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.
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.
Go to your iPhone's Settings and select General.
Within General, tap on Software Update. This will show you if the iOS 18 update is available for you to download.
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.
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.
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.
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
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.