Jason Hiner

Apple announced significant updates for the iPhone with iOS 18 during its June WWDC event and a new iPhone 16 lineup in September. In addition to a customizable home screen, Control Center, and lock screen, iOS 18 gives 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: iOS 18.2 rolls out to iPhones: Try these 6 new AI features today

While the official iOS 18 general release was months ago, Apple is beginning to roll out iOS 18.2 to users today, which includes new Apple Intelligence features, like Image Playground, Genmoji, and ChatGPT integrations. Additionally, users have already been able to download a public beta version that Apple released in July after the iOS 18 developer beta launch. 

How to install iOS 18.2

Jason Hiner

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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FAQs

Which iPhones are compatible with Apple Intelligence?

While Apple Intelligence is available with iOS 18.2, which is coming to all iPhone models newer than the iPhone X, not all iPhones compatible with iOS 18 are compatible with Apple Intelligence. Here are all the iPhones compatible with Apple Intelligence:

• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max

Additionally, Apple Intelligence is available for iPads and Macs with an M1 chip or later and the new iPad Mini 7 with an A17 Pro chip. 

When is Apple Intelligence coming out?

Apple Intelligence, featuring the company's AI tools, began to roll out for compatible iPhones with iOS 18.1, with more features to join in the coming months. 

The iOS 18.1 software update included Writing Tools to help edit and summarize text, advanced Siri features to maintain context and typing prompts, the Clean Up tool and enhanced search options in the Photos app, and notification summaries.

Now, iOS 18.2 includes Image Playground to create images, Genmoji to generate emojis, Image Wand in the Notes app, enhanced Writing Tools, visual intelligence with Camera Control, and ChatGPT integrations for Siri and Writing Tools.

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

This slew of AI features will be available on the iPhone 16 lineup and the iPhones 15 Pro and Pro Max. Apple is also releasing iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2. 

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 was 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 two beta versions of iOS: iOS 18 public beta and iOS 18 developer beta. 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

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.

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