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What is iOS 18?

Jasper26 AUGUST 2025
Five Apple iPhones show iOS 18: a game, Messages, a custom home screen, emoji creation, and Maps, all arranged on a clean white background.

iOS 18 is Apple’s latest mobile operating system for iPhone, officially launched on 16 September 2024. This version brings a range of improvements, including advanced AI tools, new personalisation options, and enhanced security. It aims to make your iPhone more intelligent, secure, and tailored to your needs.

iOS 18: What's new?

Here are the key new features introduced in iOS 18:

What is iOS?
Hands hold a clear-cased Apple iPhone with three rear cameras; long manicured nails visible, takeaway coffee cup blurred in the background.

Passwords App

A new dedicated app lets you store passwords, passkeys, and verification codes securely. It even alerts you to weak or compromised passwords.

Apple devices on a desk: a MacBook, an iPad, and an iPhone, each showing apps and notifications, neatly arranged on a pale background.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is a suite of AI features that includes automatic email composition, image generation, and smart summaries. Siri also gains better context awareness and natural language input. Note: Apple Intelligence is not yet available in Dutch and is limited to newer devices.

Two Apple iPhones side by side: Control Centre with toggles on the left, a custom lock screen showing 09:41 and widgets on the right.

Customisable Lock Screen

Your iPhone's lock screen is now fully customisable. Replace shortcuts like the flashlight and camera with other functions such as calculator, Wi-Fi settings or personal automations for a more efficient user experience.

Security improvements

Security improvements

You can now lock apps like Messages, Photos, and Notes individually using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. There are also tighter privacy settings for Bluetooth pairing and app access.

Car dashboard with Apple CarPlay on the centre screen: Maps shows a route, music and calendar tiles beside it, buttons and vents framing the display.

CarPlay updates

CarPlay now supports more apps on wider displays, with new accessibility features like voice control.

An Apple iPhone displays a hotel page with a map card and booking buttons; the Dynamic Island and slim bezels frame the clean, bright screen.

Safari Highlights

A revamped Reader mode and the new Highlights tool offer quick summaries of web pages, improving readability and efficiency.

Accessibility updates

New options include eye tracking for menu navigation and music haptics for deaf users making the iPhone even more inclusive.

Apple Maps Offline

You can now download walking routes and save favourite spots using the new Places Library.

Redesigned Control Centre

Control Centre now supports multiple screens that you can customise to suit your routine – from HomeKit buttons to volume and screen brightness.

How to install iOS 18 on your iPhone

A woman sits on a sofa, leaning on cushions, calmly using an Apple iPhone with a dark case, soft daylight and houseplants in the background.

You can update to iOS 18 in just a few steps:

  1. Go to Settings -> General -> Software Update.
  2. Tap Download and Install.
  3. Accept the terms and wait for the update to complete.

How to scan a QR code with your iPhone

Which iPhones support iOS 18

When was iOS 18 released?

The update was rolled out on 16 September 2024. If you missed the notification, you can update manually or set your iPhone to update automatically:

  1. Go to Settings -> General -> Software Update -> Automatic Updates.
  2. Enable iOS Updates under Auto-Install.

How long does it take to install iOS 18?

The update usually takes around 30 minutes. Allow extra time if you’re on a slower connection or using an older iPhone.

Why can’t I install iOS 18?

The icon shows “18” in white on a teal and pink layered square, representing Apple’s iOS 18 branding with smooth, rounded edges.

Here are some common reasons:

  • Your iPhone is too old: iOS 18 isn’t compatible with earlier models.
  • Not enough storage: Free up space by deleting large files or using iCloud.
  • Battery is low: Plug in your phone before starting the update.
  • Wi-Fi issues: Try switching to a stronger network.

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When is iOS 19 expected?

Apple is expected to announce iOS 19 at WWDC in June 2025, with the public release likely in September alongside the next generation of iPhones.

Transfer your iPhone's data

Our advice on Apple's iOS 18

Een hand houdt een Apple iPhone vast; vergrendelscherm met abstracte achtergrond, datum en tijd duidelijk zichtbaar.

iOS 18 adds useful features for privacy, productivity, and accessibility. Apple Intelligence and the Passwords app are standout upgrades, though some tools are limited to newer models. If your iPhone supports it, this update is well worth installing. To get the full experience, a newer device like the iPhone 15 or 16 is recommended.

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