iOS 18 to start rolling out today: Here is what you should do before installing

The day is finally here, Apple will be rolling out the new iOS 18 later today. The new OS is sought to take customisation to another level, first time in the Apple-verse. iOS 18 update promises to give you more options to revamp your iPhone’s home screen and lockscreen, allowing you to rearrange apps and widgets freely and change their appearance. Additionally, iOS 18 boasts a redesigned Control Center and a new password management app. While this might not be new to the Android users, iPhone enthusiasts are really excited about the new update. But before you experience these features, here is what you should know about the update.
iOS 18 launch time remains under wraps, but based on the previous trends, the new iOS 18 is most likely to start rolling out around 10:30PM IST. It is noteworthy that the newly launched iPhone 16 line-up will come pre-installed with iOS 18.
The iOS 18 update will be rolling out to a huge range of Apple devices, but not all devices will get the update. Why is that? Read more here. Below is the list of devices that are eligible for the iOS 18 update:
Free up storage: The new OS update is most likely to take up a major portion of your space. It is only wise to clear the space for seamless installation of iOS 18. To do this, start deleting the unused apps.
Social media apps like WhatsApp and Instagram hoard a lot of space and data. Try deleting these applications before installing iOS 18. You can reinstall them, once the OS is updated. This can also help remove cached files and chat logs.
Backup: Prior to updating your iPhone, take a moment to back up your device; this ensures your data is secure in case of any complications during the update process, and you can use iCloud or a local backup for added protection.
Fully charge your device: To avoid any update hiccups, make sure your iPhone is fully charged and connected to a steady Wi-Fi network before starting the download.
During WWDC 2024, Apple showcased the goodness of iOS 18. The new OS promises to bring a range of features, focusing on customisation. Let’s take a look at what can it do.
Custom Home Screen Layouts: Users will be able to freely arrange app icons and widgets anywhere on the Home Screen, allowing for a unique and tailored look. Dark Mode icons and customisable tints will further enable users to match their aesthetic preferences.
New Control Centre: The Control Center is being revamped to offer enhanced customisation and organisation, enabling users to personalise their controls, including those from third-party apps, and integrate them more cohesively with the Lock Screen and Action Button.
New Accessibility Features: Eye Tracking, Music Haptics, and Motion Cues will enhance the iPhone’s accessibility options, ensuring that users with different needs can fully enjoy the iOS 18 experience.
Photos App Enhancements: The Photos app will receive its biggest update yet, featuring a new interface that organises memories through events, trips, and collections. A new Clean-Up tool will simplify the process of removing unwanted elements from photos.
Advanced Safari and Maps: Safari will get a redesigned Reader for better readability and a feature called Distraction Control to eliminate unwanted content. Maps will include topographic views, hiking trails, and offline support for improved navigation.