iPadOS and iOS 18 FAQ: Explained features, supported devices and more

Every year we collect the most important questions about the new operating system for the iPhone and iPad in our iPadOS 18 most frequently asked questions and iOS 18 FAQ.

Of course, Apple has already discussed a number of new options, functions and possibilities on their website and during events. However, there are still a lot of questions about iOS 18, which we answer in detail in the iOS 18 FAQ below, so that you are well prepared for the new software updates for iPhone and iPad.

When can I download iOS 18 and iPadOS 18?

The most important question in this iOS 18 FAQ is of course when can I download iOS 18 and iPadOS 18? Apple has announced that iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will be released in fall 2024. Developers can already download the beta via developer.apple.com. Public testers can get started in the summer via beta.apple.com

Which devices support iOS 18?

You can install iOS 18 on the devices below:

  • 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 XS, iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone SE 2020 (2nd generation)
  • iPhone SE 2022 (3rd generation)
iPadOS and iOS 18 FAQ: Explained features, supported devices and more

Which devices support iPadOS 18?

  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation or newer)
  • 11-inch iPad Pro (all models)
  • 10.9-inch iPad 2022 (10th generation)
  • 10.2-inch iPad 2021 (9th generation)
  • 10.2-inch iPad 2020 (8th generation)
  • 10.2-inch iPad 2019 (7th generation)
  • iPad mini 2021 (6th generation)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad Air 2022 (5th generation)
  • iPad Air 2020 (4th generation)
  • iPad Air 2019 (3rd generation)

Will iOS/iPadOS 18 slow down my older iPhone or iPad?

This is a question that returns every year, including in this iOS 18 FAQ. The answer to this question is always difficult. This year, Apple did not discuss specific speeds for older devices. Apple usually optimizes the software for older devices so that it also runs well on these devices. The performance may be the same as that of iOS 17. When you compare iOS 18 beta with iOS 17.5.1, the speed is fine for a beta and is on par with iOS 17.

Does Apple Intelligence also work on my iPhone or iPad?

Apple Intelligence is a personal intelligence system for Mac, iPhone and iPad that combines the power of generative models with the user’s individual context, resulting in AI that is both useful and relevant.

although Apple Intelligence is part of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, the AI ​​features will only be available on the iPhone 15 Pro (Max), iPad Pro with M1 chip or newer and the iPad Air with M1 chip or newer.

In addition, the AI ​​model will only work for the time being in English (US) will be added and the features will initially be in beta. The functions are also limited in the beginning. New languages ​​and capabilities are expected next year.

Want to know what AI features you can expect on your iPhone, iPad and Mac? Then view our extensive explanation of Apple Intelligence and discover what innovations await you.

Can the home screen be fully customized?

With the new software updates, you can fully personalize the home screen on both the iPhone and iPad. The home screen still retains its grid, but you are no longer required to line up apps and widgets next to each other. You can place them anywhere on the grid, even with gaps in between.

You can also display the app icons larger and easily provide them with a color effect. Dark mode has also been improved with automatic dark app icons.

iOS 18 home screen

How does locking and hiding apps work?

You can lock apps, and for extra privacy you can also hide them by moving them to a locked, hidden app folder in the App Library. When you lock an app or put it in a hidden folder, messages, emails, or other content from that app won’t appear in search results, you won’t see notifications, and the content will also be hidden in other places. This way, only you have access to the application when you want. You can lock and hide an app by pressing and holding the app icon on the home screen and making a selection.

Can you customize the entire layout of the control panel?

The design of the control panel has been adjusted to make it easier to access the controls you often use. You now also have more options to make the control panel better suit your way of working. The controls you use most often are now grouped by function and are on a separate page, for example to play media, control smart home accessories or make a network connection.

control panel iOS 18

Furthermore, there is a new overview of all available controllers, and you can now determine the order and size of the controllers yourself and create new groups for them. It is also possible to place supported controls from other suppliers in the control panel, so that you can, for example, quickly unlock your car or immediately record content for social media. You can immediately switch off your iPhone or iPad via the on/off button.

What is RCS for Messages?

RCS stands for Rich Communication Services and is a communication standard for mobile networks that is intended to improve traditional SMS (Short Message Service). RCS is based on an open source protocol and offers a range of advanced features and capabilities similar to WhatsApp and iMessage. The messages are sent via a (mobile) internet connection. You can read more information about RCS in the highlighted article below.

What is Satellite Messaging?

If you have no coverage and no WiFi connection, you can send and receive messages from iOS 18 via a satellite connection on an iPhone 14 (Pro) or newer. This is based on the same technology that allows you to make an emergency call on your iPhone via a satellite connection.

If there’s no mobile signal or Wi-Fi, the Messages app will automatically give you the option to connect to the nearest satellite. You can then send and receive (SMS) messages, emoji and tapbacks via iMessage. If you have a satellite connection, you will now also see this in the Dynamic Island.

Can you disable the single page for Photos?

Photos has been given a complete makeover with just ‘one page’ offering quick access to filters. Under your photo library you will find collections where your library is automatically sorted using machine learning. These collections are based on, among other things, time, people, travel, etc. You will see your albums under the collections. Apple promises a lot of personalization in the app, including your most important photos, interests and more. Unfortunately, you can’t disable the single page and you have to get used to the new view.

photos iOS 18

What can the Passwords app do?

For years you have been able to find the saved passwords in the Settings app of your iPhone or iPad. This keychain forms the basis for the new Passwords app, in which you can easily retrieve all your login details, passwords, passkeys, WiFi passwords and verification codes. Apps can consult the app for login details and thanks to new categories you can also find your passwords more quickly, for example a useful category is: recently created.

The app also alerts you to security problems, such as a weak password that is easy to guess, a password that you use in multiple places or passwords that are part of a data breach.

Can the Calculator app also perform conversions?

The Calculator app is finally coming to the iPad and also has a revamped interface on the iPhone. From now on you can view the history of your calculations and have access to more options. This is how you can instantly convert units and currencies in the Calculator app and perform math calculations.

In the brand new Math Notes calculator, you can type or write down math formulas and instantly see how they are solved in your own handwriting. You can also assign values ​​to the variables, which comes in handy when, for example, learning new concepts at school or making a budget. The new graphing feature lets you type or write an equation and convert it to a graph with a tap. You can even put multiple comparisons on the same graph so you can see how they compare. Math notes are automatically accessible in the new calculator app and notes app.

Will I be able to use all functions on my old iPhone or iPad?

Unfortunately, not all features are available on all iPhone and iPad models that support iOS 18 or iPadOS 18. For example, some new features are exclusive to iPads with M1 chip or newer or the latest generation iPhone. In a separate article we list all the features that are not available on all iPhone or iPads that support iOS/iPadOS 18.


iOS 18 tips

In the coming weeks, in addition to this iOS 18 FAQ, we will share more information about iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. As you have come to expect from us, we will explain all new functions, options and possibilities in detail in our tips, manuals and explanation articles.

You can find all iOS 18 tips here. Do you have any questions about iPadOS 18 or iOS 18? Then don’t hesitate and ask them in the comments below.

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