Skip to main content

Forget about iOS 18. Apple has already started working on its next big iPhone update

A person demonstrating the new Siri revamped with Apple Intelligence at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.
Apple

When it comes to technology, everything is always in motion and evolving. One example of this is Apple’s iOS 19 software update. Yes, iOS 19. Even before iOS 18 is released to the public, it seems that Apple is already hard at work on the next version of iOS, which won’t even be announced until next June.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple developers are actively starting work on the 2025 operating systems for its most important products. Each already has an internal name. For example, the next version of iOS is called “Luck,” while macOS 16 is described as “Cheer.” “Nepali” is the name for watchOS 12, while “Discovery” concerns visionOS 3. No doubt, iPadOS 19 is also in the pipeline.

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Apple is already working on next year’s software. After all, as Gurman explains, Apple is also developing hardware products for next year. Therefore, it makes sense that the company is also developing the accompanying software for testing. Of course, it’s too early to determine what those new features will entail, although most will surely leak in the months ahead.

Back in the present day, third-party developers are testing the second iOS 18 beta version. In the coming days, public beta testers will almost certainly join in on the fun with the first iOS 18 public beta. The first official version of iOS 18 should be available in early September, close to the announcement of the upcoming iPhone 16 series.

Apple’s iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and other OS versions introduce many new features, starting with Apple Intelligence. The company’s initial foray into AI brings several promising new tools to enhance the device experience. These primarily include updates to writing capabilities, communication, image creation, Siri, and more. The iOS 18 update also includes more home page customization, a Control Center update, a tweaked Photos app, and more.

Bryan M. Wolfe
Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.
5 iOS 18 features I can’t wait to use (and 1 that looks terrible)
The iOS 18 logo against a blue and pink background.

Apple lifted the curtain on all of its upcoming software updates during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 keynote, showcasing what we can expect in all of its next major software updates — including iOS 18.

Apple Intelligence, Apple's own brand of AI tools, will be a large part of all the new software updates, including iOS 18. However, due to hardware constraints and the power necessary for AI, not all iPhones that can run iOS 18 will be able to get Apple Intelligence.

Read more
iPadOS 18 release date: Here’s when your iPad will get the update
A person holding the Apple iPad Air (2024).

Apple has announced significant software updates for its major products, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, Apple TV, and Mac. Among these is iPadOS 18 for the iPad.

You might wonder when you can download the new update if you have an iPad. The update is technically available now, but some details must be considered. There are three different versions of iPadOS 18, and each will be released at various times this year. Let's dig in.
iPadOS 18 developer beta release date

Read more
iOS 18 release date: here’s when your iPhone will get the update
Someone holding an iPhone 14 with the display turned on.

At Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 keynote, the company revealed the next major iteration of iOS 18 for your iPhone. This is one of the biggest updates to the software in years, and it has cool new features like more home screen and control center customizations, RCS support in Messages, scheduled messages, and a slew of features powered by Apple Intelligence.

But are you wondering when you can get iOS 18 to try it out yourself? Here are all the details about when you can get iOS 18 on your compatible iPhone.
iOS 18 developer beta release date

Read more