Apple iOS 18: Release date, new features, and supported devices

• Roshan Amiri
• . March 11, 2024
• . Update: March 11, 2024 9:54 pm
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The stable version of iOS 18 is expected to debut alongside the next-generation iPhone 16 series, likely in September 2024. However, Apple will provide an early glimpse of the new operating system at WWDC 2024, scheduled for June. Developers can expect the first beta version of iOS 18 to be available soon after the conference, while the first public beta is anticipated to arrive in July or August. It’s important to note that these initial builds are primarily intended for app developers and enthusiasts who wish to experience the upcoming features ahead of the final release and may still contain bugs and stability issues.

Visual Revamp Inspired by VisionOS

According to rumors, iOS 18’s visual overhaul could draw inspiration from Apple’s VisionOS, the operating system powering the company’s upcoming mixed-reality headset. If this proves to be true, we can expect elements like circular icons, translucent UI elements that seamlessly blend with the overall operating system design, a revamped Control Center, and additional customization features.

While square-shaped icons have been a staple of iOS since its inception, it will be interesting to see if Apple adopts a circular icon approach to align with the design ethos of VisionOS.

AI-Enhanced First-Party Apps

While standalone AI features like those found on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series are unlikely to be introduced on iPhones, Apple is expected to integrate AI capabilities into its existing suite of apps and services.

The recently released iOS 17.4 already enabled AI-generated transcripts for the Apple Podcasts app, and reports suggest that the company plans to extend AI features to other native apps as well.

An earlier report by Bloomberg indicated that Apple is developing its large language model (LLM) named “Ajax,” which is said to offer ChatGPT-like generative AI capabilities, some of which will be integrated into Siri to provide an improved chat-like conversation experience.

Similar to Samsung’s approach, Apple is expected to employ a hybrid AI integration strategy, where certain features will be powered by on-device computing, while others will leverage cloud computing resources.

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The Mail app and Notes app are rumoured to gain generative AI capabilities, potentially allowing users to summarize and translate content natively within these apps. However, it’s worth noting that some of these AI-powered features may be limited to newer iPhone models.

Additionally, there are speculations that iOS 18 could introduce features like app sideloading, third-party payment gateways, and the ability to set third-party browsers as default for a global audience. However, the likelihood of such changes remains uncertain.

iOS 18-Supported Devices

Over 20 iPhone models are expected to be eligible for the iOS 18 update. The iPhone XS and XR series, released in 2018, may not receive the update, while any iPhone launched on or after the iPhone 11 is likely to be compatible with iOS 18.

Here is a complete list of devices expected to support the iOS 18 update:

• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 (expected models)
• iPhone 15 Plus (expected model)
• iPhone 15 Pro (expected models)
• iPhone 15 Pro Max (expected model)