9 Things You Should Know Before Updating to iOS 18.1

Clare Phang
Last updated: Oct 29, 2024

From this blog post, you will get to know 9 important things you should know before updating your iPhone to the latest iOS 18.1.

Apple announced iOS 18 at WWDC on June 10. The new version of iOS allows users to change app colors, freely arrange icons, and mirror between Mac and iPhone. Additionally, new features from Apple Intelligence are included.

Do you want to be among the first to experience the new features of iOS 18?

Before installing iOS 18.1, there are some important things you should know. Let's take a look at what they are.

9 Things You Should Know Before Updating to iOS 18.1

1. What's New in iOS 18?

iOS 18 brings new features and updates that make your iPhone more powerful and productive than ever. Here are some of the new features in iOS 18.

  • Apple Intelligence (available on iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max): Provides you with the most helpful and relevant intelligence based on your background.
  • Customization: Enables you to change the color of apps, rearrange apps and widgets on the Home Screen, lock and hide apps with a passcode or Face ID, customize your Control Center, and rearrange and resize your controls.
  • Screen Mirroring: Mirroring your iPhone to your Mac has never been easier.
  • New Passwords App: Provides a place to access passwords, verifications, and security alerts.
  • Redesigned Photos: Makes it easier to find specific photos.
  • Game Mode: Maximizes gaming performance on iPhones.
  • AirPods: Allows you to interact with Siri by nodding or shaking your head.
iOS 18 Preview

What's New in iOS 18.1?

iOS 18.1 brings several exciting updates, including Apple Intelligence, the ability to record phone calls with transcriptions and capture spatial photos, a new “Reset Control Center” option, enhanced Camera Controls, and more.

2. What is the iOS 18 Launch Date?

iOS 18 was officially available on September 16, 2024. The latest iOS version is iOS 18.1.

3. Which iPhones Will Support iOS 18?

Before updating your iPhone to iOS 18, ensure your device is compatible. The iPhone X and earlier models will no longer support iOS 18.

Below are the iPhones that can get iOS 18:

  • iPhone 16/16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro/16 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15/15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro/15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14/14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro/14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13/13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro/13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12/12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro/12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11/11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XR/XS/XS Max
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation)
  • iPhone SE (3rd generation)
iOS 18 Compatibility

4. How Many GB is iOS 18.1?

The iOS 18.1 update is about 7 GB. To successfully download it, make sure your iPhone has at least 7 GB of free space.

To check the available storage space on your iPhone, tap "Settings" > "General" > "iPhone Storage".

Check Available iPhone Storage

If your iPhone runs out of storage, consider deleting unnecessary photos, videos, and apps. For more tips, check 7 Ways to Clear Storage on iPhone if Your iPhone Storage Full.

5. How Long Does It Take to Update to iOS 18.1?

Update time varies based on update size, internet speed, storage space, and device performance.

Typically, an iOS update takes about 20 minutes to several hours.

6. Should I Install iOS 18.1?

It depends on your needs. For Apple tech lovers, Apple Intelligence is worth checking out, and it might be the reason why you should install iOS 18.1. However, for the average user, it’s better to wait for more time as iOS 18 is in its early stages and there will be some unexpected bugs.

7. How to Back Up Your iPhone

It is important to back up your iPhone before updating it to prevent data loss. The ideal method is to back up your iPhone to your Mac using Finder (or backing up to your PC using iTunes).

Back Up iPhone to Mac Computer

After backing up your device, you can download and install iOS 18.1.

8. How to Download and Install iOS 18.

iOS 18.is available for download. Follow the steps below to download and install it.

  1. Tap "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update".
  2. When you see the iOS 18.1 update, tap "Update Now", then follow the on-screen download and installation instructions. (See what to do if iOS 18.1 update not showing up.)
download-and-install-ios-18-software-update.png
Tips
  1. When the official version becomes available, turn off Beta Updates, and the system will automatically check for the iOS 18.1 update.
  2. Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is stable while updating iOS and ensure that your iPhone battery is above 20%.

9. How to Remove iOS 18 Beta from iPhone?

If you installed iOS 18 beta and were disappointed, you might want to uninstall it.

To quickly downgrade from iOS 18.1 to iOS 17.7, try BuhoRepair. This professional iOS system repair tool allows you to downgrade to available stable iOS versions or beta versions easily.

DownloadRuns on Windows & Mac
Security Verified & 100% Safe

Here's how it works:

  1. Download, install, and launch BuhoRepair.
    BuhoRepair
  2. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using an original Apple USB.
  3. Click "Upgrade/Downgrade iOS" > "Downgrade Version", then click "Downgrade Now".
    Downgrade iOS 18 to 17.6
  4. Download the firmware for your iPhone and follow the downgrading process.
Tip
If you fail to download or install iOS 18.1, you can also use BuhoRepair to do it.

The Bottom Line

This guide has listed 9 important things you should know before updating your iPhone to the latest iOS 18.1. Hope it helps.

If, after reading this article, you still can't wait to try iOS 18.1, back up your iPhone in advance and consider installing it on an iPhone that you don't use frequently.

Clare Phang has been captivated by the world of Apple products since the launch of the iconic iPhone in 2007. With a wealth of experience, Clare is your go-to source for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and all things Apple.