Why You Should Wait to Install iOS 18 and Hold Off Until iOS 18.1

Apple is set to release iOS 18 to the public on Monday, and many have eagerly anticipated this update since its announcement during the WWDC event in June. However, based on previous iOS updates, there are several reasons to consider waiting before jumping to install iOS 18 as soon as it’s available.

iOS 18: A Big Update, but Here’s Why You Should Wait Before Installing

Just last year, Apple rolled out iOS 17 around the same time, and it didn’t go as smoothly as expected. New iPhone 15 Pro users encountered overheating issues right after its release, with many initially thinking the problem was hardware-related. However, it turned out to be a bug within iOS 17, affecting various apps like Instagram. Apple quickly released a patch to address the issue.

This brings us to iOS 18. Apple’s initial iOS releases often come with some bugs and performance lags, requiring subsequent updates to stabilize the new version. This is one of the main reasons why it’s generally advisable to wait for iOS 18.1 or later updates, which usually fix these initial problems.

Why Apple Intelligence Features Are Worth the Wait

Another reason to wait is that one of the biggest highlights of iOS 18—the new Apple Intelligence features—won’t actually roll out until iOS 18.1. The AI-based tools and enhancements are expected to arrive in October and December, so the initial iOS 18 update will mostly bring cosmetic changes to the interface. If you’re primarily excited about the new AI features, it’s better to hold off.

What iOS 18 Brings to the Table

That said, iOS 18 still brings some exciting upgrades for users looking to customize their devices, with updates to the Home Screen layout and a redesigned Control Center. However, if you want the full range of features, including Apple Intelligence, waiting for iOS 18.1 is likely the better option.

Should You Update Immediately?

While it can be tempting to get the latest software as soon as it’s available, holding out for a more polished version, like iOS 18.1, could save you from early bugs and glitches. The wait will be worth it, especially if you’re interested in a more seamless experience with the new AI features Apple is preparing to roll out later in the year.