Phones
What is the Latest iOS Version on iPhone?
Wondering what the latest iOS version for iPhone is and whether to update the operating system on your device? Apple software updates are numerical, but even so, it can be difficult to keep track of all the new iOS versions and what they mean. If you’re trying to learn about the latest iOS update, including what's new and why it matters, Navi is here to help.
The new iOS 18 update started rolling out on September 16, 2024. As is the norm whether you’re an Apple user updating to the latest iOS or an Android user updating to the latest OS version, this software update is free.
Note that prior to iOS 18, the latest iOS version was iOS 17.6.1. In between each major iOS update, Apple continually releases enhancements to address bugs and further improve security; these smaller updates are denoted with decimal points.
If this all sounds confusing, don’t worry. In this post, you’ll get a quick overview of iOS 18, including the new features, how it improves on iOS 17.6.1, and which iPhones are eligible for it. Note that you don’t have to update to the iPhone 16 to take advantage of the iOS 18 update.
However, if you happen to be looking for a new iPhone to go with your iOS update, Navi makes it easy to help you find the best iPhone deals you qualify for with our free, unbiased Phone Finder below.
What is iOS?
For starters, the letters OS stand for operating system. In 2007, when Apple released its very first iPhone, it introduced iOS, an operating system designed exclusively for iPhones.
The original iOS was based on but not the same as the Mac OS used to run Macintosh computers. Apple has unique operating systems for different devices. For example, there’s Mac OS for computers and laptops, watchOS for Apple watches, and iOS for iPhones.
By comparison, Android devices use an open-source operating system referred to simply as OS that Google launched in 2008 to compete with the iPhone. Where iOS is exclusive to Apple iPhones, Android OS is designed for all other smartphone manufacturers.
What Devices Run iOS 18?
If you have an older Apple device, you might wonder if your current iPhone supports iOS 18. Here’s a complete list of iOS 18 compatible iPhones:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 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 (second generation and later)
iOS 18 Update: What’s New
As of its September 16, 2024 release, iOS 18 became the latest iOS version. With it arrived many new features, but Apple Intelligence isn't one of them, not yet anyway. Apple has confirmed that you'll need iOS 18 and any iPhone 16 model or an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max to run Apple Intelligence when it becomes available later this year. With that in mind, let’s dive into the iOS 18 features that the entire list of iOS 18-compatible iPhones above can make use of. For those interested in Apple's AI, we’ve got an entire article dedicated to Apple Intelligence.
According to Apple, the theme of the iOS 18 update is customization. Apple says your iPhone is personal and you should be able to tailor it to meet your needs. Here’s how that comes to life with the latest iOS version. Following is a list of what’s new in iOS 18.
- Home Screen: Personalize your home screen layout by rearranging apps and widgets to suit your needs.
- App Icons: Tint your app icons in your favorite hues or let iOS suggest colors to complement your wallpaper. You can also resize app icons making your go-to's stand out and add an extra level of privacy to apps for your eyes only by requiring Face ID.
- Control Center: Add your choice of controls to the control panel, group controls as desired and access them more seamlessly with a new single swipe down from your Home Screen.
- Photos: Apple is calling this their biggest Photos App redesign ever with new ways to organize photos by themes, including people, pets, and more. You can also pin collections for quick access, plus reorder or hide collections.
- iMessage: Bold, italicize, underline, and strikethrough text, plus add animated effects to your choice of letters, words, and emojis.
- Messages: Write a text now, and schedule it to Send Later at a designated time.
- Mail: Reorganize your inbox for easier scanning, sorting, and email message grouping.
- Safari: The new Highlights feature automatically highlights notable areas of content on the page for easier scanning. It also includes high-level summaries at the top of articles to give you the gist and decide if you want to read the full article.
- Passwords App: Keep all your passwords and notifications in one place and securely synced across Apple devices and apps.
- Maps: Topographic maps and trail networks help you hike from point A to point B and add notes along the way, plus map your own hiking routes.
- Game Mode: Maximize game performance by minimizing background activity for optimal frame rates and gameplay.
- Wallet: With Tap to Cash you can securely pay a friend back as easily as you can AirDrop a photo or other file from one Apple device to another.
- Notes: Move over plain text, now you can record audio sessions, crunch numbers, and add formatting in Notes.
- Journal: Log your state of mind to help track your mood, view writing streaks and other stats, plus sort and search past entries with ease
- Apple TV App: Use InSight to learn more about the actors and music featured on-screen during your favorite shows.
- Home App: Updates to the Home App let you grant guest access to your home IRL (not on your iPhone home screen).
- Privacy and Security: Select which contacts to share with apps when prompted. It’s no longer an all-or-nothing sharing situation.
- Bluetooth: Improved privacy lets you pair more securely.
- Accessibility: For those who are hearing and speech impaired, Eye Tracking lets you control your iPhone with your eyes, and Vocal Shortcuts enable you to record sounds to trigger iPhone actions.
- Calculator: The new Math Notes calculator includes a scientific calculator in portrait mode and other advanced features including unit conversion.
- Calendar: The month view has been redesigned and iOS 18 introduces integration between the Reminders App and Calendar
- Freeform: Updates include the ability to organize and present boards in sections, and easily share your boards via a link.
- SharePlay: Improvements let you remotely draw on someone else’s screen to explain how to do something or take control of their screen completely (with their consent, of course).
- SOS Live Video: Share video or photos with the dispatcher during an emergency call.
- Apple Fitness: New design interface and search feature, plus a For You tab that highlights activities based on your preferences, including trainers you like, exercise duration, and music.
- Phone: Now you can record live calls on your iPhone—this is a long-awaited improvement from Apple we’re pretty excited about.
How to Update to iOS 18
If you have Automatic Updates turned on with an iOS 18 compatible device, the latest software updates should be automatically installed as soon as they become available. But in some cases, you’ll have to update manually. In that case, Apple makes the process easy to do.
To make sure you have the most recent update:
- Open your Settings.
- Navigate to “General”.
- Tap “Software Update”.
From this screen, you can see what version you are currently using. If you’re using the latest iOS version, you’ll see an on-screen message beneath the iOS version that says IOS is up to date. If your device has not been updated to the new iOS update, your iPhone will prompt you to either “Download and Install” or, if the device downloaded the latest version but didn’t complete the process, it will direct you to “Install Now.” Keep in mind, you'll need at least 5 to 10 GB of free storage to install iOS 18.
How Often Does Apple Release a New iOS?
Apple releases new iOS versions every year to coincide with their new device releases, usually in the fall. For instance, iOS 17 was released on September 18, 2023, with iOS 18 arriving a year later almost to the day on September 16, 2024.
However, in between the iOS 17 and iOS 18 releases, smaller software updates occurred as needed—often six weeks to one month between enhancement updates. For instance, iOS 17.2 was released on December 11, 2023, and 17.3 was available on January 22, 2024. These minor updates occur as soon as bug fixes are security e and fix known issues.
Should You Update to iOS 18?
In a word, yes. To keep your iPhone running smoothly and for optimal security, we always recommend updating to the latest version of iOS. In fact, in our phone not working article, we note that out-of-date software is one of the most common causes of phone troubles. The best part is that software updates are free. And in case you’re wondering, we give Android users the same advice about upgrading to the latest OS version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPhones can get iOS 18?
A long list of iPhones can get the iOS 18 operating system, including: the iPhone 11 series, the iPhone 12 series, the iPhone 13 series, the iPhone 14 series, the iPhone 15 series, and the new iPhone 16 series. Also, the iPhone Xs, iPhone XR, and iPhone SE can all be updated with iOS 18.
Has iOS 17 been phased out?
Apple's iOS 17 has not been entirely phased out but is in the process of being replaced by iOS 18. While Apple has shifted its primary focus to iOS 18, it has still provided the iOS 17.7 update for those who prefer to stay on iOS 17 for stability reasons.
Is iOS 18 worth installing?
Yes, it's worth installing iOS 18 as it introduces several new features and improvements. Plus, you'll need iOS 18 installed on your iPhone if you want to pair it with a new Apple Watch 10 series device.
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