iOS 18 now rolling out for select iPhones: How to download, new features and more

Apple has officially started rolling out the much-awaited iOS 18 in India as of September 16. This latest software update for iPhones introduces a range of new features and improvements expected to enhance the overall iPhone experience. With iOS 18, users will finally get access to features like a custom home screen, a redesigned Control Center, advanced Safari and Maps, and more, which Apple introduced earlier this year at its WWDC 2024 developer conference.
Let’s take a detailed look at how to download iOS 18, the eligible devices, and the new features it brings to the table.
Downloading iOS 18 on your iPhone is straightforward, as long as your device is eligible for the update. Before starting, make sure your iPhone is sufficiently charged– preferably above 50 per cent — and you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. After that:
The installation process might take some time, depending on your device and internet connection. Note that while Apple announced September 16 as the official release date for iOS 18, the rollout might take some time. So if you don’t see the update immediately, wait a bit longer.
While the iPhone 16 series will come with iOS 18 pre-installed, many existing iPhone models will also receive the update. Apple is extending support to over 25 devices to ensure a broad user base can enjoy the benefits of this new operating system. However, not all devices will support every feature — especially the Apple Intelligence features, which will be exclusive to newer models, i.e., the entire iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Here is a list of iPhones eligible for the iOS 18 update:
Apple has packed iOS 18 with a host of new features designed to enhance personalisation, control, and usability.
Custom Home Screen layouts
One of the most exciting aspects of iOS 18 is the ability to fully customise your home screen layout. Users can now freely arrange app icons and widgets, creating a unique, personalised look. Additionally, dark mode icons and customisable tints can be applied, offering users greater control over the appearance of their devices.
Redesigned Control Centre
The Control Centre has undergone a major overhaul. Users can now resize controls, including those from third-party apps, to better fit their needs. Integration with the Lock Screen and the Action Button is also improved, providing faster access to essential tools and controls.
Photos App Enhancements
The Photos app in iOS 18 features significant upgrades. A new interface organises memories by events, trips, and collections, making it easier to browse through your photo library. A new “Clean Up” tool simplifies the process of removing unwanted elements from photos, improving your photography workflow.
Messaging and Communication
iOS 18 introduces satellite messaging, allowing off-grid communication in remote areas. Other new features include animated text effects and a “Send Later” function to schedule messages. The Messages app will also support RCS, enhancing communication with non-iMessage users by enabling richer messaging experiences.
Advanced Safari and Maps
Safari has been updated with a redesigned Reader mode for better readability. A “Distraction Control” feature will allow users to filter out unwanted content while browsing. Additionally, the Maps app will include topographic views, hiking trails, and offline support, making navigation easier even without an internet connection.
Gaming and Audio Enhancements
Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the new Game Mode in iOS 18, which optimises response times and frame rates for smoother gameplay. For AirPods users, improvements in voice isolation, personalised spatial audio, and upgraded Siri interactions offer more intuitive control.
Accessibility Enhancements
iOS 18 also introduces a range of accessibility features, including Eye Tracking, allowing users to control their devices with eye movements, and Music Haptics, providing tactile feedback while listening to music.
One of the most anticipated features in iOS 18 is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools designed to revolutionise user interaction with Apple devices. However, these features will not be available until the release of iOS 18.1 in October 2024.
As for the features, Apple says that its upcoming Apple Intelligence will focus on enhancing personalisation, context awareness, and seamless app integration. Siri will also receive a significant update, becoming more conversational and capable of understanding context from emails, messages, and calendar events, while offering improved voice synthesis and predictive text. Siri will also be able to perform complex, cross-app tasks and handle interrupted commands with greater resilience.
Additionally, Apple will also introduce a new Image Playground platform that will allow users to generate and customise images from text, photos, or suggested concepts with multiple artistic styles. Notifications and communications will also be more intelligently managed, with smarter prioritisation in Focus mode, summarisation tools in Mail and Messages, and more efficient smart reply options.