Apple iOS 18 is now available—here are the newest features
Apple has officially rolled out its iPhone's newest operating system, the iOS 18, on Tuesday, Sept. 17 (Philippine time).
The iOS 18 includes artificial intelligence-powered features, enhanced customization options, and improvements to existing apps. The update is now available on select iPhone units.
Still have yet to get the latest iOS? Here's what you can expect from it.
Compatible devices
iOS 18 is compatible with the following iPhone models and requires at least 10GB of free space.
- iPhone 15 (including Plus, Pro, and Max)
- iPhone 14 (including Plus, Pro, and Max)
- iPhone 13 (including Mini, Pro, and Max)
- iPhone 12 (including Mini, Pro, and Max)
- iPhone 11 (including Pro and Max)
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and SE (2nd generation or later)
The newest features, particularly AI-powered ones, are exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 16.
Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence includes generative AI tools for writing assistance, image generation, and smarter interaction with digital assistant Siri.
It can help users improve how they compose emails, draft documents, or create social media posts.
Functions include rewriting a text in different styles, proofreading for grammar and clarity, and generating of summaries of longer texts.
It also includes contextual and customized search with Siri using content displayed on the screen and personal data stored in the device.
Improved Photos app
The Photos app has a new design featuring organized collections to the photo grid, which allows for easier browsing and searching of content through themes.
Through AI, users may create "smart" albums based on people, places, or events that the app recognizes in photos.
It also has the AI-powered "creative stories" feature which automatically generates multimedia presentations of one's memories. It comes with chapters, narratives, and even music.
Another AI-powered tool, Clean Up, lets users remove unwanted elements in their photos without the need for third-party apps.
Other new features of Photos include hiding screenshots from the library and smart copy and paste edits to apply them to a group of photos at once.
Enhanced privacy tools
iOS 18 allows users to lock or hide apps, boosting their security even when their phones are unlocked.
It lets them have more control over their data and notifications.
Messages overhaul
The Messages app now has expanded Tapbacks, Apple's version of reactions, allowing users to use all emojis available other than the original thumbs up, thumbs down, heart, question mark, and "haha."
Users may also add text effects, making words explode, ripple, or slide into view. They may also use formatting options like bold, italic, and underline.
It's also getting support for scheduling texts, as well as enhanced satellite messaging for iPhone 14 and later.
Messages also transitioned from SMS/MMS to Rich Communication Services, making it more compatible with non-iPhones. It improves the sharing of multimedia between iPhone and Android and allows for cross-platform read receipts, voice notes, and emoji reactions.
Other features
Mail lets users manage their spending habits better as it can now group receipts, purchases, shipping information, and invoices in one place.
Maps now has an interactive feature to explore hiking trails across the United States.
When in Gaming Mode, background alerts and activity are minimized to lessen disturbance and improve frame rate.
As for Tap to Cash, users may exchange money securely by touching their phones together via Apple Cash. Eligible credit and debit cards can also be added by tapping them against the iPhone's back.
To get the iOS 18 update, iPhone users may go to Settings > General > Software Update.