iOS 18 release — here's when it will launch

iOS 18 logo on an iPhone 15 Pro
(Image credit: Future)
Recent updates

Update (September 16): Today's the day iOS 18 rolls out in full to compatible iPhone users. We'll be updating this review soon to reflect the stable version of iOS 18, rather than the beta version.

Apple revealed the next iteration of the company's iPhone operating system, iOS 18, at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Since the iOS 18 announcement, the Cupertino company has released several betas, including a public beta in July

The beta versions have introduced several new features, including an upgraded Notes app, distraction control in Safari, and a reconfigured Photos app.

But, for those who don't want to play in the beta and are waiting for the full, official iOS 18, the crucial question is when Apple will release the update to the general public.

During Apple's Glowtime September 9 event, the company announced that iOS 18 will launch on September 16 for everyone. 

The company also revealed the new iPhone 16 lineup, the Apple Watch 10 and Watch Ultra 3, and at least two new AirPods

Glowtime event

Apple's Glowtime event got going on Monday, September 9, starting at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET/6 p.m. BST. 

Rewatch the live stream of Apple's event here

iOS 18 supported devices

List of compatible iPhones with Apple's iOS 18 update

(Image credit: Apple)
  • 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 XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone SE
  • (2nd generation or later)

When Apple releases iOS 18, it will find support on many devices, as seen above. However, not every iPhone will get the every new iOS 18 feature. 

A major one will be Apple Intelligence, which will only be available on the iPhone 16 series and the current iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, the first Apple Intelligence features won't start releasing until October in beta.

When will Apple release iOS 18?

Typically, Apple launches their newest iOS update within a week of announcing the company's newest iPhone lineup. This year is no different as the big iOS 18 update will be out exactly one week from the September 9 event.

In the last three years, the newest iOS version has been released within six days of the iPhone event.

With Apple moving this year's iPhone 16 to a Monday over their usual Tuesday schedule, we can expect to see iOS 18 launch within the week. 

iOS 18.1 Clean Up

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

You'll probably see iOS 18 on supported iPhones on Monday, September 16. If they get impatient and release it early, we might see it on Friday, September 13, though that is an ominous date. So, we'll stick to Monday.

For more information on Apple's new iPhone 16 lineup and what's coming to iOS 18, check out all the latest Apple news here and what Apple has announced.

More from Tom's Guide

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Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. 

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