iOS 18 is here: these are the new features
Upgrade parade at Apple: Alongside iOS 18, there are iPadOS 18, macOS 15 Sequoia, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, and tvOS 18, plus updates for older systems.
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Apple's new operating systems are now available: After a beta phase lasting several months, the final versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 Sequoia have been available to download and install since Monday evening. The easiest way to do this is directly via the integrated software update on the devices ("Settings > General > Software update"). Apple hides the upgrade to iOS 18 at the bottom of the view. At the top, there is a reference to what is expected to be the last major update for iOS 17; version 17.7 was released for download at the same time.
New functions in iOS 18 & Co
With iOS 18, Apple is expanding the options for personalization: Home screens can be color-customized, app icons can be freely positioned and even the two buttons on the lock screen that were previously reserved for the flashlight and camera can be determined by users themselves for the first time. In addition, the control center is now freely configurable, even across multiple pages or views. Apps can provide their own controls for this, and a number of app updates are already delivering this functionality.
iOS and iPadOS 18 come with a completely redesigned Photos app that requires some getting used to. At the same time, Apple has expanded its central messaging app: communication with Android users is now also possible via RCS instead of just SMS, so that photos can be exchanged in a meaningful way. In North America, it is now also possible to send and receive iMessages in dead spots via the satellite connection. Other regions are likely to follow.
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Apple's password management has been given its own password app, which offers additional functions such as looking up Wi-Fi passwords on the iPhone and iPad. According to individual reports from beta testers, Apple automatically activates iCloud sync when moving to the new app. Whether this can be specifically prevented remains to be seen. You can switch this off again later in "Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Passwords".
Further updates for all Apple systems
iPadOS 18 provides improvements for handwritten entries: Apple's Notes app can now straighten them and check spelling. In the EU, it is also possible to install alternative app stores such as Altstore PAL on the iPad for the first time.
In addition to macOS 15 Sequoia, other available updates include watchOS 11, tvOS 18, visionOS 2 and Audio Software 18 for HomePods. A firmware update has been available for AirPods Pro since last week, which activates the new head gestures with the new systems. For older devices and users who do not want to upgrade for now, Apple has also provided updates for older operating system versions.
iOS 18 runs on these iPhones
iOS 18 can be installed on all iPhones running iOS 17. Some new features are reserved for younger model series. There are also relatively few old iPads this time: Only on the iPad 6 (2018), iPad Pro 10.5" (2017) and iPad Pro 12.9" 2nd generation (2017) is the upgrade not offered.
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