16 lineup.
Key Features of iOS 18
Some of the notable features introduced in iOS 18 include:
- Highly customizable Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center layouts
- Redesigned Photos app with unified libraries and daily highlights
- Enhanced Control Center with third-party app integration
- Satellite messaging in the Messages app for connectivity without cellular or Wi-Fi
- Improved iMessage with text effects, formatting options, and message scheduling
- Apple Intelligence, which integrates generative AI models with personal context for improved language understanding, image creation, and personalized experiences.
As Apple continues to unveil more details about iOS 18 at WWDC 2024, users can look forward to a range of new features and improvements, albeit with some limitations based on their device's hardware capabilities.
