1. Prepare update
With iOS 18, your iPhone will become even more powerful, more individual and more comfortable. On the latest iPhone models iOS 18 is already pre-installed from the official market launch.
If you already own an iPhone from this model iPhone XS / XS Max are from 2018, download the update via the Settings app (see box below).
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So here it goes: Plug your iPhone into a power source and connect it to your WiFi – this is the safest way.
Although you can install your iPhone away from a power outlet with a battery charge of over 50 percent and a mobile data connection, this is really not recommended and should remain an exception.
2. Create backup
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Open the Settings app and go to “iCloud -› iCloud Backup” in your Personal Space.
If the “Backup this iPhone” option is active, the data backup is carried out automatically every day when the iPhone is plugged in, locked and connected to a WLAN.
Tap “Backup Now” to perform a manual backup immediately.
3. Start update
In the Settings app, go to “General -› Software Update”. The message now appears that iOS 18 is ready for an update.
Note that the update It will only appear if it is compatible with iPhone.
Tap Download and Install or Update Now. Enter the unlock code for your iPhone and confirm “Done” with a tap.
If the question “Use mobile data for download” still appears, tap “Do not use mobile data”.
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4. Wait for installation
Now you have to be patient until your iPhone loads and installs the update. You'll see the status next to the iOS 18 logo: First, it says “Update Required,” which means you're in the queue.
A progress bar then shows how long the download will take. Finally, the home screen shows a message after a restart.
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Model overview: These iPhones receive iOS 18
Which iPhone models are compatible with the new operating system?
Apple supplies all iPhone models with iOS 18 that were released in 2018 or later. The now five-year-old iPhones such as the XR, XS and XS Max also receive the update to the latest iOS generation.
This also applies to the 11 series from 2019 and the compact model iPhone SE 2 with a market launch in 2020.
These iPhone models run iOS 18:
- iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max (market launch: 2023)
- iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max (market launch: 2022)
- iPhone SE 3 (market launch: 2022)
- iPhone 13 / 13 Mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max (market launch: 2021)
- iPhone 12 / 12 Mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max (market launch: 2020)
- iPhone SE 2 (market launch: 2020)
- iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max (market launch: 2019)
- iPhone XR (market launch: 2018)
- iPhone XS / XS Max (market launch: 2018)
More about iOS:
Android vs. iOS – which is better?
Apple Intelligence: The AI for the iPhone is that good
