Worldwide Giveaway – Apple’s VP Craig Federighi kicked off this year’s WWDC with an exciting reveal of iOS 18, diving into its new features. Developers got a sneak peek with the initial beta at the event, but now everyone can explore an early version through the free public beta, which went live today.

iOS 18 offers a host of new customization options, including the ability to move icons and widgets anywhere on your screen, tint app tiles the same color, and make the Control Center more functional than ever. iMessage sees significant updates too, with features like using any emoji as a Tapback reaction, scheduling texts, and adding effects to individual words.

If you’re eager to try these features, here’s a guide on how to get iOS 18 now via the public beta or when it’s ready for regular release. Plus, learn how to position yourself for early access to iOS 19.

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Can My iPhone Run iOS 18?

iphone 15 pro max

Not all iPhones can handle iOS 18, even if they’re still operational. However, if you own one of the following iPhones, you’re good to go. Note that access to Apple Intelligence will require an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 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 generation or later)

Join the Public Beta

Want to experience iOS 18 early without spending any money? Consider joining the public beta, which launched on July 13.

Keep in mind that some existing apps might not be compatible with the new software, and data loss is possible, so it’s advisable to install it on a spare iPhone. However, if you’re willing to take the risk, joining the public beta is free.

Public betas help identify bugs that developers may have missed. For iOS enthusiasts, this can be an exciting side project, especially if you have an older device that you can afford to upgrade with potentially buggy software. By joining the Apple Beta Software Program, you can test early versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, tvOS 18, HomePod software 18, and watchOS 11.

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How to Join the Public Beta:

  1. Visit the Apple Beta Software Program page and select the software you want to test.
  2. Follow the instructions to add your device.
  3. Download the beta software to your iPhone.
  4. Open Settings, tap on the profile, and hit Install.
  5. Your phone will reboot.
  6. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install.

When you need your phone during the day, you can choose to Install Tonight, which will install iOS 18 while you sleep, provided your device is charging.

For automatic updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Your iOS device will update to the latest version of iOS overnight when it’s plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.

General Release

The general release of iOS 18, available to all compatible iPhones, is scheduled for this fall, likely coinciding with the release of the iPhone 16 in September.

When the update is available, you can wait for your phone to prompt you with a pop-up alert or force a manual update. (Always back up your data before updating.)

ios 18

How to Update Manually:

  1. Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. You might need to tap Upgrade to iOS 18 at the bottom of the screen and then Download and Install, or you might be directed to Download and Install automatically.
  3. Enter your iPhone passcode if prompted.
  4. Agree to Apple’s terms and wait.

You’ll see “Update Requested” on the screen, indicating that Apple has added you to its download queue. Once iOS 18 begins downloading, a time-estimate bar will appear; how long it takes depends on how many people are trying to upgrade. Your phone will then reboot, which could also take a few minutes.

If there isn’t enough space on your device for the new iOS, you’ll receive a message asking to temporarily remove apps. Hit Continue, and the apps will be restored after the installation is complete. If you prefer, you can remove apps manually before updating.

To install the update overnight, select Install Tonight. Your device will update while it’s charging.

Become an Apple Developer

For those eager to be the first to try new software updates from Apple, joining the Apple Developer Program is an option. It’s designed for individuals and companies, but anyone can join for $99 per year.

Note of Caution:

Early versions of iOS, including iOS 19 next year, may have more bugs than the stable versions you’re used to. The purpose of developers having the software is to test it with their apps, so you might find some apps unusable or experience data loss. Ensure you’re comfortable with this before signing up. Alternatively, install the developer version on a secondary, non-primary device.

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By following this guide, you can experience the latest iOS features before they’re publicly available and be at the forefront of Apple’s software innovations.

What’s New in iOS 18?

iOS 18 brings a host of new features and enhancements designed to improve your iPhone experience. Here are some of the highlights:

Customizable Home Screen

iOS 18 offers more flexibility in customizing your home screen. You can now move icons and widgets anywhere, allowing for a more personalized layout. Additionally, app tiles can be tinted the same color, creating a cohesive look that matches your style.

Enhanced Control Center

The Control Center has been revamped to live up to its name. You can now add more shortcuts and customize the layout to access your most-used settings quickly. This enhancement makes managing your device’s functions more efficient.

Advanced iMessage Features

iMessage gets a significant upgrade with several new features:

  • Emoji Tapback Reactions: Use any emoji as a Tapback reaction, adding more expressiveness to your conversations.
  • Scheduled Texts: Schedule your messages to be sent at a later time, perfect for timely reminders or birthday wishes.
  • Text Effects: Add effects to individual words, making your messages more dynamic and engaging.

Improved Privacy and Security

Apple continues to prioritize user privacy and security with iOS 18. The new OS includes enhanced privacy controls, giving you more transparency and control over how your data is used.

Apple Intelligence

Exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Intelligence introduces advanced AI features that enhance your iPhone’s capabilities. This includes improved Siri functionality, more accurate predictive text, and smarter photo organization.

Preparing for iOS 18

Before you dive into iOS 18, there are a few steps you should take to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Backup Your Data

Before installing any new software, it’s crucial to back up your data. Use iCloud or connect your iPhone to a computer to create a backup. This ensures that you won’t lose any important information if something goes wrong during the update process.

2. Free Up Space

iOS updates require a significant amount of storage space. Clear out any unnecessary apps, photos, or files to make room for the new OS. You can check your storage usage by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

3. Ensure Compatibility

As mentioned earlier, not all iPhones can run iOS 18. Make sure your device is on the list of compatible models to avoid any compatibility issues.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a smooth update process, you might encounter some common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

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Battery Drain

If you notice your battery draining faster than usual after updating to iOS 18, try the following:

  • Restart your iPhone: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve battery issues.
  • Check Battery Usage: Go to Settings > Battery to see which apps are consuming the most power.
  • Enable Low Power Mode: This can help extend your battery life by reducing background activity.

App Crashes

Some apps might not be fully optimized for iOS 18 yet, leading to crashes. If this happens:

  • Update Your Apps: Check the App Store for any updates to your installed apps.
  • Reinstall the App: Sometimes, deleting and reinstalling the app can resolve issues.

Performance Issues

If your iPhone feels sluggish after the update:

  • Clear Cache: Go to Settings > Safari and tap Clear History and Website Data.
  • Reduce Motion: Turn off visual effects by going to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and toggling Reduce Motion.

Connectivity Problems

If you’re experiencing Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity issues:

  • Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note that this will erase your saved Wi-Fi passwords.

By following these steps, you can enjoy all the new features and improvements that iOS 18 has to offer without any hiccups.

Looking Ahead to iOS 19

While iOS 18 is still fresh, it’s never too early to think about the future. Joining the Apple Developer Program gives you early access to upcoming iOS versions, including iOS 19. This can be an exciting way to stay ahead of the curve and explore new features before they’re publicly available.

Joining the Apple Developer Program

As mentioned earlier, the Apple Developer Program costs $99 per year and offers several benefits:

  • Early Access: Be the first to try new iOS versions and other Apple software.
  • Developer Tools: Access to a suite of tools to help you build and test apps.
  • Beta Software: Install beta versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.

Preparing for iOS 19

Once you’re part of the program, you can start preparing for iOS 19. This involves:

  • Testing Apps: Make sure your apps are compatible with the latest iOS version.
  • Providing Feedback: Help Apple improve its software by reporting bugs and providing feedback.

By staying proactive and engaged with Apple’s development cycle, you can ensure your devices and apps are always up-to-date and running smoothly.

Conclusion

Upgrading to iOS 18 brings a wealth of new features and improvements that enhance your iPhone experience. Whether you join the public beta, wait for the general release, or become an Apple Developer, you have multiple ways to get your hands on the latest software. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to ensure a smooth upgrade process and enjoy all that iOS 18 has to offer.