iOS 18: What You Need to Know

iOS 18 brings one of Apple's biggest updates in years, with changes that touch privacy, widgets, multitasking, and battery life.

If you use an iPhone, you’ll want to know which devices can run iOS 18, how to update, and which new features are worth trying right away.

Compatibility and how to update

Apple has kept support for many recent iPhones but dropped older models, so check Settings > General > About to confirm your model. Back up your device to iCloud or a computer before updating; that saves headaches if something goes wrong. To install, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the prompts — updates usually download fastest on Wi‑Fi with your phone plugged in.

Top features that matter

New privacy controls let you pick which apps access sensors and local network data. That means fewer surprise trackers and clearer permission prompts. Widgets became interactive: you can now tap smaller controls without opening the app, which speeds up common tasks. Multitasking gets smoother with a split-screen mode on larger iPhones, so switching between apps feels less clunky. The camera app adds smarter modes for low light and motion; photos look cleaner without manual tweaks.

Battery life has targeted improvements, not miracles — expect better background management but still watch heavy apps and location use. Performance tweaks focus on older supported phones, so devices from two to four years ago should feel snappier after updating. Developers can use new APIs for richer notifications and faster app launch times, so popular apps will likely feel more polished in the weeks after release.

If you use accessibility features, iOS 18 adds easier voice control settings and more flexible font sizing inside apps. That helps reading and navigation without changing system fonts. The Messages app includes improved search filters and faster media previews, which makes finding photos or links much quicker.

Use these quick tips after you update: clear large unused apps, review privacy permissions in Settings, and enable optimized battery charging if you charge overnight. If an app misbehaves after the update, force-quit it and check for an app update; most issues resolve with developer patches. For major bugs, Apple posts fixes in incremental updates, so install those promptly.

Want to try iOS 18 before the public release? Apple's public betas are an option, but expect instability and more battery drain. Use a secondary device for betas if you rely on your phone for work. Otherwise, waiting a few weeks after release gives a steadier experience.

iOS 18 is a practical upgrade: it tightens privacy, smooths performance for older phones, and adds small but useful features that speed daily tasks. Check compatibility, back up, and update when you’re ready — then spend a day exploring the new settings to get the most from it.

If you see slowdowns, reset network settings, clear Safari cache, and restart. For persistent crashes, reinstall the app or contact the developer. Keep your iPhone updated and check Apple's support pages for known issues regularly.