iOS 18 release: Everything you need to know about Apple’s big updates

The new iOS 18 software update offers customizable home screens, notes, photos and more

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Apple released its for its iPhone, iPad, Mac and smartwatch on Monday afternoon, promising . The updates, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, were announced at the company's developer conference in June. It's said to include a laundry list of new features that allows the consumer to further personalize their device.

Apple says iOS 18 will add new home screen and control centre customization options, new modes for notes like smart handwriting and math tools and new aesthetics for . The latest update is poised to be a doozy as iOS 18 has much more to offer, according to Apple. Here's everything you need to know about the latest IOS update that you can download today.



The home screen is now completely customizable. Users and size giving you home screen a new look. This will also let you get to the apps you frequent much faster.

"Control Center has been redesigned to provide easier access to many of the things users do every day, and it gets new levels of customization and flexibility," Apple explains. The photos app is probably the biggest overhaul of this update. The changes are said to help users quickly pinpoint their desired photo in the sea of photography because iPhone users love taking photos.

The pics will be simplified in a single-view display meant to organize specific collections for the utmost efficiency. You can also pin a favorite collection as well, bringing all new text amplifiers that can bulk a word, phrase or emoji with animated appearances. You can also plan ahead and schedule a message at a later time.

You don't need the latest thousand-dollar iPhone or iPad to get IOS18. Every Apple smartphone from the iPhone XS released in 2018 or newer is eligible to install the newest update. For Apple Watches, watchOS 11 is compatible from the Series 6 released in 2020 or newer.

All 2020 MacBook Airs released in 2020, MacBook Pros released in 2018, Mac minis from 2018, iMacs from 2019, Mac Studios from 2022, the 2017 iMac Pro and 2019 Mac Pro or later can install macOS Sequoia. It depends on your settings. Some who allow updates to download automatically will get it overnight while they sleep if they have the device connected to a power source.

However, if you rather approve every download acquiring iOS18 is very simple. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad then scroll down to General. Under that tab, hot software update.

You might see an update for iOS17 but scroll down a bit and you should see the newest iOS download below. Tap install, verify you account and then reboot to install. You could also use a Mac or iTunes on a Windows computer.

The software for Apple Watch needs to be connected to an iPhone XS or later to be compatible with iOS 18. Once you have the necessary components, open the Watch app on the smartphone and open to General > Software Update to start the download. The Watch will need to be connected to its charger during the download.

Macs are very similar: go into System Settings, click onto General > Software Update..