IOS 18 Release: Complete Guide on Downloading and Compatible iPhone Models - Detailed Steps

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

Apple announced significant updates for the iPhone with iOS 18 during its June WWDC event and a new iPhone 16 lineup just last week . In addition to a customizable home screen, Control Center , and lock screen, iOS 18 will give users a Photos app overhaul , new Messages enhancements, a new Passwords app , and many artificial intelligence (AI) updates under Apple Intelligence to enhance app functionality.

Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to Apple’s iOS 18 (and which ones can’t)

While the official iOS 18 general release is today, users have already been able to download a public beta version that Apple released in July after the iOS 18 developer beta launch.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

How to install iOS 18

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

What you need: An iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later. Since not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 18, you’ll also need a model newer than the iPhone X .

1. Go to General in your iPhone Settings

Go to your iPhone’s Settings and select General.

2. Go to Software Update in Settings

Within General, tap on Software Update. This will show you if the iOS 18 update is available for you to download.

3. Download and install

When you tap on Software Update, your iPhone will check for the latest version of iOS available. Then, you’ll be able to Download and Install the new update. Your iPhone will begin the download immediately.

4. Enter your passcode and follow steps to install

Enter your passcode, if necessary, to authorize the installation of the new iOS on your iPhone, and follow the prompts to complete the installation.

After installing the latest iOS update, your iPhone will restart.

FAQs

When is Apple Intelligence coming out?

Apple Intelligence, featuring the company’s AI tools, will begin to roll out for compatible iPhones over the next few weeks, with more features to join in the coming months. This slew of AI features will be available on the iPhone 16 lineup and the iPhones 15 Pro and Pro Max.

When was iOS 18 released?

Apple released the iOS 18 developer beta during WWDC 2024 in June, and the public beta version was released on July 15. The general release of iOS 18 is September 16.

Also: The best iOS 18 features that will make updating your iPhone worthwhile

Can you still download the iOS 18 public beta?

You can always be part of the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, you should have some housekeeping items in mind:

• Back up your device and personal information.
• Don’t download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday iPhone.
• You should go into the experience to test new features and share feedback to improve iOS, which is why beta versions are released.

How do I install the iOS 18 beta version?

You’ll need an iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later. Since not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 18, you’ll also need a model newer than the iPhone X .

1. Go to your iPhone’s Settings and select General.
2. Go to Software Update in Settings.
3. Enable Beta Updates. To enable Beta Updates, go to Beta Updates and select the iOS version you’d like to access. This setting is turned off by default on iPhones.
4. Select iOS 18 Public Beta. Then you’ll begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest beta version of iOS 18. Apple currently has four beta versions of iOS: iOS 18 public beta, iOS 18 developer beta, iOS 17 public beta, and iOS 17 developer beta. These four options will soon be reduced to just the two iOS 18 variants. Once you do this, return to the previous page. If an update is available now, your iPhone will prompt you to download and install it.

Screenshot: Maria Diaz/ZDNET

How to download the iOS 18 developer beta?

To download the iOS 18 developer beta version, navigate to your settings to install the iOS 18 developer beta if your device runs iOS 16.4 and is used with an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program:

1. Go to your iPhone Settings
2. Tap on General
3. Select Software Update
4. Go to Beta Updates
5. Choose the iOS 18 Developer Beta

If you can’t see this option, go to your Settings, select Privacy & Security, and enable Developer Mode.

Also: How to use and customize your iPhone’s new Control Center with iOS 18

If you aren’t already a member of the Apple Developer Program, you can sign up to become one in the app. An annual membership costs $99.

What is in iOS 18 beta 3?

The iOS 18 developer beta version recently got its beta 3 release , which features dynamic wallpaper, a revamped Messages experience with wider RCS coverage, new Photos app features, and more. To download this beta version before it’s publicly available, you must be part of the Apple Developer programming.

Newsletters

ZDNET Tech Today

ZDNET’s Tech Today newsletter is a daily briefing of the newest, most talked about stories, five days a week.

Subscribe

See all

More how-tos

How to download YouTube videos for free, plus two other methods

Wi-Fi problems? Add a wired network to your home without Ethernet cable - here’s how

Wiping a Windows laptop? Here’s the safest free way to erase your personal data

How to connect a PS4 controller to a smartphone

• How to download YouTube videos for free, plus two other methods
• Wi-Fi problems? Add a wired network to your home without Ethernet cable - here’s how
• Wiping a Windows laptop? Here’s the safest free way to erase your personal data
• How to connect a PS4 controller to a smartphone

Also read: