Apple’s Latest iOS 18.1 Update: Finally Change Your Decade-Old iCloud Email Address!

For those with an iCloud email address they created long ago—and might now be embarrassed by—there’s good news! Apple is set to roll out iOS 18.1 later this month, which includes a long-awaited feature: the ability to change your primary iCloud email address. Here’s what you need to know about this update and the other new features iOS 18.1 will bring.

Why You Couldn’t Change Your iCloud Email Before

Until now, Apple users couldn’t change their primary iCloud email address. If you created an email alias, it would display differently for outgoing emails, but your original iCloud email address would still be visible for certain actions, like document sharing and calendar invites. This left many users feeling stuck with email addresses that no longer represented them or that simply felt outdated.

With iOS 18.1, however, Apple is addressing this frustration by allowing users to change their primary iCloud email directly. This means you’ll be able to finally replace that old email with something that better suits you today.

Updating Your Primary Apple ID Email Is Easier Than Ever

iOS 18.1 also simplifies the process for changing the primary email associated with your Apple Account (previously known as Apple ID). Before this update, changing your Apple ID email involved a long process of deleting the old email and re-verifying your identity. Now, you can directly update it by going to the Settings app and following a few simple steps.

The best part? This feature is available to all Apple users, including those who set up @me.com or @mac.com addresses before 2012.

New Generative AI Features Arriving with iOS 18.1

While email updates are getting most of the attention, iOS 18.1 has even more to offer. Apple is also introducing Apple Intelligence, a suite of generative AI tools that aim to simplify everyday tasks. Apple Intelligence can create language and images, take action across apps, and draw on your personal context to make tasks faster and easier.

As Apple enhances its ecosystem, don’t overlook third-party tools like the Smart Transfer app. This network speed indicator app lets you monitor your network speed in real-time. With its network speed checker, Smart Transfer is an excellent solution for anyone who needs to test their internet speed. Plus, if you’re planning to update to iOS 18.1 and want to ensure all your essential files are transferred and accessible, consider using Smart Transfer’s simple transfer features to move your data across phones.

Enhanced iCloud Integration with Windows

iCloud has been evolving steadily throughout 2024. Earlier this year, Apple launched updates for the iCloud app on Windows, which improved cross-platform integration. Users can now sync iCloud photos to a Windows folder and merge bookmarks from Safari with Chrome, Firefox, or Edge—making it easier to stay connected, regardless of the device you’re using.

Preparing for the iOS 18.1 Rollout

Apple hasn’t released a specific date for iOS 18.1 yet, but it’s expected to begin rolling out on October 28, according to reports. Be on the lookout for the update in your device settings, and get ready to take advantage of all these new features.

Whether you’re excited about changing an outdated iCloud email address, curious about Apple’s generative AI tools, or looking to improve your cross-device experience, iOS 18.1 has plenty to offer. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches, and make sure your Apple devices are ready to tap into the latest that iOS has to offer.