Apple has announced the release date for its upcoming major update, iOS 18, which will be available for download on September 16. The announcement came during an event at the company’s California headquarters where Apple introduced several new products, including four new iPhone models.
The update will be accessible for free to most existing iPhones, and users can download it via the Settings app, which will also notify eligible devices to upgrade. Any iPhone that currently supports iOS 17 will be able to run iOS 18.
This new update features enhancements for customizing the home screen and modifications to applications like Photos. However, it will not include Apple’s forthcoming AI features, termed Apple Intelligence, which are set to release in October. Initially, this AI suite will only support US English, with plans for UK localization in December and additional languages, including Chinese, expected in January.
In contrast to the broader compatibility of iOS 18, the Apple Intelligence features will have more stringent hardware requirements, being limited to the latest iPhone 15 Pro and all new iPhone 16 models. Additionally, this functionality will not be accessible in the European Union due to regulatory disputes.
Both iOS 18 and the upcoming iOS 18.1, which will include the Apple Intelligence features, are currently available in beta form. Users interested in the beta versions can join Apple’s testing program, though they should be aware of potential technical issues and bugs.