Today (September 16th) is the day that Apple's launching its iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia software updates for everyone with a compatible device. So get ready to try out some exciting new features very soon.
Apple first showed us these updates at WWDC 2024 back in June, and reintroduced some of them during the September Glowtime event where the new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro and Apple Watch 10 models were announced. But unless you took part in the developer or public betas for the new software, you won't have been able to try them for yourself.
Below we have more details on the release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia, as well as a guide to the devices you'll be able to use them on.
iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia and watchOS 11 release date
Apple revealed that iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia and watchOS 11 will be ready to download on Monday, September 16. We don't have a specific time from the company, but we'd imagine it'll happen at some point during morning hours on the U.S. west coast.
This is a bit of a departure for Apple in that it usually doesn't include the macOS update alongside its other software update releases. Last year, for example, macOS Sonoma arrived a week after iOS 17 and watchOS 10.
For this update cycle, though, all the software arrives at once. That could be a reflection of the greater cross-device integration found in Apple's assorted operating systems.
Note that this release doesn't include Apple Intelligence for any device. Apple confirmed that these AI-powered features won't arrive until iOS 18.1 launches this October, with some of the tools held back for the later iOS 18.2 (slated for November/December), iOS 18.3 (December) and iOS 18.4 (March 2025) updates. according to rumors.
Will your device work with the new software?
Apple is being generous with the iOS 18 release, as every phone that supports iOS 17 will support iOS 18. However, those upcoming Apple Intelligence features will only be available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models.
Here's the complete list of devices getting iOS 18:
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max
- iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max
- iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max
- iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
For iPad models, you'll be able to get iPadOS 18 if you have one of the following devices:
- iPad mini 5 and mini 6
- iPad Air 3 or newer
- iPad (7th generation or later)
- iPad Pro (Third-generation/A12X Bionic and later models)
Apple's watchOS 11 is coming on September 16 and these are the models that will get it:
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
Finally, there are lots of Mac models getting macOS Sequoia. Most models from 2018 or later (and 2017 iMac Pro models) will get it. If you have an M1 Mac or newer, you can use Apple Intelligence features when they launch. Here's which ones will get the OS:
- iMac (2019 or later)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac Pro (2019 or later)
- MacBook Air (2020 or later)
- MacBook Pro (2018 or later)
- Mac mini (2018 or later)
- Mac Studio (2022 and later)
iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia and watchOS 11 features
There's a lot of new stuff coming from Apple's software. Apple Intelligence is grabbing most of the headlines, but there's much more to be excited about.
Here's a full breakdown of everything you can expect to get in iOS 18 on iPhone. For iPadOS 18, we have a similar rundown that'll explain what you can be excited to try on September 16. watchOS 11 is equally packed with new features, and macOS Sequoia has plenty to check out too.
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