iOS 18 vs. iOS 18.1: New Features, Release Timing, and MoreAs a result of the first Apple Intelligence features being delayed, iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 are currently in beta testing simultaneously.
Below, we explain the differences between the two upcoming software updates, including new features and estimated release timing.
<h2>New Features</h2>
<h3>iOS 18.0</h3>
iOS 18 introduces new customization options for the Home Screen and Control Center, a redesigned Photos app, numerous enhancements to the Messages app, an option to lock apps behind Face ID or Touch ID, and much more.
The highlight of iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, but the rollout of these artificial intelligence features was pushed back to iOS 18.1.
On the other hand, the fifth developer beta of iOS 18
includes some changes that are not yet available in the first iOS 18.1 developer beta, including the
new Distraction Control tool in Safari for erasing distracting elements from a web page. That feature and the other changes should be added to later iOS 18.1 beta versions.
Read our in-depth
iOS 18 roundup to learn more about the update.
<h3>iOS 18.1</h3>
The
first Apple Intelligence features are now available to test in the iOS 18.1 developer beta, which is only available for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max currently. The features available to try so far include new writing tools, suggested replies in the Messages app, email summarization, phone call recording, and more.
Apple Intelligence features that are
not yet available to try include Image Playground for custom-generated images, Genmoji for custom-generated emoji, and several enhancements to Siri, including ChatGPT integration, richer language understanding, deeper per-app controls, on-screen awareness, personalized context, and more.
<h2>Release Timing</h2>
<h3>iOS 18.0</h3>
iOS 18 will likely be released in mid-September, based on the timing of previous major releases:
<ul><li>iOS 17: September 18, 2023</li>
<li>iOS 16: September 12, 2022</li>
<li>iOS 15: September 20, 2021</li>
<li>iOS 14: September 16, 2020</li></ul>
<h3>iOS 18.1</h3>
iOS 18.1 will likely be released in late October, based on the timing of previous similar updates:
<ul><li>iOS 17.1: October 25, 2023</li>
<li>iOS 16.1: October 24, 2022</li>
<li>iOS 15.1: October 25, 2021</li>
<li>iOS 14.1: October 20, 2020</li></ul>
<h2>Latest Versions</h2>
As of August 9, the latest iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 betas are as follows:
<ul><li>
iOS 18 Developer Beta 5</li>
<li>
iOS 18 Public Beta 3</li>
<li>
iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 1</li>
<li>iOS 18.1 Public Beta not currently available</li></ul>
<h2>How to Install Betas</h2>
<h3>Developer Betas</h3>
iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 are both available as developer betas.
To enroll in Apple's developer beta program, visit
developer.apple.com, sign in to your Apple ID, and accept the terms and conditions of the Apple Developer Agreement.
Since 2023, installing iOS developer betas no longer requires being enrolled in the Apple Developer Program for $99/year. Anyone with an Apple ID can accept the Apple Developer Agreement and access the betas for free.
After accepting the agreement, open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General → Software Update → Beta Updates. This is where the iOS 18 and iOS 18.1 developer betas are listed, and you can tap on one to begin the installation process. Note that the iPhone must be signed in to the same Apple ID set up as a developer account.
Due to software bugs and other potential issues, we recommend installing the iOS 18 or iOS 18.1 betas on a secondary iPhone, rather than the device that you use daily. We also highly recommend
backing up your iPhone to your Mac before installing beta software on the device, to prevent data loss in the event something goes wrong.
<strong>Step-by-step guide:</strong>
How to Get the iOS 18 Developer Beta on Your iPhone<h3>Public Betas</h3>
iOS 18 is available as a public beta, but iOS 18.1 is not currently.
To enroll in Apple's free public beta program, visit
beta.apple.com, sign in to your Apple ID, and accept the terms and conditions.
After signing up, open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General → Software Update → Beta Updates. This is where the iOS 18 public beta is listed, and you can tap on it to begin the installation process. Note that the iPhone must be signed in to the same Apple ID enrolled in the public beta program.
Due to software bugs and other potential issues, we recommend installing the iOS 18 public beta on a secondary iPhone, rather than the device that you use daily. We also highly recommend
backing up your iPhone to your Mac before installing beta software on the device, to prevent data loss in the event something goes wrong.
<strong>Step-by-step guide:</strong>
How to Install the iOS 18 Public Beta<h2>Compatible iPhones</h2>
iOS 18 is compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17 is:<ul><div style="float: left; width: 50%;"><li>iPhone 15</li>
<li>iPhone 15 Plus </li>
<li>iPhone 15 Pro </li>
<li>iPhone 15 Pro Max </li>
<li>iPhone 14</li>
<li>iPhone 14 Plus </li>
<li>iPhone 14 Pro </li>
<li>iPhone 14 Pro Max </li>
<li>iPhone 13 mini</li>
<li>iPhone 13</li>
<li>iPhone 13 Pro </li>
<li>iPhone 13 Pro Max </li>
</div></ul><div style="float: right; width: 50%;"><ul><li>iPhone 12 mini</li>
<li>iPhone 12</li>
<li>iPhone 12 Pro </li>
<li>iPhone 12 Pro Max </li>
<li>iPhone 11 </li>
<li>iPhone 11 Pro </li>
<li>iPhone 11 Pro Max </li>
<li>iPhone XS </li>
<li>iPhone XS Max </li>
<li>iPhone XR </li>
<li>iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) </li></ul></div><div style="clear:both;"></div>While the iOS 18.1 beta is currently limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models, the update should be released for all of the iPhones listed above eventually. However, Apple Intelligence features will remain exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models and newer.<div class="linkback">Related Roundups:
iOS 18,
iPadOS 18</div><div class="linkback">Related Forums:
iOS 18,
iPadOS 18</div>
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iOS 18 vs. iOS 18.1: New Features, Release Timing, and More
