Apple aficionados, brace yourselves! Monday marks a significant day as Apple delivers its latest software updates across its devices. Announced during the company’s developer conference in June, the iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia are all set to roll out simultaneously, bringing an array of exciting features and updates for compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.
The thrill of Apple’s simultaneous release means that all eligible devices will be able to download and install the updates starting around 6 PM UK time (1 PM in New York, 3 AM in Sydney). Unlike many manufacturers, Apple ensures no staggered rollout, meaning you get the update the moment it’s out.
If you’re wondering if your device makes the cut, here’s the scoop: iOS 18 can be installed on all iPhones from 2018’s iPhone XS or newer. The iPadOS 18 extends its reach to the 2018 iPad Pro, 2019 iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen), or iPad (6th gen) and newer models. Meanwhile, Apple Watches from the 2020 Series 6 onward embrace watchOS 11. Finally, macOS Sequoia will be available on MacBook Airs from 2020, MacBook Pros from 2018, Mac minis from 2018, iMacs from 2019, Mac Studios from 2022, and the iMac Pro and Mac Pro from 2017 and 2019 respectively.
Getting these updates is straightforward. On an iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app, head to General, and then Software Update. For the update to install, simply tap install to download, verify, and reboot your device. The watchOS 11 installation requires your iPhone XS or later to be running iOS 18 first. Use the Watch app, navigate to General, Software Update, and start the installation. Ensure your smartwatch is on its charger to complete the update. For Macs, the process is similar; just navigate to System Settings, General, and Software Update.
What’s it going to cost you? Absolutely nothing! All these updates are free, and if someone is trying to charge you, it’s definitely a scam. However, Apple’s Intelligence features, including writing and language tools, summarization, AI photo editing, and an upgraded Siri, will only appear later this year in beta form—October for the US and December for the UK.
The excitement around iOS 18 is palpable. You can now customize your home screen and control center in unprecedented ways. Widgets and app icons can be arranged in any pattern and sized to your liking. New control center options allow a variety of quick settings in different sizes and shapes, with additional pages to swipe through. Imagine dedicating one page to music and another to smart home controls. Plus, those quick controls on the lock screen are now changeable.
The Photos app is getting a significant revamp with iOS 18. Featured photos are bigger, flashier, and quicker to access. Automatic collections based on topics like recent days, trips, or people and pets enhance the user experience. Create your own collections, pin crucial albums, and reorganize the app to your heart’s content. The Messages app, meanwhile, is bridging gaps; adding RCS support makes texting Android users a breeze—media sharing, read receipts, and scheduled messages are now possible. Animated text in iMessages and reactions with any emoji or sticker inject fun into conversations.
Notes is not left behind either. You can now record audio, which gets transcribed live and is searchable. Math expressions and calculations are easily resolved within the app. Apple’s Keychain evolves into a comprehensive password manager, the new Passwords app, accessible on all Apple devices and Windows. Maps now support offline topographic maps and custom routes for walks and hikes, making outdoor adventures seamless.
For those with an iPad, iPadOS 18 mirrors iOS 18’s new features while adding unique upgrades. Apple Pencil users will appreciate the Notes app’s enhanced handwriting tools, which smooth out less legible writing, correct spelling, and allow for movement of written words. The iPad’s Calculator app now performs calculations from handwritten expressions and even plots graphs, making algebra a breeze.
watchOS 11 brings a fresh Photos watch face, smartly framing your best pictures with the time displayed. The new Vitals app makes health tracking more insightful, showing heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen levels, and sleep duration overnight. Ever wondered if your body is recovering well from workouts? The Training Load feature now offers insights into your body’s recovery between sessions. Pregnancy tracking, live activities, and the new double tap gesture enhance the watch’s functionality.
Finally, macOS Sequoia aligns with many new features of iOS and iPadOS 18. A notable addition is the ability to mirror and control your iPhone wirelessly from your Mac. You can open apps, view notifications, and use a virtual version of your phone seamlessly with a keyboard and mouse. Window tiling also gets an upgrade, allowing windows to snap to half the screen and providing customizable tiling options with a simple hover over the green button.
Apple’s latest updates across iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia promise to rejuvenate your devices with new features, customizable options, and enhanced functionality. The simultaneous rollout ensures that you can dive into these updates without delay, and the user-friendly installation process makes the transition smooth. Keep an eye out for Apple’s Intelligence features expected later this year, further elevating the Apple experience.
Source: Theguardian