(Image source from: x.com/theapplehub)

Apple is launching the highly anticipated iOS 18 in India today, bringing many exciting features and significant upgrades to iPhone users. This new operating system update brings a number of improvements, including a customizable home screen, an updated Photos app, and improvements to Safari. Additionally, Apple Intelligence offers a range of AI-based tools for select devices. Notable features include Siri with ChatGPT, as well as content editing and image generation features. Apple plans to roll out Apple Smart features in October 2024, but while the upcoming iPhone 16 series will ship with iOS 18 preinstalled, Apple plans to roll out Apple Smart features on many older iPhone models as well, covering all features. 25 devices. Here is a comprehensive 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)

Despite this broad compatibility, not all devices support all new features. Specifically, Apple Intelligence will only be available on a limited number of devices, including the entire iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 lineup. iOS 18 introduces new features designed to improve personalization, control and accessibility. Users can place app icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen to create a unique and customized look. Dark mode icons and customizable colors allow users to better customize their aesthetic preferences. The control center is being completely redesigned to allow for customization and better organization. Users can resize controls, including third-party apps, and achieve greater integration with the lock screen and action buttons. The Photos app gets its biggest update yet, adding a new interface for organizing your memories by events, trips, and collections. New cleaning tools make it easier to remove unwanted elements from your photos.

iOS 18 introduces satellite messaging for offline communication, animated text effects, and the ability to schedule messages with the new Send Later feature. RCS support enables richer communication with non-iMessage users, while the Mail app includes features such as categorized inboxes and time-sensitive tools to make email management easier. Safari gets a redesigned Reader to improve readability and a feature called Distraction Control to filter out unwanted content. Maps include topographic maps, hiking trails and offline support for improved navigation. Game Mode improves response time and frame rate, and AirPods benefit from improved Siri interactions, noise isolation, and personalized surround sound. Eye tracking, music touch and gesture gestures enhance iPhone's accessibility options so users with different needs can enjoy the full iOS 18 experience. The highlight of iOS 18 is undoubtedly Apple's intelligence. It is a powerful AI-based system that changes the way users interact with their devices. At the heart of this upgrade is an advanced Siri that leverages on-device semantic indexing to deliver more intuitive and contextual responses.

AI integration allows Siri to retrieve specific information from emails, text messages, or other apps when you ask a question. For example, if you ask about a movie a friend recommended, Siri will display corresponding text conversations. This new tool allows users to create, edit and generate images from existing descriptions and photos. Users can explore a variety of art styles, from contemporary illustration to 3D animation, giving iPhone users a creative edge. With iOS 18, notifications are smarter, prioritizing important messages and managing interruptions based on user activity. Smart improvements and new mute features allow users to customize notifications that can bypass Do Not Disturb settings. Advanced email and text message aggregation and response generation to provide users with intelligent replies based on the content of messages received. These updates ensure faster and more efficient communication.