Apple iOS 18: Release date, new features, and supported devices

Apple's upcoming iOS 18 could deliver a major overhaul, potentially featuring a VisionOS-inspired design with circular icons and a focus on generative AI features integrated into core apps.

iOS 17.3 Apple | iOS 17.3 new features | iOS 17.3 stolen device protection

The latest update also features several bug fixes and under the hood changes. (Image Source: Apple)

5 min readBengaluruMar 18, 2024 08:22 AM IST First published on: Mar 11, 2024 at 04:29 PM IST

Apple’s 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference is just months away, typically kicking off in early June with a keynote. While it is primarily a developer-focused conference, WWDC usually centers around iOS updates rather than new hardware. This time around, iOS 18 is expected to be the most significant software update for the iPhone that Apple has shipped in years. Apple CEO Tim Cook himself recently hinted at major announcements related to Generation AI coming later this year. Going by his words, it’s safe to say that WWDC is the event where all the action might unfold.

Also read | iOS 18 will be one of the ‘biggest updates’ in Apple’s history, says report

iOS 18 is said to be a major overhaul

Apple’s iOS 16 and iOS 17 were modest updates, with very minimal visual changes. these two iterations of iPhone software mostly focused on stabilising the OS by optimising the already existing core functionalities. The upcoming iOS 18 is said to be a lot different, delivering both UI-level changes and plenty of new features that add value to iPhone users. According to a report by Bloomberg, iOS 18 has been internally codenamed “Crystal” and the development of the same is said to be in full swing.

iOS 18 launch date

The stable version of the iOS 18 will debut along with the next-generation iPhone 16 series, most likely in September. However, Apple will give us an early glimpse at the same at its annual developers conference, which is likely to take place in June along with the next-generation OS for Apple Watch, Mac, Apple TV, and more.

The first developer beta of iOS 18 is likely to be available in June, and we can expect to see the first public beta of the same in July or August. However, these builds will be far away from being perfect and are mostly meant for app developers and enthusiasts, who would like to experience the upcoming features ahead of the curve.

Visual revamp speculated

iOS 18 is said to be inspired by the VisionOS. If it is indeed true, we can expect elements like circular icons, and translucent UI that seamlessly blend with the whole operating system, and we could also finally see a revamped control centre, and the update is also said to introduce additional customisation features. However, square-shaped icons on iOS have been a stable feature since iOS 1, it is also interesting to see if the company will switch to circular icons to match the design ethos of VisionOS.

AI-enhanced first-party apps

While we might not see standalone AI features like the Galaxy S24 series on iPhones. However, Apple is expected to integrate AI capabilities into the already existing apps and services. In fact, the iOS 17.4 enabled AI-generated transcripts on Apple Podcasts. Apple is said to add AI features to native apps. An earlier report by Bloomberg suggested that the company is developing its own LLM (large language model) named Ajax, which is said to offer ChatGPT-like generative AI features, and some of these will be integrated into Siri to offer an improved chat-like conversation experience.

Just like Samsung, Apple is also expected to go for a hybrid AI integration, where, some of the features will be powered by on-device computing, while the others will be powered by cloud computing. The mail app is also expected to get generative AI capability along with the notes app, which might allow users to summerise and translate content natively on these apps. However, some of these features could be limited to the newer models.

Some reports also suggest that, with iOS 18, Apple will introduce features like app sideloading, third-party payment gateway, third-party default browser, and more to the global audience. However, it is very unlikely.

iOS 18 will add ‘hearing aid’ mode for AirPods Pro

Apple AirPods are known for their audio performance and noise cancellation, and according to the latest report by Bloomberg, the company is looking at adding a new feature to the AirPods with the iOS 18 update, which transforms AirPods Pro as “hearing aids,” which is expected to be an improved version of currently available Conversation Boost feature, which boosts the volume to increase the loudness of the audio. However, due to the requirement of FDA certification for the same, the company might not officially call it hearing air mode.

iOS 18-supported devices

Over 20 iPhones are likely to be eligible for iOS 18 update. The Apple iPhone XS and XR (review) series might not be eligible for iOS 18, and any iPhone launched on or after iPhone 11 is likely to be eligible for iOS 18 update.

Here is a complete list of devices that are expected to support iOS 18 update:

iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max