Ah, right then, Apple is at it again with yet another iOS update, and we’re looking at iOS 18 on the horizon. A few adjustments here, some snazzy names there, and a tad of excitement around “Apple Intelligence” that, shocker, most of us won’t experience unless you’ve sold off a kidney for the newest iPhone. Let’s dive in and see what’s happening.
So when is iOS 18 coming out?
Apple loves to maintain its schedule – like clockwork, right? They unveiled this nugget at WWDC on **10 June 2024**, pairing it with the fresh iPhone 16 models. All us regular folks with older iPhones can expect our devices to get a facelift when the update starts rolling out on **16 September 2024**.
Now, before you get too excited about the shiny new “Apple Intelligence” features, take a breather. Those are set to debut in **October** for beta testers. The rest of us outside the US who speak English but apparently not the ‘right’ version (thanks, Apple), will have to hang tight until **December**. Guess we’re not smart enough for their AI until after Christmas!
Quick Tip for the Anxious Fans
If you can’t bear the wait for the Queen’s English version, simply switch your Siri to US English and get a jumpstart. But honestly, do you really want your device calling it “aluminum” incorrectly?
Which iPhones will be able to run iOS 18?
Apple hasn’t left the older models totally in the lurch yet (unless you’re stuck with something older than the iPhone XS, in which case, you’re out of luck). Here’s the roundup that can support iOS 18:
- 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 (2nd gen or later)
But here’s the twist: **Apple Intelligence** – that AI wizardry and all the bells and whistles they’re raving about – is only available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all four of the iPhone 16 models. So those with older iPhones will only get the bare essentials. Nice one, Apple.
What’s New in iOS 18
Not satisfied with just bumping up the version number, Apple’s thrown in some new features in iOS 18. Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect:
- **Home screen personalization**: Offering more options than ever for organizing your home screen, altering icons, or changing their colors to complement your wallpaper. Because, clearly, syncing your phone’s look with your curtains is essential.
- **New controls interface**: Want to get rid of the flashlight or camera buttons on your lock screen? Now you can. It’s all about the choices, right?
- **Enhanced privacy**: You can lock certain apps to prevent them from showing notifications or even appearing in searches. Now you can blissfully disregard emails from your boss while pretending they don’t exist.
- **iMessage revamp**: New formatting capabilities and animated text effects – who wouldn’t want to send a strikethrough message complete with fireworks, eh? Plus, you can now respond with any emoji or sticker, which is peak 2024, truly.
- **Mail upgrade**: On-device categorization. It’ll sort your emails into groups like transactions or promotions because who *doesn’t* want to see precisely what’s junk?
- **Photos**: Undergoes a visual refresh with chic new instruments to eradicate the rubbish, like screenshots of meals you’ll never prepare. Sharing entire albums just got a lot simpler.
- **Maps**: Topo maps for hiking and walking, so you won’t wander off in the wilderness. Unless you want to, in which case, no judgment here.
- **Calendar**: Reminders can now appear in your calendar to ensure you don’t forget leg day at the gym.
- **Wallet**: Tap-to-pay. Yep, you heard that correctly. Transfer money directly between phones with this new feature. So when your friend “forgets” their wallet on a night out, they can’t plead ignorance.
Apple Intelligence – The Latest Buzz
As I mentioned before, “Apple Intelligence” will be launching with iOS 18, but **only** for the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models. It aims to enhance Siri and various apps with AI, accomplishing all kinds of sleek tasks without you lifting a finger.
But of course, if your iPhone can’t handle all this cleverness, like many of the models on the “compatible” list, you’re out of luck. Tough break, mate. You’re going to have to stick with the essentials while the other 1% play at being Tony Stark with their AI assistant fantasies.
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### Summary: “iOS 18 – It’s Fantastic If You’ve Got Deep Pockets”
If you’ve shelled out significant cash for a shiny new iPhone 16, iOS 18 is likely to be a treat for you. However, for the rest of us with older devices, don’t bank on those glamorous **Apple Intelligence** features arriving anytime soon. If you’re keen to check out Siri’s new skills or want to send glitter-filled messages on iMessage, then go ahead and update. Just don’t anticipate anything groundbreaking unless you’re sporting the top-tier gear.
