When the newest iPhone OS drops next year, it's said to be jam-packed with fresh additions and improvements.

Code-named "Ambitious," this OS update promises to entirely redo how things look and work.

What will you get with iOS 18? Here's a quick run-through of what folks expect from the hotly-awaited program.

Rumored Release Dates and Updates on the iOS 18

Word got out that iOS 18's development briefly paused in November as the team aimed to fix bugs after wrapping up the first part. While Apple usually moves right to the second part next, this year saw a one-week stop to deal with early issues and glitches.

Despite the halt, the new features or launch date likely won't change much. The iOS 18 would be expected to be in time for it's routine OS releases.

It shows that Apple wants to ensure the foundation is solid for what comes later. Some think iOS 18 will pop up at WWDC in June, possibly the first or second week.

Developers will beta test it when it shows, with a public beta in July before the general release in September. How iOS updates typically go includes dates similar to September 17 for iOS 17, September 12 for iOS 16, September 20 for iOS 15, September 16 for iOS 14, September 19 for iOS 13, and September 17 for iOS 12.

More About iOS 18

It's rumored that Apple's next mobile system overhaul in 2024 could shake things up more than usual. As tech reporter Mark Gurman said, this iOS refresh may be a bigger deal than the iPhone 16's supposed specs upgrade based on the iPhone 15's advances.

While the 15 models boosted the main camera and styling a little, iOS 18 could bring significant AI features to hook users, as leaks suggest it'll make intelligence a major part of how the software works.

This would challenge Google and Samsung, too, since they're putting clever smarts at the core of their device experiences now through Android and One UI.

With Pixel and Galaxy emphasizing AI, Apple seems to want iOS 18 to stake its place as unique. But exactly what changes are in the works are secret for now until a preview of the new OS halfway through next year, keeping anticipation and speculation high about what new powers it might have.

What Phones Will iOS 18 Be Compatible With?

The compatibility of iOS 18 with phones is still not sure to Apple, but like before, it will probably work with devices from 2019 onward. Usually, Apple does updates for around five years on iPhones.

So, the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max from 2018 might not get the new software when 2024 comes. iOS 18 should load on iPad Mini SE versions two and three, plus all the iPhone 11 families to the iPhone 15 group. The iPhone 16 line will include iOS 18 from the start.

However, we won't know until next June when Apple officially talks about it.