iOS 18 release date and time: This is when you can download the update

3 days ago

Prepare your iPhone: The latest iOS 18 software update from Apple will be released later today.

The updated version of Apple's mobile operating system is filled with exciting new features and enhancements.

iOS 18 release date - Figure 1 — Photo Evening Standard

Overall, this update will provide you with more options to personalize your iPhone's home screen and settings than you’ve had before.

Like always, it will be offered as a free download that can be installed online. Here’s when you can get your hands on iOS 18, along with its anticipated release times in the UK and globally.

We know that iOS 18 is officially set to be released on iPhones today, but what time will you be able to download it?

iOS 18 will allow you to customize your iPhone's home screen by choosing new colors for your apps.

Since there isn't an official announcement about the launch timing, we can make an educated guess about when it might happen by looking at Apple's previous release patterns.

iOS 18 release date - Figure 2 — Photo Evening Standard

Based on past trends, iOS 18 is expected to be released worldwide at these times today:

Apple hasn't announced a specific release date for iOS 18 yet, so we suggest watching your iPhone settings if you're eager to get it as soon as it's available.

Exploring Apple Intelligence: What's Inside?

Apple Intelligence is a completely new AI-driven system that operates across all Apple platforms.

Apple's main highlight for iOS 18 is an impressive set of generative AI tools called Apple Intelligence. These innovative tools can instantly generate unique and interesting emojis, summarize and rewrite emails, prioritize your notifications, and remove people or objects from pictures.

iOS 18 release date - Figure 3 — Photo Evening Standard

There's only one issue: Apple Intelligence won't be ready for iOS 18 when it launches later today. Instead, the new features will be introduced gradually over the next few weeks and months through upcoming updates, beginning with iOS 18.1 in October.

On the other hand, the creation of emojis (or Genmoji, as Apple refers to it) is expected to be introduced with iOS 18.2 in December. Additionally, you might have to hold off until next Spring to experience the upgraded Siri, which features enhanced natural language abilities that make it more comparable to ChatGPT.

One of the many AI features that won't be ready at the time of the iPhone 16's release is its new Visual Intelligence capability. This innovative addition transforms the phone's camera into a tool for visual searching.

iOS 18 release date - Figure 4 — Photo Evening Standard

However, there are many additional iOS 18 features that don't involve AI, making the update worthwhile. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Customizing Icons And Home Screen Layout

IPhones Compatible With IOS 18

The iPhone 16 will be launched with iOS 18 already installed on September 20.

Apple has announced that iOS 18 is available for download on these iPhone models:

What's New In IPadOS 18?

In addition to iOS 18, Apple has revealed that fresh software updates for iPads, Macs, and Apple Watch devices will be made available today, September 16.

iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and watchOS 11 are expected to be released simultaneously, around 6 PM UK time.

This marks a change from Apple’s typical approach, as software updates for Macs usually followed those for iPhones and iPads by about a week in past years.