When can I download iOS 18? What time, what it includes

iPhone users will soon get the next step in customization with the new iOS 18 update.

The iOS 18 update will be available for iPhones on Sept. 16 and give users the capability to customize their lock and home screens and much more with the latest system for the Apple product.

“Messages is central to how we communicate with the most important people in our lives,” said Ronak Shah, the director of Internet technologies and product marketing at Apple. “So in iOS 18, we’re giving you all new ways to express yourself and stay connected.”

Here’s when you can download the latest iOS update and what some of the new features are.

iPhone 16 release date:What to know about Apple’s newest device

When is iOS 18 available?

iPhone users can download the update starting at 10 a.m. PT/ 1 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 16, according to Apple.

Which iPhones can get the iOS 18 update?

People with iPhone Xs and models that came after it can download it for free.

What are the features of the iOS 18 update?

The iOS 18 update will allow users to take the next step in customizing their home screens. Here’s what iPhone users will be able to do.

• Put app icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen grid.
• Turn the iPhone on dark mode, which now changes app icons.
• Change the tint color of the home screen.

Users will also be able to schedule iMessage, and use emoji tapbacks and text effects. The text effects will allow users to visually amplify their messages, while emoji tapbacks allow them to respond to text messages more expressively.

Another feature, Rich Communication Services (RCS), is meant to allow for smoother text messaging between iPhone and Android users.

There will be even more updates once Apple Intelligence rolls out with iOS 18.1.

When does Apple Intelligence come out?

iPhone users get iOS 18 now, but Apple Intelligence will not be a part of this update. Users will get to experience more with Apple Intelligence when iOS 18.1 rolls out next month, Apple said in a news release about upcoming AI features.

“Apple will lean into its hardware, software and platform integration to launch a cohesive AI pivot, and we expect the advertising and marketing of these products to focus heavily on safe AI use cases within Apple’s ecosystem,” said Emarketer analyst Gadjo Sevilla.

USA TODAY contributed to this report.