iOS 18: Which iPhone models are compatible? How to install it? Our instructions

Apple’s keynote on Monday, September 9th was the occasion for the firm to deploy its new major update iOS 18. But in the slew of information highlighted during this keynote, it can be difficult to find your way around. So, how do I install this update? Can I simply do it with my somewhat old iPhone? What new features are brought by this major update? Let’s start by determining if your iPhone is eligible.

Which iPhone models are compatible with iOS 18?

The iPhone models eligible for the upgrade to iOS 18 are as follows. In addition to the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 (Plus, Pro, Pro Max), 14, 13, 12, 11, XS, XR, and SE (from the second generation) are all compatible. In total, counting the various iterations of each family, this corresponds to more than twenty different models. iOS 18 will be available from September 16 on all the models mentioned.

There are several factors that explain why iOS 18 is unavailable for older models. First, this OS requires a certain amount of processing power, which is inaccessible on older models. On the other hand, it is necessary to have a certain amount of RAM and significant storage space in order to take advantage of it. Likewise, the aging of the components of older models does not necessarily allow iOS 18 to run. In order to take advantage of this new update, you will therefore have to turn to a more recent model among those mentioned above.

Also note that Apple Intelligence will not be compatible with all the models discussed above. In fact, apart from the iPhone 16 range, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will be able to benefit from features linked to Apple’s artificial intelligence.

Installing iOS 18 is the same as installing any other public update that Apple rolls out. Head to the Settings app, then navigate to the General > Software Update tab. Here, you’ll see whether your device is ready for iOS 18. If you haven’t been offered the update yet on September 16, you’ll have to be patient, as it may not be rolling out to your model yet. If you have automatic updates enabled, iOS 18 could potentially be downloaded and installed automatically overnight.

What’s new in iOS 18?

The most notable new feature in iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence. Artificial intelligence made in Cupertino will however take a little while before being deployed everywhere. Thus, for France, we will have to wait until 2025. On the other hand, only a few models can benefit from certain features, including Visual Intelligence. So let’s focus instead on other new features of iOS 18 that everyone can enjoy right now. Thus, iOS 18 allows for superior customization; this involves much better handling of the home screen interface and the Control Center. Thus, it is now possible to move apps/widgets as desired on the home screen, but also to modify the layout of the latter much more freely.

On the other hand, iOS 18 comes with a redesign of the Photos app. The interface has been redesigned to offer a more intuitive user experience and now offers thematic collections (recent photos, travel, portraits), a carousel display to highlight certain highlights. In addition, iOS 18 allows the introduction of improved editing tools, such as Clean Up, a function that allows you to easily remove unwanted objects.

The Messages app is also getting a makeover. It offers new visual effects to liven up conversations by applying different styles to words or phrases. Another piece of good news is that users can schedule messages to be sent later, on a specific date. Mail and Safari are also getting some great new features. For Mail, for example, there is a new categorization of emails with sections dedicated to promotions or transactions. For its part, Safari is introducing highlights that offer important information from a web page in just a few clicks.

Finally, on the privacy side, iOS 18 grants more control over apps. It is thus possible to lock them (or even hide them) directly using Face ID so that they are not accessible to just anyone. The Passwords app will also take on the role of an independent password manager (previously, you had to access a section of Settings to take advantage of it).