5 of the best iOS 18 features that work with your older iPhone – and 5 that don’t
iOS 18 will be available to download later this year (probably September) on any iPhone newer than the iPhone XS, which is great news for anyone who hasn’t yet upgraded to one of the top iPhones.
In other words, if you’re still bravely carrying an iPhone XS, iPhone That said, due to the aging chipsets in these older iPhone models Are a handful of minor iOS 18 features that won’t be made available across the board.
Below, we’ve rounded up five of the best iOS 18 features that work with your older iPhone, and five that don’t. To be clear, we’re not talking about Apple Intelligence features here (think Clean Up, the new Siri, and Genmojis), all of which will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and M1-equipped iPad and Mac models. Those characteristics Are Technically they’ll arrive with iOS 18, but it’s best to think of them as separate tools.
Best iOS 18 Features
Advanced home screen customization
Do you want to refresh the home screen? In iOS 18, for the first time, you can move apps to the bottom or side of the screen, freeing up precious real estate for your all-important wallpaper. You can also activate a new dark mode for app icons, add color tones, and even hide app names for a truly minimalist look.
Upgrades to messages
Apple is making some major upgrades to the Messages app in iOS 18. You can respond to (or “tap”) messages using any emoji, schedule messages to send at a convenient time in the future, and even format messages. text with underlines, strikethroughs and beautiful new animation effects.
Additionally, the Messages app supports the RCS standard in iOS 18, which should enable a richer messaging experience when communicating with someone who doesn’t have an Apple device.
Redesigned control center
The Control Center isn’t a glamorous part of your iPhone, but it’s undeniably important. In iOS 18, you can split Control Center into separate feature groups, such as Media and Home, and change the size of Control Center widgets. Oh, and you will too Finally can edit which Control Center widgets appear on your lock screen. Huzzah!
ID verified app locks
For the wary (okay, security-conscious) iPhone user, iOS 18 lets you add Face ID (or password) authentication to apps you’d rather keep away from prying eyes. You can also hide these apps in a new Hidden Apps folder.
Apple Passwords app
Sticking with the privacy theme, Apple will introduce its own Password app in iOS 18, making it easier to manage your account passwords, verification codes, passcodes, and other important credentials from the convenience of your iPhone.
Limited iOS 18 features
Messages via satellite
iOS 18 expands Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature, allowing you to also send text messages via satellite. Unfortunately, like the current version of the service, the Satellite Messaging service will be limited to the iPhone 14 series and up.
Audio transcription in Notes
With iOS 18, you can record and transcribe phone calls on any compatible iPhone, and start an audio recording directly from the Notes app (instead of through Voice Memos). However, the ability to automatically transcribe those calls and recordings in the Notes app will be reserved for the iPhone 12 and later.
Eye tracking
Apple will make iPhones more accessible in iOS 18 by introducing eye tracking. You’ll soon be able to open apps and control certain iOS elements using just your eyes, although you’ll need an iPhone 12 or later for this feature to work.
Music haptics
Sticking with the accessibility theme, iOS 18 introduces a new feature – Music Haptics – which uses your iPhone’s Taptic Engine to pulse in time with the rhythm of a song playing through Apple Music. But like many other features on this list, you’ll need an iPhone 12 or newer to take advantage of it.
Wireless smart lock opening
The Home app will receive an update in iOS 18. You will soon be able to unlock doors equipped with an Ultra Wideband (UWB) smart lock wirelessly. The caveat? You need an iPhone with a UWB transmitter, except the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and the original iPhone SE.