iOS 18 to start rolling out today: How to prepare your iPhone, steps to download, things to keep in mind and more

Apple is all set to roll out its latest operating system – iOS 18 -- for iPhone later tonight. The update will start rolling out tonight to all the compatible iPhones and will bring a host of new features like the ability to place icons anywhere you want, colour themes, updated Passwords app and more.

If you are planning to download and install iOS 18 as soon as it arrives, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. And, to help you out, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to do it the right way to keep your device as well as data safe.

But before that, here’s a list of iPhones that are compatible with iOS 18 update.

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2nd generation)

iPhone SE (3rd generation)

Things to do before updating the iPhone to iOS 18

Backup your data

It is important to back up your entire iPhone before going ahead with the update process. This will ensure that your important data like photos, videos, WhatsApp chats, etc. are safe in case something goes wrong during the update process.

Remove unnecessary apps

There are times we download an app in the phone and then forget it. For the update to go through seamlessly, do remove apps that you haven’t used in a while or have downloaded it at some point when you needed it.

Declutter your iPhone

The more the data, the more time it will take to update the iPhone. So, remove unnecessary files, photos, videos from the phone before updating it.

Charge your phone to 100%

Although Apple recommends users to keep the phone at least 50% or more charged before updating the iPhones, it is always better to keep the phone fully charged.

Free up space

The iOS 18 can have a big file size, and the update requires users to download the entire package before the update process. For the update to go through smoothly, make sure that the phone has enough free space – we recommend the more the merrier here.

How to update your iPhone to iOS 18

Once you have done all the above-mentioned things, your phone is ready for the update. Simply follow the steps to install the update.

Open Settings on your iPhone

Head to General and tap on Software Updates option

Now, check for the update

If there’s an update, click on Download and Install option.

Wait for the download and installation process to complete and the phone to restart.

Once it is done, your iPhone will be updated to iOS 18.