You can now download and install the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 full and final software update for iPhone and iPad devices around the world.
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 Final Now Available for Download Around the Globe with Tons of New Features
The wait is over, nothing is in beta anymore, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 is now available for download. If you have been holding back from testing out the betas, you are in for a real treat today.
There are several ways you can download the new iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 final update on your devices. One method is over the air, which is quick and fast. You can also go for the clean install method which I am going to highlight below, too. But, before you do anything at all, make sure you are prepared for the update itself.
Is Your Device Compatible?
If your device isn’t on the list below, you won’t be able to download and install iOS 18 or iPadOS 18. You must have a compatible device in order to move forward.
iOS 18 Compatible iPhone Devices
- 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 (2nd generation or later)
iPadOS 18 Compatible iPad Devices
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (6th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
If your device is on the list, then move on to the next step.
Backup Everything Right Now
Before saying farewell to iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, make sure you create a backup of your iPhone and iPad. Use either Finder or iCloud, it’s entirely up to you. The point is to safeguard your data before you make the leap, in case something goes wrong during installation.
Which Route Should You Choose?
Now we are going to install iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 – but, which route should you choose? I recommend doing a clean install and start from scratch if you want the maximum benefit from the update. However, if you don’t want to lose your files or settings, and definitely don’t want to make any changes to your device, then an over-the-air installation is the way to go. So, let’s start with the latter.
Download and Install iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 Over the Air
This is the easiest method and one many are going to follow. Though I have done a proper tutorial for it, but long story short, all you have to do is go to Settings > General > Software Update and you will see the final version of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 here. Just tap on ‘Update Now’ and off you go.
For the complete tutorial, go here.
Clean Install iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 Final Update
This method is time consuming, but totally worth it. It’s essentially the same steps that I’ve posted here. However, I have done an iOS 18 and iPadOS 18-specific guide which you can follow here instead.
I will only recommend this method if you want the maximum performance benefit from the update. This is the method I’m going to follow as well. It gives you that new iPhone and iPad feel. It’s like setting up a device the moment you get it from the Apple Store. This is something I actually look forward to.
Downgrade Back to iOS 17?
If, for some reason, you feel that you have made a mistake updating to iOS 18 or iPadOS 18, you can downgrade back to iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. However, this can only be done for a limited time, as long as Apple is signing the older firmware. I have done a detailed guide on this, and I will update it once Apple stops signing the older firmware.
What is New in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18?
I saved all the literature for last. If you are interested in the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 changelog, you can read it up here.
Last but not the least, you do have the choice to download the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 wallpapers. Even CarPlay has a new set of wallpapers which you can download from here.
