The latest iPhone update is here and there are a smattering of new features, plus lots of bug fixes in iOS 18.3, which lands three weeks after the smaller iOS 18.2.1. So, how’s the new update going down, is it safe to install or should you wait before you take the plunge?
Apple’s latest software for the iPhone is here. Should you install it?
Note that I’ll be updating this post over the coming days and will make a final assessment on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Who Is It For And How Do You Get It?
Apple iOS 18.3 is compatible with all iPhones that can run iOS 18. This means all iPhones from the iPhone XS onwards, including the second- and third-generation iPhone SE models.
What It’s About
Unlike iOS 18.2.1, which was all about bug fixes, this update has changes and new elements. Crucially, Apple Intelligence, for the iPhone 16 series plus iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, is now on by default, so users need to turn it off in Settings if they don’t want the new features. And one part of Apple Intelligence that had issues—summaries for News and Entertainment category messages— have been suspended until Apple can improve results.
There are also enhancements for iPhone 16 users such as new capabilities for Visual Intelligence—the feature that is launched with a long press on the Camera Control. Now, it can recognize plants and animals as well.
Apple iOS 18.3 Security
There are no fewer than 29 security flaws which iOS 18.3 is designed to correct, of which one has already been used in attacks. Though Apple is traditionally vague about the issues to allow users to update to protect themselves first, there are issues in the iOS Kernel and in WebKit, which is fundamental to the Safari browser on the iPhone. Kate O’Flaherty has more on these issues here at Forbes.
Initial Reactions
The reviews are mixed, so far. One user called the software “a buggy mess,” and another commented that even after two restarts, they “still encountered the same laggy things.” However, there were plenty of users reporting a smooth update with no issues, or removed a ghost touch from the lock screen, for instance. Others enjoyed the new Unity Bloom wallpaper and the return of the repeat calculation capability in the Calculator app.
Apple iOS 18.3 Initial Verdict: Update
With so many security holes fixed, there’d be a strong reason to update even if there were other issues to contend with. But the overall feeling here is that this is not too buggy or inefficient, so I’d advise updating—though note the switch to Apple Intelligence being on by default. Turn it off if you don’t like it.
