iOS 18 is out!

Plus new macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and more. Here's what to check out first.

Author

Leander Kahney
September 16, 2024

iOS 18 just arrived, bringing lots of new iPhone customization features, a far better Control Center, a redesigned Photos app, new text formatting options in Messages, useful Safari tweaks, a standalone Passwords app, hiking trails in Maps, and a TON more, including the ability to control your phone with just your eyes!

Check out everything new in iOS 18 here — including the best new features to play around with right away.

It’s not just iPhones, either. We have similar guides to today’s other big software updates for Mac, Apple Watch and Vision Pro:

What’s your favorite feature of iOS 18 (or what are you most looking forward to)? Take the poll below.

Also in today’s newsletter:

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Everything new in iOS 18

iOS 18 is a surprisingly rich software update with major new customization features and big changes in Photos, Messages, Safari and more.

iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11 arrive

iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11 finally get their public release on September 16. Find out exactly what time you can get it.

Apple TV+ bags 10 Emmys, including first for ‘Slow Horses’

Apple TV+ wins 10 Primetime Emmy Awards for five shows and one commercial -- including a first for darkly funny spy thriller "Slow Horses."

A message from the Cult of Mac Buyback Program

Want a new iPhone? Sell your old model for fast upgrade cash

Apple's new iPhones for 2024 are hot. Cult of Mac's iPhone trade-in program makes them even more affordable.

Everything new in macOS Sequoia

macOS Sequoia is a big update with some fantastic new features, like iPhone mirroring, window tiling and text message formatting.

Everything new in watchOS 11

watchOS 11 is a smaller update with a few great features people have wanted for years.

Everything new in visionOS 2

visionOS 2 adds a bunch of fantastic quality-of-life features to Apple’s mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Discover how to write AI prompts for ChatGPT and Midjourney

Writing effective AI prompts isn't that easy. Learn to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney with these affordable AI courses.

Apple Sports app brings scores to your iPhone Lock Screen

Apple Sports 2.0 adds support for Live Activities so real-time game updates appear on the iPhone and Apple Watch Lock Screens.

We're still glowing after the iPhone 16 event [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: We're basking in the afterglow of Apple's "It's Glowtime" event, with the iPhone 16 lineup and more.

AirPods 4 review roundup: ANC really works without ear tips

The first reviews of Apple AirPods 4 are quite positive, and say active noise cancellation works well. There's a boost in fit and audio quality, too.

Apple Watch SE 3 now expected in 2025

The wait for Apple Watch SE 3 goes on, though a new version of the low-cost wearable supposedly won't be out this year.

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs leaves and rejoins Apple

On September 16 in 1985 and 1997, Steve Jobs left Apple and then -- years later -- returned to the company he co-founded.

Cool dark MacBook Pro rig pairs HomePod minis [Setups]

Today's dark and moody MacBook Pro setup relies on HomePod mini stands to perfectly place paired smart speakers.

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

When you open the box of an iPhone or iPad, we want that tactile experience to set the tone for how you perceive the product.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

What are your favorite iOS 18 features?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Results from last Friday’s poll: Did you get the iPhone 16 you wanted this morning?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.

Reply

or to participate.