How to Upgrade iOS 18 on iPhone 8 and 8 Plus by Manual Update. iOS 18 Now Available for iPhone 8 & 8 Plus: Here’s How to Upgrade Manually!
File: iOS 18 for iPhone 8 Series Updater
It’s official – iOS 18 has rolled out, and yes, you can still upgrade your iPhone 8 and 8 Plus to it. Apple continues to support these older models, which is great news for those of us still hanging on to them. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how you can manually upgrade your device to iOS 18.
If you’ve done this before, you might already be familiar with the process. But if it’s your first time or you just need a little refresher, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
1. Check Your Device Compatibility
Before you start, it’s important to make sure that your iPhone is ready to handle iOS 18. Both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are compatible, but as they’re older models, they might feel a bit slower after the upgrade.
Make sure to also check your storage. iOS 18 will need about 5GB of free space for the installation, so make sure you’ve cleared out any unnecessary apps or photos.
2. Backup Your iPhone
Before jumping into the upgrade, backing up your data is essential. Things don’t usually go wrong, but if they do, you’ll want to have a backup to restore your phone to its original state.
To back up your iPhone, you’ve got two main options:
iCloud Backup:
- Head to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap on Your Name at the top.
- Select iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now.
Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and has enough battery life, or is plugged into a charger during the backup.
iTunes Backup (via computer):
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes and select your iPhone when it appears.
- In the Summary tab, click Back Up Now.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi and Charge Your Device
When updating to iOS 18, you’ll want a stable Wi-Fi connection and at least 50% battery life. It’s even better to have your phone plugged into a charger throughout the process, just to avoid any interruptions.
4. Download and Install iOS 18
Now to the fun part – actually upgrading to iOS 18! You’ve got a couple of ways to do this, but let’s go with the manual update option. Here’s how:
Go to Settings
Open your Settings app, scroll down, and tap General.
Select Software Update
Tap on Software Update. Your iPhone will check if iOS 18 is available. If it’s ready, it will pop up with an option to Download and Install.
Download the Update
Once you tap Download and Install, your iPhone will start downloading the update. This might take some time, depending on your Wi-Fi speed, so feel free to grab a coffee while you wait.
Install iOS 18
After the download is complete, you’ll be prompted to install iOS 18. Tap Install Now and let your iPhone do the rest. It will restart time after time during this process.
5. Using a Computer to Manually Update
If you’re the type who prefers to use a computer for these things, you can manually upgrade iOS 18 using iTunes or Finder. Here’s how:
For macOS Catalina or later (Finder):
- Plug your iPhone into your Mac using a USB cable.
- Open Finder and select your iPhone in the sidebar.
- Click Check for Update in the General tab.
- If iOS 18 is available, click Download and Update.
For macOS Mojave or earlier, or Windows (iTunes):
- Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
- Select your iPhone when it appears in the iTunes window.
- In the Summary tab, click Check for Update.
- If an update is available, click Download and Update.
It’s as simple as that! Once done, your iPhone will restart, and you’ll be running the latest iOS.
6. Setup and Enjoy iOS 18
Once your iPhone restarts after the update, you’ll be greeted with the Hello screen, as if you’ve got a brand-new phone.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup, which usually involves logging in with your Apple ID, setting up Face ID (or Touch ID), and configuring your settings.
And that’s it! Your iPhone 8 or 8 Plus is now running iOS 18.
Some Important Things to Note
While it’s exciting to get your hands on iOS 18, keep in mind that older phones like the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus may experience slower performance after the update.
This is because the hardware in these models isn’t as advanced as in the latest iPhones, so certain features might not run as smoothly.
To make the most out of your new iOS experience, here are a few tips:
- Disable unused apps and features: Some of the fancier features of iOS 18 might not be necessary for you, and turning them off can help your phone run more smoothly.
- Clear out old files: The less storage space you’re using, the more efficiently your iPhone will operate.
- Keep an eye on battery life: Updates like iOS 18 can sometimes drain the battery faster on older devices. You might want to check out some tips for saving battery life after updating.
FAQ
Q: Will my iPhone 8/8 Plus slow down after upgrading to iOS 18?
A: It might slow down a bit, but overall, it should still run smoothly if you optimise your settings and free up some storage.
Q: How long does the update take?
A: It usually takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on your Wi-Fi speed and the amount of data on your phone.
Q: Is it safe to update my iPhone manually?
A: Yes, as long as you follow the steps carefully and back up your data beforehand, it’s a safe and easy process.
Enjoy the new features that come with iOS 18, and don’t forget to explore all the fresh updates Apple has included!