iOS 18: Must-Have Update with 33 Security Fixes and New Features

Discover why iOS 18 is a must-have update for your iPhone, with 33 critical security fixes and exciting new features that will enhance your experience.

By Nora Belle || Senior Author of ADM

5 min read || September 18, 2024

Introduction

Apple’s iOS 18 is a significant update that brings a range of new features and enhanced security to iPhone users. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key aspects of the update, covering its security enhancements, new features, and compatibility.

Security Enhancements in iOS 18

One of the most notable aspects of iOS 18 is its focus on security. Apple has meticulously addressed a total of 33 security vulnerabilities in this update, significantly strengthening the iPhone’s defenses against potential threats.

Key security improvements include:

WebKit Vulnerabilities: iOS 18 patches several critical vulnerabilities in WebKit, the engine that powers the Safari browser. These fixes help protect against malicious websites and cross-site scripting attacks.
Kernel Vulnerabilities: The update also addresses vulnerabilities in the Kernel, the core of the iPhone’s operating system. This ensures that the device’s fundamental operations are protected from unauthorized access.
Bluetooth Security: iOS 18 includes fixes for vulnerabilities that could allow malicious Bluetooth devices to exploit the iPhone. This helps prevent unauthorized pairing and data breaches.

New Features in iOS 18

In addition to the security enhancements, iOS 18 introduces several exciting new features designed to enhance the iPhone user experience.

Some of the notable features include:

Passwords App: The new passwords app provides a robust solution for managing your online credentials. It offers features like secure storage, autofill, and password generation.
Privacy Enhancements: iOS 18 includes privacy-focused features such as the ability to hide sensitive apps from the home screen and control app tracking.
AI Capabilities: While some advanced AI features are exclusive to the iPhone 15 and later models, iOS 18 still introduces AI-powered enhancements in areas like Siri and camera capabilities.

iOS 18 vs. iOS 17.7: Which to Choose?

If you’re unsure whether to update to iOS 18 or stick with iOS 17.7, it’s essential to consider your priorities.

Security: If security is your top concern, iOS 18 offers a more comprehensive set of patches and is recommended.
New Features: If you’re eager to experience the latest features and enhancements, iOS 18 is the way to go.
Early Issues: If you prefer to wait for any potential early issues to be resolved, you might consider staying on iOS 17.7.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to update depends on your individual preferences and needs.

iPadOS 18 Update Warning

It’s important to note that there was a temporary issue with iPadOS 18, which affected M4 chip iPad Pros. The update was temporarily removed due to reports of bricking devices. Apple is working on a fix, and the update will be made available again once the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

iOS 18 is a significant update that brings substantial security improvements and exciting new features to iPhone users. Whether you prioritize security or new functionality, it’s recommended to update your device to either iOS 18 or iOS 17.7 to stay protected and enjoy the latest enhancements.