The much-anticipated iOS 18 is officially rolling out today, September 16, and iPhone users across India are eagerly awaiting the update. But with this excitement comes the inevitable questions—what time will it release, and more importantly, is your iPhone ready to handle Apple’s biggest OS update yet?
Let’s dive into what you should know before downloading iOS 18, the expected release time, and whether your phone can handle all the new features. Spoiler alert: there’s more to it than you might think.
iOS 18 Release Date and Time in India: When Can You Download It?
First things first—Apple hasn’t officially revealed the exact time of the iOS 18 rollout in India, which is a bit surprising. Historically, Apple tends to release iOS updates around 10:30 PM IST, based on previous years. So if you’re one of those people who stay up late to be the first to get the update, mark your clocks for tonight!
But here’s the kicker: do you really need to update right away? Sure, everyone’s rushing to get their hands on the newest features, but jumping on the update too quickly can sometimes lead to performance hiccups. Early adopters often encounter bugs and performance issues, so maybe waiting a few days could save you from potential headaches.
What’s New in iOS 18: The Good, the Bad, and the Missing
Now let’s get to the fun stuff—what does iOS 18 bring to the table? Apple unveiled iOS 18 at its WWDC 2024 event in June, boasting some major upgrades. Here are the standout features:
- Customizable Home and Lock Screens: iOS 18 allows you to rearrange apps and widgets freely, but with a twist—you can now change their appearance. This is huge for those who love personalizing their phones, but some users may find this overwhelming. Are you ready for the redesign?
- Redesigned Control Center: Say goodbye to the old Control Center and hello to a new, more intuitive layout. However, this change might take a bit of getting used to.
- Password Management App: A new app dedicated to password management will make handling your passwords easier—but here’s the catch: Are you ready to trust Apple entirely with your sensitive information?
- Enhanced Messages and Photos: Expect improved text effects in Messages, a revamped Photos app, and better organization tools in Mail.
However, don’t get too excited just yet. Some of the most hyped features, like Apple’s Intelligence tools—which include text rewriting and image generation—won’t be included in the initial iOS 18 release. These AI-powered tools are expected to arrive with iOS 18.1, which is set to be rolled out in October as a public beta. So if you’re one of those users who were hoping to play around with Apple’s AI capabilities, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.
What You MUST Do Before Downloading iOS 18
Before you rush to hit the download button, there are a few crucial steps you should take. Missing any of these could lead to performance issues or even data loss.
1. Free Up Storage Space
iOS updates can be hefty, and iOS 18 is no exception. Make sure you’ve cleared enough space on your device before attempting the download. Start by reviewing your apps. Are there any you don’t use? It’s time to delete them.
Social media apps like WhatsApp and Instagram can also accumulate large amounts of data over time. Deleting and reinstalling these apps can help free up space, and don’t forget to back up important conversations before doing so.
2. Backup Your iPhone
This might be the most critical step. Backing up your device ensures that all your data is safe in case something goes wrong during the installation. You can use iCloud for convenience or back up to a Mac or Windows PC for an added layer of security. Why risk it?
3. Fully Charge Your iPhone and Use Wi-Fi
If you think your iPhone can handle downloading iOS 18 with a half-charged battery, think again. Make sure your device is fully charged before starting the update. Also, ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi for a smooth download—no one wants to run out of data in the middle of an installation.
Will iOS 18 Work on Your Device?
Not all iPhones will support iOS 18, so it’s essential to check if your device is compatible. iPhones from the iPhone 11 series and later will be able to run the new operating system. However, if you’re using an older model, such as the iPhone X or earlier, you’re out of luck.
Is it worth upgrading to a newer iPhone just for iOS 18? That’s a debate you’ll have to decide for yourself. Some users feel that Apple’s updates deliberately slow down older devices to push users toward buying new models, but Apple denies this. Still, it’s something to think about.
What About Bugs and Performance Issues?
As with any major OS update, there’s always a risk of encountering bugs, especially in the first few days after launch. Some early adopters have reported minor issues like battery drain and app crashes with previous iOS updates. These are often fixed in subsequent patches, but it’s still something to be wary of.
If your iPhone is your primary device and you rely on it for work, it might be wise to wait a few days before updating to iOS 18. Let the early adopters test the waters and see if any significant issues arise.
How to Download iOS 18
Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, here’s how you can download iOS 18:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap on Download and Install.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and let the update run.
Remember, Apple Intelligence features won’t be available in this initial release, so if that’s what you’re excited about, you’ll have to wait until iOS 18.1 in October.
Final Thoughts: Should You Download iOS 18 Right Away?
The release of iOS 18 brings some exciting new features, but it also raises a few questions. Are you ready for the redesigns and potential bugs? Will your iPhone handle the update smoothly? If you’re still unsure, it might be worth waiting a few days to see how the rollout goes for others.
In the end, the decision to update comes down to personal preference. If you’re excited about customization options and revamped apps, go for it—but don’t forget to take the necessary precautions beforehand.
Happy updating!