9 Things You Should Know Before Updating to iOS 18

Apple announced iOS 18 Beta and iPadOS 18 Beta at WWDC on June 10. The new version of iOS allows users to change app colors, freely arrange icons, and mirror between Mac and iPhone. Additionally, new features from Apple Intelligence are included.

Do you want to be the first one to experience the new features of iOS 18?

Before installing the iOS 18 beta version, there are some important things you should know. Let's take a look at what they are.

1. What's New in iOS 18?

iOS 18 brings new features and updates that make your iPhone more powerful and productive than ever. Here are some of the new features in iOS 18.

• Apple Intelligence (available on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max): Draws on your personal context to give you intelligence that’s most helpful and relevant for you.
• Customization: Enables you to change the color of apps, rearrange apps and widgets on the Home Screen, lock and hide apps with a passcode or Face ID, customize your Control Center, and rearrange and resize your controls.
• Screen Mirroring: Mirroring your iPhone to your Mac has never been easier.
• New Passwords App: Provides a place to access passwords, verifications, and security alerts.
• Redesigned Photos: Makes it easier to find specific photos.
• Game Mode: Maximizes gaming performance on iPhones.
• AirPods: Allows you to interact with Siri by nodding or shaking your head.

2. When Does iOS 18 Launch?

The official release of iOS 18 is scheduled for this fall.

The latest iOS 18 beta is iOS 18.1, which comes with the Apple Intelligence feature and is only available for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The latest iOS 18 public beta was released on August 7, 2024.

3. Which iPhones Will Support iOS 18?

Before updating your iPhone to the new iOS 18 beta version, make sure your device is compatible. The iPhone X will no longer support iOS 18.

Supported iPhones for iOS 18 are:

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

4. How Many GB is iOS 18?

The iOS 18 developer beta is about 7 GB. To successfully download it, make sure your iPhone has at least 7 GB of free space.

To check the available storage space on your iPhone, tap "Settings" > "General" > "iPhone Storage".

If your iPhone is running out of storage space, consider deleting unnecessary photos, videos, and apps. For more tips, check 7 Ways to Clear Storage on iPhone if Your iPhone Storage Full.

5. How Long Does It Take to Update to iOS 18 Beta?

Typically, an iOS update takes about 20 minutes to several hours. The iOS 18 beta is a major update, taking around 40 minutes. Update time varies based on update size, internet speed, storage space, and device performance.

6. Should I Install the iOS 18 Beta?

If you are not an iOS developer or enthusiast, wait for the public version next month or the official release this fall. However, if you want to be the first to try iOS 18, be sure to back up your iPhone before updating.

7. How to Back Up iPhone Data?

It is important to back up your iPhone before updating it to prevent data loss. The ideal method is to back up your iPhone to your Mac using Finder (or backing up to your PC using iTunes).

After backing up your device, you can download and install the iOS 18 beta update.

8. How to Download and Install iOS 18 Beta?

Currently, you can only install the iOS 18 beta. Here's what to do:

1. Sign in to the Apple Developer Program or Apple Beta Program with your Apple ID and password.
2. Tap "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update" > Beta Updates, then select "iOS 18 Developer Beta" or "iOS 18 Public Beta".
3. Tap "Update Now" and follow the instructions.

We have a detailed guide on How to Download and Install iOS 18 Beta. Three Different methods are introduced. Go check it out yourself.

9. How to Remove iOS 18 Beta from iPhone?

If you installed iOS 18 beta and were disappointed, you might want to uninstall it from your device.

To quickly downgrade from iOS 18 to iOS 17.6, try BuhoRepair. This professional iOS system repair tool allows you to easily downgrade to available stable iOS versions or beta versions.

Here's how it works:

1. Download, install, and launch BuhoRepair.

   

2. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using an original Apple USB.
3. Click "Upgrade/Downgrade iOS" > "Downgrade Version", then click "Downgrade Now".

   

4. Download the firmware for your iPhone and follow the downgrading process.

The Bottome Line

This guide has listed 9 important things you should know before updating your iPhone to the latest iOS 18. Hope it helps.

If, after reading this article, you still can't wait to try iOS 18, back up your iPhone in advance and consider installing it on an iPhone that you don't use frequently.