As true Apple lovers, we understand that you want the latest and greatest! But with the launch of iOS 18, you might be wondering: “What are the differences between iOS 16, 17, and 18?” and “Is it worth upgrading?” In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the latest three versions of iOS, compare the new features, improvements, and help you decide if upgrading is the right choice for you.
Comparison of iOS 16, 17 and 18
To start, let's take a look at the new features and improvements of each iOS version.
iOS 16: What's New?
- Improved privacy features: iOS 16 introduced App Privacy Report, which lets you see how often apps use your location, photos, camera, microphone, and contacts.
- Live Text: This feature lets you recognize text in photos and copy, paste or translate it.
- Focus Mode: Lets you filter notifications based on what you're doing, such as working, sleeping, or relaxing.
- Improved FaceTime: Spatial Audio and Portrait mode were added for a more immersive experience.
iOS 17: What's New?
- Home Screen Widgets: For the first time, you can place and customize widgets directly on your home screen.
- App Library: A new way to organize your apps without having to have every app on your home screen.
- Improved Messages app: New features like inline replies, mentions, and a revamped search function.
- Improved Maps app: More detailed maps, cycling route options, and EV routing for electric vehicles.
iOS 18: What's New?
- Improved AI integration: Siri is now smarter and can perform more complex tasks.
- Universal Control: Lets you use your iPad and Mac seamlessly together, share a mouse and keyboard, and drag and drop files between devices.
- New Health Tools: iOS 18 introduces new health features like sleep tracking and improved health metrics.
- Enhanced Security: Additional layers of security to further protect your data.
Key differences between iOS 16, 17 and 18
Now that we've looked at the new features of each version, let's summarize the key differences:- Privacy and Security: Each version introduces new privacy and security features, but iOS 18 offers the most comprehensive protection.
- Ease of use: Widgets and App Library in iOS 17 make it easier to organize your home screen, while Universal Control in iOS 18 increases your productivity.
- Health Features: iOS 18 offers the most advanced health features, ideal for users who want to improve their well-being.
Tips for a smooth upgrade
Upgrading can be daunting, but it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips to ensure your upgrade goes smoothly:- Make a backup: Before you upgrade, always make a backup of your data. This can be done via iCloud or iTunes.
- Check Compatibility: Make sure your device is compatible with the latest iOS version. You can usually find this on the Apple website.
- Update your apps: Make sure all your apps are up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
- Free up space: Make sure you have enough storage space for the new update. Remove unused apps and files to free up space.
