Apple's iOS 18 Release: Key Updates and Features

Apple will release iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia on Monday, introducing customizable home screens, enhanced notes and photos apps, as well as new watch faces. The updates are free and available for all eligible devices. The new AI tools will launch later this year.

Apple is set to release major software updates — iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia — on Monday.

Announced during Apple’s developer conference in June, the updates introduce new home screen and control centre customization options, smart handwriting and maths tools for Notes, new watch faces, and more.

Downloads typically begin at 6 pm UK time, and all eligible Apple devices will be able to install the updates simultaneously.

Compatible devices include all iPhones from iPhone XS onwards, iPads from the iPad Pro 2018 or later, Apple Watches from Series 6 or newer, and various Mac models.

Updates can be installed via the Settings app on mobile devices, the Watch app for Apple Watches, and System Settings on Macs.

These updates are free, but Apple’s new AI tools will not be available until later this year.

iOS 18 allows more flexible home screen layouts, a redesigned Photos app, and improvements to Messages, Notes, Passwords, and Maps.

iPadOS 18 brings special upgrades for the iPad, such as advanced handwriting tools.

WatchOS 11 features new watch faces, the Vitals app for health metrics, and live activities tracking.

MacOS Sequoia includes iPhone mirroring and easy window tiling among other features.