Apple Rolls Out iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, tvOS 18 & macOS Sequoia Globally: Features & Compatible Devices

Apple has begun the global rollout of its latest software updates, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, following their announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024.

iOS 18, now available for iPhone users worldwide, introduces system-wide enhancements and deeper customization options for home and lock screens. The update brings a major redesign to the Photos app and significant improvements to Messages and Mail. The Messages app now supports RCS (Rich Communication Services), enabling richer media sharing and more reliable group messaging.

The new Passwords app is a standout feature, built on Apple's Keychain foundation. This secure, end-to-end encrypted app centralizes access to passwords, passcodes, and verification codes and alerts users to potential security risks.

Meanwhile, the iPadOS 18 introduced the long-awaited Calculator app to the iPad, complete with a Math Notes feature designed for Apple Pencil. The update also includes Smart Script handwriting tools in Notes and enhanced Home Screen customization options.

For Apple Watch users, watchOS 11 brings significant health and fitness updates. A new feature to identify signs of sleep apnea has been introduced for Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models. The update also includes a Vitals app for quick health metric checks and improved pregnancy support features.

Apple tvOS 18 enhances the viewing experience with InSight, which displays real-time information about actors, characters, and music during Apple TV+ content. The update also improves dialogue enhancement and subtitle functionality.

While these updates are now available, Apple's much-anticipated AI suite, Apple Intelligence, is notably absent from the initial release. Features such as writing tools, object removal, and web page summarization are scheduled for the iOS 18.1 update next month. More advanced capabilities, like the generative AI-powered Image Playground, are slated for release later next year.