iOS 18: How to Prepare for the Upcoming Update
Apple has officially announced iOS 18, the next version of its iPhone operating system, at the Worldwide Developers Conference held in June. Since the announcement, Apple has released several beta versions of iOS 18, including a public beta in July. These beta versions have introduced a variety of new features, such as an upgraded Notes app, improved distraction control in Safari, and a revamped Photos app.
For those who prefer to wait for the official release rather than using the beta version, the key question is when iOS 18 will be available to the general public. Based on Apple’s past release patterns, it is expected that iOS 18 will be launched within a week after Apple’s Glowtime event on September 9. At this event, Apple is anticipated to unveil the new iPhone 16 lineup, along with updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods.
When to Expect iOS 18
Apple’s annual iPhone event, scheduled for Monday, September 9, will likely include the announcement of the iOS 18 release date. Historically, Apple has released new iOS updates within a week of its September iPhone events. Given that this year’s iPhone event is on a Monday, it’s highly probable that iOS 18 could be available for download as soon as September 13 or by September 16.
The timing of this release is in line with previous iOS launches, where new versions have been made available to the public shortly after the company’s annual event. Therefore, if you are eager to get iOS 18, keep an eye out for announcements on the event day and be prepared for the official rollout soon after.
How to Prepare Your iPhone for iOS 18
Before you dive into the new features of iOS 18, it’s essential to ensure that your iPhone is ready for the update. Here are some key steps to follow to make sure your device is prepared:
Check iPhone Compatibility
The first step in preparing for iOS 18 is to verify whether your iPhone can support the new operating system. Not all iPhones will be eligible to run iOS 18, so it’s important to check if your device is on the supported list.
Here is the list of iPhones that will be compatible with iOS 18:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
If your iPhone model is on this list, you should be able to upgrade to iOS 18 once it is officially released.
Ensure Your iPhone is Running the Latest iOS Version
Another important step is to make sure your iPhone is currently running the latest version of iOS before you upgrade to iOS 18. Keeping your device updated ensures a smoother transition to the new operating system and helps avoid any potential issues.
When iOS 18 becomes available, it will be compatible with many iPhone models, but not all features will be accessible on every device. For instance, some advanced features of iOS 18, like Apple Intelligence, will only be available on the latest iPhone 16 series and specific models from the iPhone 15 Pro series.
Backup Your iPhone
Before installing any major update like iOS 18, it is always a good practice to back up your iPhone. This precaution ensures that your data is safe in case something goes wrong during the update process. You can back up your device using iCloud or by connecting it to your computer and using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
Free Up Storage Space
iOS updates typically require a significant amount of storage space to install. To make sure the update goes smoothly, check your iPhone’s available storage and free up space if needed. You can delete old apps, photos, or other files you no longer need. Alternatively, consider offloading unused apps or moving photos and videos to cloud storage.
Check for App Compatibility
Some apps may not be immediately compatible with the new version of iOS. It’s a good idea to check for updates for your frequently used apps before upgrading to iOS 18. Developers often release updates to ensure their apps work well with the latest iOS version.
Prepare for Potential Changes
With each new iOS release, Apple introduces new features and sometimes changes the way certain settings or functionalities work. Familiarize yourself with the key features of iOS 18 so you can make the most of them once the update is installed. The new version promises enhancements to various apps and functionalities, so understanding these changes can help you adapt quickly.
What’s New in iOS 18
While we await the official release of iOS 18, let’s take a closer look at some of the anticipated new features and improvements.
One of the significant updates is the revamped Notes app, which is expected to offer a more streamlined and efficient way to organize and access your notes. The upgraded Notes app will likely include improved formatting options and enhanced collaboration features, making it easier to work on documents with others.
Another exciting feature is the distraction control in Safari. This new functionality is designed to help users stay focused by minimizing interruptions while browsing the web. Safari’s enhanced control options will allow you to manage notifications and other potential distractions more effectively.
The Photos app will also see a significant redesign, with improvements aimed at making photo management and editing more intuitive. Expect new tools and features that will help you organize your photo library and enhance your images with greater ease.
As Apple prepares to roll out iOS 18, the excitement surrounding the new features and improvements is building. With the expected release just around the corner, it’s essential to ensure your iPhone is ready for the update. By checking compatibility, updating to the latest iOS version, backing up your device, and preparing for potential changes, you can make the transition to iOS 18 as smooth as possible.
Stay tuned for further announcements from Apple during the Glowtime event, where more details about the release date and new features will be revealed. For the latest updates and information, keep an eye on tech news sources like Tom’s Guide as they cover all the key highlights from Apple’s event and the upcoming iOS 18 launch.
