Apple releases major iOS updates once a year, usually in September

Apple announces a new major iOS version at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, then releases it to the public in September or early October. The exact date varies year to year — iOS 17 came out on September 18, 2023, while iOS 18 arrived on September 16, 2024. Apple does not announce the release date until a few weeks before launch.

Between major releases, Apple puts out smaller updates called point releases (like iOS 18.1 or iOS 18.2) roughly every three to four weeks. These fix bugs and add minor features. Security updates can arrive on their own schedule when a vulnerability needs patching.

If you want to know when the next major version is coming, the most reliable signal is Apple's event calendar. Apple typically holds WWDC in early June each year, and that is where the next iOS gets announced. You can find the dates on Apple's events page or through tech news outlets that cover Apple announcements.

Key Takeaways

  • Major iOS versions release once per year, usually in September, with the announcement happening at WWDC in June.
  • Point releases (iOS 18.1, 18.2, etc.) arrive roughly every three to four weeks and contain bug fixes and smaller features.
  • Apple does not publish the exact release date until a few weeks before launch, so checking Apple's event page in May or June is the best way to find out.
  • You can update your iPhone or iPad manually through Settings > General > Software Update, or enable automatic updates to install new versions overnight.

How to check what iOS version you have right now

Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. The first item listed is "Software Version" — that is the iOS version your device is running. If you see iOS 18.2, for example, that means you have iOS 18 with the 2nd point release installed.

You can also see whether an update is waiting for you in the same place. If a new version is ready to install, Settings > General > Software Update will show it and let you download and install it immediately, or schedule it to install overnight.

What features are usually in a new iOS release

Major iOS releases typically include new camera features, changes to how notifications or home screen widgets work, performance improvements, and new privacy or security tools. iOS 18 added Apple Intelligence (AI features that run on your device rather than on Apple's servers), redesigned control center, and new customization options for the home screen.

Point releases usually do not add visible features — they fix bugs that users reported, patch security holes, and sometimes improve battery life or app performance. If you see a point release available, it is usually worth installing because the fixes are often things that annoyed people in the previous version.

Whether you should update immediately or wait

Major iOS releases are generally stable by the time they reach the public, but the first version (like iOS 18.0) sometimes has bugs that get fixed in the first point release (iOS 18.1). If your iPhone is working well and you do not need the new features right away, waiting a week or two for the first point release to arrive is a safe choice.

Point releases are safe to install as soon as they arrive — they contain fixes, not new features that might introduce problems. Security updates should be installed as soon as you see them, because they close holes that hackers can exploit.

If you have an older iPhone (5 or 6 years old), check whether it supports the new iOS before updating. Apple drops support for older devices with each major release. You can find the list of supported devices on Apple's website before the release date.

How to turn on automatic updates so you do not have to remember

Open Settings, go to General, then tap Software Update. At the bottom, toggle on "Automatic Updates." Your iPhone will then download and install new versions overnight when it is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, so you wake up with the latest software.

This is the easiest approach if you do not want to think about when updates arrive. The only downside is that you lose control over when the update happens — if a major release comes out and causes a problem with an app you rely on, you will not find out until after your phone has already updated.

Where to find out what is in a new iOS before it releases

Apple publishes release notes for every iOS version on its website, usually a day or two before the public release. The release notes list new features, bug fixes, and security patches. You can also find detailed breakdowns on tech news sites like MacRumors, The Verge, or 9to5Mac, which cover what changed and whether the update is worth installing.

If you want to see new features before they release to everyone, Apple also lets developers and beta testers install pre-release versions. You can sign up for the public beta through Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates, though beta versions are less stable and can have bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I downgrade to an older iOS if I do not like the new one?

Apple does not allow downgrading to older iOS versions once you update. If a new release causes problems, your only option is to wait for Apple to release a fix in a point release. This is why waiting a week or two for the first point release is a reasonable choice if you are not in a hurry.

Will my iPhone slow down after I update to the new iOS?

New iOS versions sometimes feel slower on older iPhones because the new features require more processing power. If you have an iPhone that is 4 or 5 years old, a major update may noticeably slow things down. Checking the supported devices list before updating can help you decide whether to update.

What happens if I do not update my iPhone?

Your iPhone will continue to work, but you will stop receiving security updates after Apple stops supporting your current iOS version. This usually happens about two years after a major release. Without security updates, your device becomes more vulnerable to hackers and malware.

Do I have to be connected to Wi-Fi to update?

Major iOS updates require Wi-Fi because they are large files (usually 1 to 3 gigabytes). Point releases are smaller and can sometimes download over cellular data, but Apple recommends Wi-Fi for all updates to avoid using up your data plan.