iOS 18 is available: how to download it on iPhone?

The iOS 18 update has been available for download since Monday, September 16. Compatible with the same iPhones as iOS 17, it brings many changes to Apple devices, such as a more colorful home screen, a new Photos app, and new features in Messages.

After more than three months of testing, iOS 18 is available for download. The major annual update of the iPhone, which brings a lot of new features to the Apple ecosystem, has been available for download since September 16. It is accompanied by the iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, tvOS 18 and visionOS 2 updates.

Want a colorful Home screen, a new Photos app, programmable iMessages, RCS support, a secret apps folder, a customizable Control Center, and a built-in password manager? Here’s how to install iOS 18 on your iPhone.

iPhones compatible with iOS 18

Good news: iOS 18 is compatible with the same iPhones as iOS 17. All products released since 2018 (the year of the XR and XS) can receive iOS 18.

iOS 18 is available: how to download it on iPhone?
iPhones compatible with iOS 18. // Source: Apple

Remember to back up your iPhone

In 99% of cases, installing an iOS update goes well. Unfortunately, a bug may appear. To avoid losing your data, it is best to back up your iPhone before doing an update.

The easiest option, if you have any iCloud storage left, is to go to Settingsto touch your name at the top of the screen, to choose iCloud Then iCloud Backup.

Steps to perform iCloud backup on iOS.Steps to perform iCloud backup on iOS.
Steps to perform an iCloud backup on iOS. // Source: Numerama

If you don’t have enough iCloud storage, it is possible to back up your iPhone to your computer for free. A Mac can recognize an iPhone in the Findera PC needs the application Apple devicesto be installed manually.

How to install iOS 18 from your iPhone?

If you have a compatible iPhone, go to Settingssection General Then Software update. After a short loading time, iOS 18 will be offered to you. Just tap Installerthen type in your code.

Downloading iOS 18 on an iPhone running iOS 17.Downloading iOS 18 on an iPhone running iOS 17.
Downloading iOS 18 on an iPhone running iOS 17. // Source: Numerama

Depending on your Internet connection, the download can take a few seconds or several dozen minutes. Then, you have to wait about 20 minutes for the iPhone to decompress the software update. When the installation begins, expect about ten minutes before your iPhone restarts. Then, all you have to do is play with the new features.

To go further

The new flashlight in iOS 18. // Source: NumeramaThe new flashlight in iOS 18. // Source: Numerama

How to install iOS 18 from your computer?

In some cases, it is not possible to install an iOS update from your iPhone (for example, due to lack of available storage). The alternative is to go through your computer, to avoid downloading the update file directly to your device.

On a Mac, simply plug in your iPhone and open Finder. The option Search for update should be offered in the iPhone display. On Windows, you have to use the application Apple devices.

The updated option in Finder.The updated option in Finder.
The updated option in the Finder. // Source: Numerama

In October, Apple will offer the iOS 18.1 update, with support for Apple Intelligence outside the European Union. The iPhone 16, which is released on September 20, ships with iOS 18.0.


Source: www.numerama.com