It’s that time of year again when Apple rolls out its latest iOS update, and this year it’s iOS 18.
If you were excited about the new feature shown at the iPhone 18 event, today is your lucky day. You can finally experience it firsthand on your current device.
However, a little preparation can ensure a smooth update before you install it.
Before diving into the exciting new features of iOS 18, from revamped home screen customization to new Messages features to a refreshed Photos app, let’s make sure your iPhone is compatible.
While iOS 18 is compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPhones as old as the iPhone XR, it might be time to consider upgrading if you’re using an older model.
Here’s a list of iPhones that can install iOS 18:
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
I remember when I upgraded my iPhone 13 Pro to iOS 16 a couple of years ago. I didn’t think much about storage space or backups, but I quickly learned why it pays to keep your iPhone organized and clutter-free.
If there’s one thing you should keep in mind, it’s to never rush into iOS updates without first doing some basic housekeeping on your iPhone.
Let’s start with storage. iOS 18 will require at least 16GB of free space, and that could be a problem if you haven’t cleared out your device in a while.
Take a few minutes to scroll through your home screens and inside your folders to root out those apps you haven’t touched in ages.
Trust me, there’s something liberating about offloading those forgotten apps. You can always reinstall them later if needed, but for now, they’re just hogging valuable space.
Then, there are social media apps, such as Facebook and WhatsApp, you name it. Thanks to all that cached data, these apps tend to grow in size over time.
Deleting and reinstalling them can free up a surprising amount of space. I’ve done this a few times, and it’s like giving your phone a quick refresh.
Once your device feels lighter, it’s time to consider backing up your data. I know you’re probably thinking that you should be good since you turned on iCloud Backup.
But here’s the thing: iCloud Backup won’t save you if something goes wrong during the update, and you need to revert to iOS 17. That’s where an archived backup on your Mac or Windows PC becomes a lifesaver.
Making an archived backup isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit more effort. Plug your iPhone into your computer and follow these steps:
- Open Finder from the dock
- Select “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac“
- Make sure to select “Back Up Now.”
You may also want to archive this backup. This will keep it safe from being replaced by newer backups. You’ll be glad you did if you ever need to go back to iOS 17.
As exciting as it is to start trying all the new features, take the extra time to prepare properly.
The last thing you want is to lose important data or deal with storage issues midway through the installation.
So, whether you’re sticking with your current iPhone or upgrading to the new iPhone 16, take these steps to ensure a smooth transition.
iOS 18 has. a multitude of glaring issues but this storage thing is troubling, I don’t use many apps. I have many offloaded as I don’t use them or deleted them altogether. My files drive is empty and everything but 2 apps aren’t always backed up on purpose.
This should be 45 mb tops but now it’s always over 140. Was always tong on purpose now it’s big for me and it had to be addressed but they never answer any questions. It makes no sense and is quite noticeable.
Nobody has explained why but this update has billions of issues and this is but one. All I can think is the new update’s system data is sadly now in my storage when it never was in all previous phones and updates, and now my backup because of this lovely update is 100-135 mb higher for seemingly no reason.
I’ve done everything to fix it and it happens again. It’s apple. They’re almost becoming android…the horror. Thank god some privacy issues still exist but they made simple non-existent. Bloody mess.