Apple has released iOS 18 to the general public. First announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, the iPhone update features various new features, including a customizable home screen, a revamped Control Center, and changes to first-party apps.
There’s a lot to like here, so you might wonder whether your iPhone qualifies for the update.
To use the iOS 18, your iPhone must feature an A12 Bionic chip or newer. To be able to get the update, you’ll need one of the following models:
Apple’s iOS 18 comes preinstalled with the iPhone 16 series, which includes the regular iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
When iOS 18 was first announced, Apple spent much time discussing Apple Intelligence. Unfortunately, none of those AI improvements ship with iOS 18. Instead, the company plans on pushing out AI features across other iOS 18 versions, including iOS 18.1, iOS 18.2, iOS 18.3, and perhaps iOS 18.4. However, your iPhone probably won’t support the long-ranging software tool. Apple Intelligence will include Siri enhancements, fresh writing tools, image generation, and improved privacy options. The only phones that will work with Apple Intelligence will be the iPhone 15 Pro series and iPhone 16 series.
There are a variety of new features and improvements coming with iOS 18. Users will have more options for personalizing their home screen layout, including the ability to place apps anywhere they want. The update also includes changes to the theme engine for better color customization. The Control Center has been completely redesigned for easier access to controls. Users can now add and rearrange panels, swipe through different pages, and have improved access to media controls and Home. Additionally, iOS 18 offers support for third-party app controls.
Several apps have also received updates and improvements. Messages now supports RCS, Mail has better sorting options, Maps is getting topographical features, and Wallet introduces a new Tap to Cash feature. Photos has undergone a major redesign with a new Gallery at the top and the ability to view by years or months.
Privacy remains a priority for Apple with iOS 18. Users can now hide apps from their home screen and place them behind a hidden app folder that requires authentication to unlock. Additionally, a new Game Mode is available, minimizing background app activity for smoother gameplay on iPhone and better responsiveness with AirPods and wireless game controllers. For more about iOS 18, check out this report.
Google Play is borrowing one of the Nintendo Switch’s most useful little tricks. A new Sidekick tool called Playbacks captures a short clip after something interesting has already happened, sparing players from running a screen recorder throughout an entire game.
Playbacks is part of Google Play Store v53.8 and keeps saved clips on the phone. Google first announced it earlier this month, but the new Play Store update marks its arrival for players. Anyone who has watched a perfect win vanish because the record button came too late already understands the appeal.
Samsung’s scandal over its Game Optimizing Service, or GOS, has returned with a bill attached. South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission has tentatively fined the company 20.1 billion won, or about $15.1 million, over gaming claims made for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, and Tab S8.
The regulator says Samsung promoted the devices as gaming powerhouses without disclosing that GOS placed preset CPU and GPU limits on certain demanding games. Samsung disputes that conclusion, calling GOS a legitimate way to manage heat.
Apple's next cheaper iPhone could get a brand-new processor while keeping its most stubborn display compromise. Digital Chat Station tips the iPhone 18e for a 2027 release with a 2nm A20 chip and a 6.12-inch OLED screen still limited to 60Hz.
The rumored camera setup includes a single 48MP rear camera and a possible 24MP selfie camera. There's new hardware to consider, but buyers hoping Apple would extend that upgrade generosity to smoother scrolling could be disappointed.