Apple users are set to receive software updates for their iPhones, iPads, Mac and smartwatches later today. All eligible Apple gadgets will be able to install the update once released.
Which gadgets will get a refresh?
All iPhones from 2018’s iPhone XS or newer will get a software update. All tablets from 2018’s iPad Pro or 2019 iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen) or iPad (6th gen) and newer can install iPadOS 18.
All Apple Watches from series 6 launched in 2020 or newer can get a facelift through watchOS 11. All MacBook Airs from 2020, MacBook Pros from 2018, Mac minis from 2018, iMacs from 2019, Mac Studios from 2022, the 2017 iMac Pro and 2019 Mac Pro or later can install macOS Sequoia.
How to install it?
All you have to is open the Settings app on your Apple gadget and head to the General Tab and select Software Update. Make sure to charge your phone and get ready for a software reboot.
All about iOS 18
Through the update, users will be able to customize their home screen and and change the sizes of the app icons. The Control Centre will now allow a large range of quick settings to be added in different sizes and shapes with additional pages available to swipe through. What this means is you can now have one page dedicated to photos or another with smart home controls.
Your photos app will now automatically create collections of photos based on topics such as recent days, trips with family, and pets.
Messages
Apple has made it easier for your to text Android users. With iOS 18, you will be able to schedule and send messages at a later date, a feature you can use for sending birthday greetings.
The iPad will also get a refresh through the update and a majority of that can be seen in the Notes app and Calculator. With the Apple pencil, you’ll be able to automatically fix less legible writing, correct spelling, and move written words around like you can with printed text. The iPad finally gets a calculator which can perform calculations from handwritten expressions, including algebraic variables, and even plot graphs.
Pregnancy tracking with watchOS 11
Social media is abuzz with talk of the new Vitals app which gives the data tracked overnight including your heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration. The Activity app will now show your training load allowing you to rest for muscle recovery. What is most intriguing is that the watch claims that it can track pregnancies, showing gestational age, as part of the cycle tracking feature for women.
The iPhone and Mac are now one
The most-talked about feature with the new software update is the ability to wirelessly mirror and control your iPhone from your Mac. This will allow you to open apps, see notifications and have another version of your phone at hand — with a keyboard and mouse.
It is expected that iOS 18 will begin rolling out at around 1pm ET / 10am PT / 6pm BST, though the actual release time will vary between regions.
