Shortly before iOS 18.2: Apple urges users to update to 18.1
Apple has started pushing the iOS 18 update to iPhones that are still on iOS 17. iOS 18.2 is already in the starting blocks.
(Image: Sebastian Trepesch)
Apple wants to update iPhones to the latest software version. Many devices that are still running iOS 17 are currently displaying a notice about the software update. "iOS 18.1.1 is available for your iPhone and ready to install," reads the message. The new operating system version has already been downloaded in the background by default. Users can choose to install the upgrade immediately or later. If you select one of the two options above, the installation will start. If you select "Details" instead, you can delay the upgrade further.
Only (some) security patches left for iOS 17
Some users apparently received the update reminder last week, others only this week –, including an iPhone with iOS 17.7.2 from the Mac & i editorial team. Apple provides iOS updates for all supported devices worldwide at the same time, but users have to take action themselves to install them. Apple is currently still offering security updates for iOS 17; version iOS 17.7.3 is in preparation. However, all known vulnerabilities are only patched in the latest iOS version, which is the only reason why it makes sense to upgrade to iOS 18 –, especially as major bugs have already been fixed.
The upgrade to iOS 18 is usually painless. However, users will have to get used to a completely redesigned Photos app. It is advisable to configure it correctly for your own use. In addition, upgraders still sometimes seem to run into an irritating bug that suddenly makes all notes disappear from the Notes app. Fortunately, no data seems to be lost here and the problem can be solved relatively easily.
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Apple has not yet provided any figures on the distribution of iOS 18. At the beginning of June, almost 80 percent of active iPhones were on iOS 17, according to Apple's latest figures, with the remainder on iOS 16 and earlier versions. These 20 percent of iPhones are presumably older model series that do not support iOS 17 and iOS 18.
iOS 18.2: The upcoming release will bring these features
Apple is currently preparing the next major update: iOS 18.2 has been available for developers to test since Thursday evening in what is expected to be the final pre-release version. The general release is expected in the coming week.
The new features are dominated by the AI functions of Apple Intelligence, followed by the announced ChatGPT integration and image and emoji generation (Image Playground and Genmoji). iPhone 16 owners will also receive new functions for the camera button and Apple is adding automatic categorization in Mail (in English only). Standard apps can also be defined centrally in the settings. In Germany, Apple Intelligence is only available in a roundabout way, with Apple AI not officially coming to the EU until April. However, the system updates also bring a range of smaller, useful functions.
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