iOS 18 will be available to download on any iPhone newer than the iPhone XS later this year (probably in September), which is great news for anyone who hasn't yet upgraded to one of the best iPhones.
In other words, if you're still bravely using an iPhone XS, iPhone old within these older iPhone models, there are are a handful of discrete iOS 18 features that won't be available across the board.
Below, we've rounded up five of the best iOS 18 features that will work with your old iPhone and five that won't. To be clear, we're not talking about Apple Intelligence features here (think Clean Up, the new Siri, and Genmojis), which will be exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and M1-equipped iPad and Mac models. those characteristics are They are technically scheduled to arrive with iOS 18, but it's best to think of them as standalone tools.
The best features of iOS 18
Advanced Home Screen Customization
Do you want to update your home screen? In iOS 18, you'll be able to reposition apps to the bottom or side of the screen for the first time, freeing up valuable space for your all-important wallpaper. You'll also be able to enable a new dark mode for app icons, add color tints, and even hide app names for a truly minimalist look.
Updates to Messages
Apple is bringing several key updates to the Messages app in iOS 18. You'll be able to react (or “go back”) to messages using any emoji, schedule messages to send at a convenient time in the future, and even format text with underlines, strikethroughs, and new animation effects.
On top of that, the Messages app will support the RCS standard in iOS 18, which should facilitate a richer messaging experience when communicating with someone who doesn't own an Apple device.
Redesigned control center
Control Center isn't a glamorous part of your iPhone, but it's undeniably important. In iOS 18, you'll be able to separate Control Center into different feature groups, such as Media and Home, as well as change the size of Control Center widgets. Oh and you will finally You'll be able to edit which Control Center widgets appear on your lock screen. Hurrah!
ID authenticated app locks
For the suspicious (well, security-conscious) iPhone user, iOS 18 will let you add Face ID (or passcode) authentication to apps you'd prefer to keep away from prying eyes. You can also hide these applications in a new Hidden Applications folder.
Apple Passwords app
Continuing with the theme of privacy, in iOS 18 Apple will introduce its own Passwords app, making it easy to manage your account passwords, verification codes, passcodes, and other important credentials from the comfort of your iPhone.
iOS 18 Restricted Features
Satellite messages
iOS 18 will expand Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite feature by allowing you to send text messages via satellite as well. Unfortunately, like the current version of the service, the Satellite Messages service will be limited to the iPhone 14 series and above.
Audio Transcription in Notes
iOS 18 will let you record and transcribe phone calls on any compatible iPhone, as well as start an audio recording directly from the Notes app (rather than via voice memos). However, the ability to automatically transcribe those calls and recordings in the Notes app will be reserved for iPhone 12 and later.
Visual record
Apple will make iPhones more accessible in iOS 18 by introducing eye tracking. You'll soon be able to open apps and control certain elements of iOS using just your eyes, although you'll need an iPhone 12 or later for this feature to work.
Musical haptics
Continuing with the theme of accessibility, iOS 18 will introduce a new feature, Music Haptics, which uses your iPhone's Taptic Engine to tap to the beat of a song played through Apple Music. However, as with many other features on this list, you'll need an iPhone 12 or later to benefit.
Wireless smart lock opening
The Home app is getting an update in iOS 18. You'll soon be able to wirelessly unlock doors equipped with Ultra Wideband (UWB) smart locks. The warning? You will need to have an iPhone with a UWB transmitter, which excludes the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and the original iPhone SE.
