What is the Latest iOS Version on iPhone?

Apple has finally released the latest version of its operating system, iOS 18.1.

‍This release is noteworthy since it marks the debut of Apple Intelligence, the company's artificial intelligence platform. The new AI technology that comes with iOS 18.1 offer a variety of helpful new features, like message and email summaries, writing tools, image creation, and much more.

Prior to iOS 18, the latest iOS version was iOS 17.6.1. In between each major iOS update, Apple releases enhancements to address bugs and further improve security; these smaller updates are denoted with decimal points.

Read on to learn about Apple iOS versions—including iOS 18.1—and which ones work on which devices.

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?

In order to run Apple's latest iOS version, 18.1, you'll need an iPhone that contains an A12 Bionic chip or later. 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 October 2024 release, iOS 18.1 became the latest iOS version. This new iteration of iOS 18 contains a host of new artificial intelligence tools via Apple Intelligence. Here are some of the cool new AI hacks that come with the new iPhone operating system: 

• Writing Tools: Apple Intelligence’s new Writing Tools automatically summarize and proofread. It can even reformat content into key points, lists, or tables.
• Clean Up in Photos: This feature allows you to remove unwanted objects or distractions from photos. It smoothly fills in the background, offering more control for editing directly within the Photos app.
• Memory Movies: Apple Intelligence can now create custom video slideshows, or "Memory Movies," based on specific prompts, curating photos and videos with background music. 

• Enhanced Safari Summaries: By activating Reader Mode in the Safari browser, you can request AI-generated article summaries, which provide a quick overview to determine if you want to read the full content. 


How to Update to iOS 18.1

If you have Automatic Updates turned on with an iOS 18.1 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 18.1?

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 18.1?

A long list of iPhones can get the iOS 18.1 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.