With the much-anticipated Apple event just over a week away, the new iPhone 16 series is expected to be officially unveiled, accompanied by the release of iOS 18. Apple has already shared insights into iOS 18 at its developer conference earlier this year. However, for those who don’t plan to upgrade to a newer iPhone model, this might mean sticking with an older operating system that may no longer receive support from Apple.
Older iPhone Models Could Be Left Behind
Each year, Apple typically removes some older iPhone models from its list of devices eligible for the latest iOS updates. For example, last year, the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X were excluded from the iOS 17 compatibility list. As a result, users of these models missed out on new features and security updates offered by iOS 17.
Will Your iPhone Support iOS 18?
The good news is that if your iPhone was compatible with iOS 17, it will likely support iOS 18 as well. Apple has indicated that all models eligible for iOS 17 will also be compatible with iOS 18. This means you won’t need to upgrade your phone to enjoy most of the new software features. The following table shows which iPhones are expected to support iOS 18:
| iPhone Models | Compatibility with iOS 18 |
|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) | Yes |
| iPhone XR | Yes |
| iPhone XS | Yes |
| iPhone XS Max | Yes |
| iPhone 11 | Yes |
| iPhone 11 Pro | Yes |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | Yes |
| iPhone 12 | Yes |
| iPhone 12 mini | Yes |
| iPhone 12 Pro | Yes |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Yes |
| iPhone 13 | Yes |
| iPhone 13 mini | Yes |
| iPhone 13 Pro | Yes |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | Yes |
| iPhone 14 | Yes |
| iPhone 14 Plus | Yes |
| iPhone 14 Pro | Yes |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | Yes |
| iPhone 15 | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Plus | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Yes |
In summary, if you own an iPhone model from 2018 onwards, you should be able to upgrade to iOS 18. However, iPhones from 2017 or earlier, such as the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, will not support the new operating system. These older phones will continue to function, but without the latest features and updates.
What About Compatibility with Apple Intelligence?
While most older devices will still support the latest iOS, they may not be compatible with all new features. For instance, Apple Intelligence—a suite of AI-driven capabilities that Apple announced—is likely to be exclusive to the more recent models. Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the flagship models from 2023, are expected to support the Apple Intelligence beta. It’s highly anticipated that the upcoming iPhone 16 models will also be fully compatible with Apple Intelligence, but we’ll have to wait for the official announcement at the September 9 event.
Final Words
As Apple prepares to introduce its iPhone 16 lineup and iOS 18, users with newer iPhone models can look forward to experiencing the latest features and improvements. However, owners of older iPhones, such as the iPhone 8 or iPhone X, may need to consider upgrading to a newer device to keep up with Apple’s latest technological advancements. More details about iOS 18, Apple Intelligence, and device compatibility will be revealed during the Apple event, making it a highly anticipated announcement for iPhone users worldwide.
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