iOS 18 Release: Delayed Launch and New Features Spark Anticipation

Why wasn't iOS 18 released at the Apple Event? Release date explained

At Apple's "It's Glowtime" event on September 9, many anticipated the release of iOS 18 alongside new devices like the iPhone 16 series and Apple Watch Series 10. While Apple did discuss iOS 18, and set the official release date, a few days before the iPhone 16 hits stores. The decision not to release iOS 18 during the event can be attributed to a few key reasons. Apple has a well-established pattern of releasing new iPhone models alongside the latest iOS updates. However, there are times when software releases are staggered, especially when key features are still in development. 1. Ongoing beta testing For months, beta testers have been exploring the new features of iOS 18, helping Apple fine-tune the software before its official release. Although the operating system is largely ready for a public launch, some features are still undergoing final testing and may not be fully polished. 2. Incomplete feature set Not all of the features announced at WWDC will be available in iOS 18 when it launches. For example, Apple Intelligence, the new AI-powered platform, won't be fully available until iOS 18.1, which is expected later in October 2024. Some of the most exciting AI features, such as Siri enhancements, ChatGPT integration, and Genmoji (AI-generated emojis), are still in development and are slated for release in future updates. 3. Phased rollout Apple often releases major updates in phases to ensure stability and iron out any remaining bugs. This approach minimizes the risk of widespread issues affecting users when the software is first released. By spacing out the release of new features over multiple updates (iOS 18.0, 18.1, and beyond), Apple ensures a smoother experience for users. Apple first introduced iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024, teasing a series of exciting features that promised to enhance the iPhone experience. Among these features are a customizable Home Screen, a revamped Control Center, and Apple Intelligence -- a suite of AI-powered tools designed to improve everything from messaging to image generation. When iOS 18 does arrive on September 16, 2024, it will bring a host of exciting new features that promise to make the iPhone more customizable and intuitive. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect: 1. Customizable home screen One of the most anticipated features of iOS 18 is the ability to organize the Home Screen with more freedom. Unlike previous versions of iOS, users will be able to place apps wherever they want within the grid, rather than being forced to arrange them from left to right, top to bottom. This level of customization is something ex-Android users have long requested. 2. New control center iOS 18 will introduce a revamped Control Center, allowing users to create multiple pages of controls and customize their layout more easily. This means you can dedicate entire pages to specific functions, like smart home controls, and arrange buttons in the exact position you prefer. 3. Enhanced security features iOS 18 is also bringing improved security features. Users will be able to lock certain apps behind Face ID, adding another layer of protection to sensitive information. Additionally, Apple is moving the password management feature out of Settings and into its own dedicated Passwords app for easier access. While many were eager to get their hands on these features, the release of iOS 18 wasn't tied to the "It's Glowtime" event in September. Instead, Apple used the event to focus on its hardware launches, while quietly announcing that iOS 18 would be available to the public on September 16, 2024 -- a few days before the iPhone 16 and other new devices hit stores on September 20. Apple has recently seeded the iOS 18 Release Candidate (RC) to developers, marking one of the final stages before the official public release. This version is crucial for developers and testers as it offers a near-final look at the new features and improvements that iOS 18 will bring. Available to registered developers through the Beta Updates section in the Settings app, the iOS 18 RC allows developers to test the software and ensure app compatibility before its general release on September 16, 2024. Here's how you can access it: The iOS 18 RC also includes a host of other features that improve the overall user experience: Perhaps the most important feature of iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools that will revolutionize how users interact with their iPhones. Apple Intelligence will bring new writing tools, phone call transcription, and AI-driven suggestions for Messages and Mail. However, the full rollout of Apple Intelligence won't happen until iOS 18.1, which is expected in October 2024. Some features, such as Siri enhancements and the AI-powered Image Playground, may not even be available until 2025, as Apple is taking a cautious approach with its AI developments. For developers who want to install the iOS 18 RC, the process is simple but requires an Apple ID associated with a developer account. Here's how you can access it: Keep in mind that this RC version is primarily intended for developers, as it helps ensure apps work smoothly with the new operating system. The RC is a critical step before the full public release, as it allows Apple to catch any last-minute bugs or issues that could affect the user experience.

Apple iOS 18 release date announcement: When you can download it

At its "It's Glowtime" event on Sept. 9, Apple unveiled the new Apple Watch Series 10, new AirPods, and, yes, the iPhone 16 series. Alongside those new iPhones, Apple is also launching its latest iPhone operating system, iOS 18. iOS 18 was announced at WWDC back in June, teasing a series of new features. These include new ways to organize your Home Screen, a new customizable Control Center, and Apple Intelligence, the headline feature. Beta testers have been able to try out most of these features for some time now -- but with a public release, you'll finally get them for yourself. Here's what you need to know. Apple always releases new versions of iOS alongside its new iPhones -- and outside of the beta testing program, you can download and install iOS 18 for yourself on Sept. 16, a few days before the new iPhones are released on Sept. 20. When you do, though, it won't offer all of the features that Apple announced in June. Some smart home features, for example, are reserved for iOS 18.1, which doesn't have an official release date yet, so you'll have to wait a little to try it out. Then, there's Apple Intelligence, which has its own release timeline. iOS 18 brings with it a series of great new features. Many of these relate to customization, allowing users to personalize their devices. Apart from Apple Intelligence, perhaps the headline feature is one that ex-Android users have been asking for -- a more customizable Home Screen. With iOS 18, you'll be able to place apps wherever you want on the screen (within the grid, of course) instead of having them arranged from left to right, top to bottom, at all times. Additionally, you can set new Dark and Tinted Home Screen options, which bring different colors to your Home Screen wallpaper and apps. The Control Center is also becoming more customizable. In iOS 18, you can create and customize multiple pages of the Control Center and more easily place and resize your existing controls. So, you could have a whole page dedicated to smart home controls, or you could place only the controls you care about on one screen in the exact position that works for you. Plenty of Apple's first-party apps are getting new features as well. iMessage will let you use any emoji as a Tapback reaction, and you'll be able to format text with underlines and italics -- not to mention RCS support, which brings better cross-platform messaging. The Photos app is getting an all-new single-page design, and you'll now be able to lock apps behind Face ID -- so you can better secure sensitive information. Lastly, passwords are moving out of the Settings app and into their own Passwords app. Apple Intelligence is perhaps the most important "feature" of iOS 18. It is just the name that Apple calls its bundle of new AI features. Unfortunately, accessing these features isn't quite as simple as downloading iOS 18. The very first Apple Intelligence features won't be available until iOS 18.1, which is expected sometime towards the end of October, based on previous iOS iterations. Even when iOS 18.1 is released, it won't have all of the Apple Intelligence features that Apple announced in June. The currently available beta version of iOS 18.1 has new writing tools that can generate and summarize text, suggested replies in Messages, phone call recording and transcripts, and notification summaries for both the Messages and Mail apps. These features will almost certainly be available in iOS 18.1, unless Apple runs into a hitch and decides to pull them, which is unlikely. There are features that no one outside of Apple has tested yet, but these will likely be held until a later iOS 18 release. These features include some headliners, like Image Playground, Genmoji for generated emoji, Siri enhancements (with the ChatGPT integration), and on-screen awareness. These are some of the most significant features of Apple Intelligence, but Apple is taking things slow with AI. The company has even said that some features won't be released until 2025, though it did highlight that ChatGPT integration would be available by the end of 2024, so other Siri enhancements will likely be out by then, too. Again, though, features could be delayed if Apple wants to hold them longer. iOS 18 will be available on all of the same devices that support iOS 17, which is great news for those with a slightly older phone. However, not all of these models will get Apple Intelligence. Only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max (along with all iPhone 16 devices) get the new AI features.

Apple Reveals Release Date for iOS 18

At the GlowTime event today, Apple once again talked about its upcoming iOS 18 update, but now we finally know when it's coming. Apple also detailed when it's planning a wide release of the Apple Intelligence features. Apple will start pushing the iOS 18 update to iPhones on September 16, 2024, as well as the corresponding iPadOS 18 update for iPads. The second gen iPhone SE, the iPhone XR, and later models are qualified for this update. If you don't want to wait a week to test the new iOS, you can sign up for the Apple Beta program. Apple is rolling out the release candidate version of iOS 18 to testers right now (build code 22A3354). Release candidates are the very last versions of a software before it leaves beta. The Apple Intelligence features will start becoming available next month when iOS 18.1 drops. The beta versions of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 will include features like a smarter, more personal Siri, synthetic writing and imaging tools, and new ways to interact with the Apple ecosystem across the board. In the early releases, they will be limited to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 lineup. And only the iPads and Macs running on M1 silicon will support the new crop of AI enhancements. Apple also warned that Apple Intelligence can only be enabled on devices set to the U.S. English. "Later this year, Apple Intelligence will add support for localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K.," the press release explains. The Cupertino giant also has plans to offer Apple Intelligence in "Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish." The new iOS 18 update packs a slew of personalization features that might just cure the "iPhone sameness." Your iPhone will now let you pick themes and colors for your icons and make your own layouts. The Control Panel is a lot more customizable now. And Apple has added some entirely new apps and experiences, including Passwords app and better reading options in Safari. Apple has also quietly updated the page for macOS Sequoia, the next major update for Mac computers, to mention that it will be released on the same day: September 16. Mac operating system updates usually happen a while after iOS and iPadOS updates, so that's a change of pace. Source: Apple (1, 2, 3)

Here are all the devices compatible with iOS 18 | TechCrunch

Apple's new version of the iPhone operating system, iOS 18, is officially arriving on September 16, the company announced at its latest iPhone 16 event. As previously announced at WWDC 2024, iOS 18 introduces a host of new features. Among the highlights are a set of customization options, such as being able to arrange apps and widgets on the Home Screen and customize buttons. Other features include new text effects, the ability to lock and hide apps, new ways to manage your Mail inbox, the introduction of iMessages over satellite, a significant redesign of the Photos app and more. For now, you can test the updates through the iOS 18 public beta, though you should keep all the caveats that come with beta software in mind. You may be wondering if your iPhone supports the new update. The company says you can download iOS 18 on the following models: The major release will be available on September 16 as a free software update. However, if you want to try out iOS 18 a little earlier, the public beta is available to download at beta.apple.com. It's also important to note that some features won't be available in certain countries, languages or devices. For instance, the Safari "Highlights" feature, which automatically detects relevant information, will only be available in English in the U.S. Meanwhile, the new live audio transcription capability in the Notes app can be accessed on iPhone 12 and later in English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K. and the U.S. Apple Intelligence is the company's new generative AI offering, which will be integrated into most of Apple's apps. It enables your iPhone to take certain actions, like help compose emails and respond to text messages with Smart Replies. You'll get the most out of the Apple Intelligence features with the new iPhone 16 models, which CEO Tim Cook said were specifically designed for the technology. It'll also be available on iPad and Mac devices with M1 and later. Apple Intelligence will be available in beta this fall.

iOS 18 to launch on Sep 16, Apple Intelligence features rolling out later

While iOS 18 will support older-generation models, Apple Intelligence features will be available only on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max Apple has confirmed that iOS 18 will be available as a free software update starting Monday, September 16, for eligible iPhones. Unveiled earlier this year at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), iOS 18 brings several new features and enhancements, with Apple Intelligence -- the company's suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features -- being the most anticipated. However, Apple confirmed that these AI features will not be available in the initial release. The first wave of Apple Intelligence features will be available in beta next month as part of iOS 18.1, with more features rolling out in the months ahead. While iOS 18 will support older-generation models (listed below), Apple Intelligence features will be available only on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. All models in the recently launched iPhone 16 series are eligible for AI features. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Apple also stated that the AI features will be available on eligible devices where Siri is set to US English. Additional languages and platforms are expected over the course of the next year. Later this year, Apple Intelligence will add support for localised English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK. In 2024, the AI features will expand to languages including Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish. Apple will release iOS 18 with a few India-focused features, too. Earlier, the US-based technology giant confirmed additional features and language support tailored for users in India. Apple said that these enhancements will span across various functionalities including communication, language input, and significant updates to the Move to iOS app. Apple stated that users will have the ability to customise the time display on the lock screen with Indian numerals from 12 languages. These languages include Arabic, Arabic Indic, Bangla, Devanagari, Gujarati, Gurmukhi, Kannada, Malayalam, Meitei, Odia, Ol Chiki, and Telugu. Moreover, iPhone users in India will gain access to Live Voicemail Transcription in Indian English. Here are all the India-focused features that the iOS 18 will introduce. ALSO READ: Apple details India-focused features coming to eligible iPhones with iOS 18 More From This Section Apple iPhone 16's camera control button stands out as most visible change Battery-powered devices are overheating more often on planes, raising alarm iPhone 16 series: Here is a recap of AI features previewed by Apple at WWDC iPhone 16 launch event on September 9: Expected Apple AirPods 2024 lineup iOS 18.2: Apple iPhone 16 series to debut without advanced AI features iOS 18: What's new Home Screen The Home Screen in iOS 18 introduces the ability to relocate apps and widgets, offering greater flexibility in layout. Users can now customise colours and apply new app icons specifically for dark mode, allowing for more personalisation. Control Centre The Control Centre has been revamped, featuring a new set of controls accessible via a swipe-up gesture. These controls offer quick access to connected home devices, enabling faster customisation. Additionally, the controls can now be accessed from the lock screen, and the Action Button can invoke these settings for even quicker access. App Lock A highly requested feature, App Lock, has been introduced in iOS 18. This allows for independent locking of apps, with the option to hide them in a secure folder, providing an additional layer of privacy and security. Messages The Messages app receives significant updates, including RCS messaging support, expanding compatibility with a wider range of messaging platforms. Other updates include emoji and sticker tapbacks, scheduled messages, text formatting, and integrated text effects. Additionally, satellite messaging is supported for iPhone 14 and later models, improving communication in remote areas. Mail The Mail app gets smarter with on-device categorisation, automatically sorting emails into categories such as primary, transactions, updates, and promotions. This feature will be rolled out later this year. Game Mode Apple is bringing the Mac's Game Mode to iPhones with iOS 18, optimising performance for a smoother gaming experience on mobile devices. Photos The Photos app receives a comprehensive redesign aimed at simplifying the process of accessing memories and organising photos. Built-in intelligence enables the automatic creation of photo collections, enhancing ease of use and user engagement. Audio In iOS 18, Siri now supports gestures, such as nodding for confirmation, providing hands-free interaction. Additionally, voice isolation is introduced for AirPods Pro, improving audio clarity. For gaming enthusiasts, personalised spatial audio will debut later this year, with Need for Speed Mobile being the first title to support this feature. iOS 18: Eligible older-generation models 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 (2nd generation or later) Also Read Huawei unveils tri-fold smartphone, raising competition with Apple in China Apple supplier Jabil to set up Rs 2,000 crore mfg unit in Tiruchirapalli iPhone 16 series to AirPods 4: Highlights from Apple 'It's Glowtime' event It's glowtime: Apple unveils much awaited AI-boosted iPhone 16 series It's glowtime: AI in spotlight as Apple launches GenAI-backed iPhone16

iOS 18, iPadOS 18 will be available on September 16

After months of beta testing, Apple will release iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 on September 16, just days before the arrival of the new iPhone 16. In June, Apple launched iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, its most powerful operating systems ever for iPhone and iPad. The new operating systems set the stage for the introduction of Apple Intelligence, Apple's integration of AI into its mobile platforms. Apple Intelligence significantly improves the functionality of tools like Mail, Siri, search, and more. Apple Intelligence will provide tools for summarizing and supercharging your apps and also allow you to generate new text and images from your phone. For example, users can type in natural-language searches for photos and create movies from them. Siri will not be confused if users stumble over their words while speaking. The new operating systems set the stage for a continuous addition of Apple Intelligence features. However, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 won't have full Apple Intelligence capabilities at launch. Apple plans to roll out Apple Intelligence features to devices over time, with the first Apple Intelligence feature updates available as a beta in October. Apple Intelligence features for English-speaking users will arrive in December. Apple plans to continue adding new Apple Intelligence features and supported languages over time. The new releases also brings freshly revamped interfaces and new features in apps like Photos and Mail and messages. Improved messaging support using the Rich Communications Services protocol is also coming, allowing more seamless communication with Android and other users. Starting with iOS 18, iPhone users can now send and receive messages over satellite when they're out of cellular or WiFi range. Privacy features have also been improved, including locking specific apps and requiring FaceID to unlock them. The iPadOS 18 release will also bring AI features like improved writing tools that allow users to proofread, summarize, and rewrite text across the operating system. The new Image Playground provides generative AI features. It lets users generate images in different artistic styles, and the Math Notes feature allows users to solve equations directly in the Notes app. Starting with the iPhone 16, Apple has begun integrating Apple Intelligence into the hardware. The new A18 processor in the iPhone and iPhone Pro was built using "second-generation " circuitry designed to handle Apple Intelligence's high processing power needs. Users will be able to upgrade their iPhone and iPad to the new operating system directly in System Preferences. The new iPhone models will likely ship with iOS 18 preinstalled.

Apple will release iOS 18, macOS 15, iPadOS 18, other updates on September 16

Apple plans to release the next versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS to the general public on September 16, the company announced via its website following its iPhone-centric product event earlier today. We should also see updates for tvOS and the HomePod operating system on the same date. The new releases bring a number of new features and refinements to Apple's platforms: better texting with Android devices thanks to support for the RCS standard, iPhone Mirroring that allows you to interact with your iPhone via your Mac, more UI customization options for iPhones and iPads, and other improvements besides. What won't be included in these initial releases is any hint of Apple Intelligence, the batch of generative AI and machine learning features that Apple announced at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Apple is testing some of the Apple Intelligence features in betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1, updates that will be released later this fall. When Apple Intelligence does arrive, compatibility will be limited: it will require an iPhone 15 Pro or one of the just-announced iPhone 16 or 16 Pro models; an iPad Air or Pro with an M1, M2, or M4 chip; or an Apple Silicon Mac. Apple will also be withholding Apple Intelligence from devices in the EU, at least for now. Further Reading The new operating systems will run on most of the same hardware that is currently compatible with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma, including the last few generations of Intel Macs from 2018, 2019, and 2020. But there are a handful of exceptions, like the 2018 MacBook Air and a handful of older iPads. Phones as old as 2018's iPhone XR and XS will be able to install and run the iOS 18 update. Apple has released multiple beta versions of each operating system since WWDC in June, and release candidate builds will likely go out to users and developers today. These will enable developers to get final versions of their apps ready for launch day. Users who want to move over to the new operating systems early can also do so -- you can be relatively confident that most of the biggest bugs have been worked out over the summer betas. However, as always when installing major updates, you should ensure you have good backups of your data beforehand.

iOS 18 to roll out on September 16: Features, list of devices supported and more - Times of India

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