Apple to Roll Out iOS 18 in India: Key Features and Supported iPhones

Apple is set to launch its highly anticipated iOS 18 update in India tomorrow, bringing a range of exciting features and improvements for iPhone users. This update promises to deliver enhanced personalisation, new app capabilities, and significant upgrades to user experience.

iPhones Eligible for iOS 18

While the upcoming iPhone 16 series will come pre-installed with iOS 18, the update will also be available for many older iPhone models, covering over 25 devices. Here is a list of iPhones eligible for the iOS 18 update:

• iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation)

Not all features will be available for every device. The new  Apple Intelligence suite, which includes AI-powered features like ChatGPT-enhanced Siri, will be limited to select models, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 lineup.

Key Features of iOS 18

The iOS 18 update will bring several new features, enhancing control, personalisation, and accessibility:

• Custom Home Screen Layouts: Users can now freely arrange app icons and widgets, offering more control over the aesthetic and functional aspects of their Home Screen.
• Redesigned Control Centre: iOS 18 introduces customisable Control Center controls, allowing users to resize and integrate third-party app controls more effectively.
• Photos App Enhancements: The Photos app will feature new tools like an event-based organisational interface and a Clean Up tool for easy removal of unwanted elements in photos.
• Messaging Upgrades: New satellite messaging capabilities, RCS support for enhanced communication, animated text effects, and the ability to schedule messages with "Send Later" will make messaging more versatile.
• Advanced Safari and Maps: Safari will improve with a distraction-free Reader mode, while Maps will offer topographic views and offline support for enhanced navigation.
• Gaming and Audio Enhancements: Game Mode will boost responsiveness and frame rates, while AirPods will feature improved voice isolation and personalised spatial audio.
• Accessibility Improvements: New accessibility features like Eye Tracking, Music Haptics, and Motion Cues will offer tailored support for users with specific needs.

Apple Intelligence: Coming Soon

A major highlight of the iOS 18 rollout will be  Apple Intelligence, an AI-powered suite of tools designed to transform how users interact with their devices. However, these features won’t arrive until iOS 18.1, expected in October 2024.

• ChatGPT-Powered Siri: Siri will be more intuitive, retrieving specific information from emails, messages, and apps when asked. This upgrade will enable smarter, context-aware responses.
• Image Playground: Users will be able to create and edit images based on descriptions or existing photos, offering new creative possibilities.
• Enhanced Focus Mode: iOS 18 will introduce smarter notifications with better prioritisation, ensuring important messages get through even in Do Not Disturb mode.

iOS 18 promises to be a substantial upgrade, further enhancing the iPhone experience through new customisation options, accessibility features, and the upcoming Apple Intelligence tools.