How to Update your iPhone to iOS 18: Step-by-Step Tutorial

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Download the latest iOS update for your iPhone
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Apple has finally released iOS 18, the latest update to the iPhone operating system. This iOS update has a ton of new features, and if you're wanting to experience them for yourself, you might be wondering how exactly you can upgrade to iOS 18. Thankfully, updating your iPhone to iOS 18 is as simple as a few taps. In this article we'll go over how to get iOS 18, as well as how to get beta builds of future iOS 18 versions with the Apple Developer Program.

Ways to Get iOS 18

  • To get iOS 18, go to the Software Update menu and install the latest version of iOS 18.
  • To get the latest testing version of iOS 18, sign up for the Apple Developer Program and install the iOS 18 beta testing build.
  • If you install the iOS 18 beta testing build, you'll need to restore your phone from a backup to remove it.
Section 1 of 2:

Updating to iOS 18

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  1. Only certain iPhone models are compatible with iOS 18. If your phone is not one of the models below, you won't be able to update to iOS 18. [1]
    • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
    • iPhone XR
    • iPhone XS and XS Max
    • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
    • iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max
    • iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max
    • iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max
  2. This app is in your app dock by default, in the bottom part of your screen. Its icon has gray gears on it.
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  3. This menu option also has an icon of gray gears.
  4. This option has an icon of a gray gear with a notification circle in the upper-right corner.
  5. You can also tap Update Tonight if you want your iPhone to update itself later.
    • After tapping Update Now or Update Later , you may be prompted to enter your passcode.
  6. You'll need to tap Agree a second time to confirm.
    • The update will begin downloading immediately and then start installing if you chose Update Now . If you chose Update Tonight , you can go back into your iPhone settings and tap Update Now at any time to start the update immediately.
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Section 2 of 2:

Getting the iOS 18 Developer Beta

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  1. While you don't have to be a developer to sign up for the Apple Developer Program, it's important to remember that this program is designed with developers in mind.
    • Go to Apple's Developer Program page .
    • Click Start your enrollment .
    • Sign in with your Apple ID.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to finish signing up.
  2. This menu option also has an icon of gray gears.
  3. This option has an icon of a gray gear with a notification circle in the upper-right corner.
  4. This will be at the top of the screen, underneath the option that says Automatic Updates .
  5. Once you tap < Back , the list of available software updates will refresh, and it will show you the currently available beta build.
  6. You can also tap Update Tonight if you want your iPhone to update itself later.
    • After tapping Update Now or Update Later , you may be prompted to enter your passcode.
  7. You'll need to tap Agree a second time to confirm.
    • The update will begin downloading immediately and then start installing if you chose Update Now . If you chose Update Tonight , you can go back into your iPhone settings and tap Update Now at any time to start the update immediately.
    • If you want to disable the iOS 18 developer beta updates, simply go back to the Beta Updates section of the Software Update menu and tap Off .
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      Warnings

      • If you download the iOS 18 developer beta, you'll need to restore your phone from a backup to remove the beta version of the OS.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/104985

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