Find out if your iPhone will have access to iOS 18, as well as the Apple Intelligence beta.
As the much-anticipated iPhone 16 lineup gears up for its big reveal at Apple’s upcoming event in just over a week, it brings with it the latest iteration of Apple’s operating system: iOS 18. This update, which was previewed earlier this year at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), promises a host of new features and improvements. However, if you’re not planning on upgrading to the newest iPhone model, you might find yourself left out in the cold with an unsupported operating system.
Every year, Apple retires some older iPhone models from its iOS compatibility list. For instance, last year saw the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X drop off the list, meaning those devices couldn’t be updated to iOS 17 and missed out on some significant new features. If you’re wondering whether your current iPhone will be able to run iOS 18, we’ve got you covered.
iPhones That Will Support iOS 18
Here’s some good news: if your iPhone was compatible with iOS 17, it will also be compatible with iOS 18, according to Apple. This means you won’t need to rush out and buy a new device just to enjoy most of the latest software features. Here’s the full list of iPhones that will support iOS 18:
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
If your iPhone is from the 2017 model year or earlier—like the iPhone 8 or iPhone X—you won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 18. However, your phone will continue to function, just without the latest features and enhancements that come with the new update.
What About Apple Intelligence?
Even if your older iPhone can run iOS 18, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have access to all of its features, particularly the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence. This feature is expected to be a game-changer, but it’s likely to be limited to the newer iPhone models. Unless you have an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max—Apple’s top-tier models from 2023—you probably won’t be able to try out the Apple Intelligence beta.
It’s widely speculated that the upcoming iPhone 16 models will be fully compatible with Apple Intelligence, but we’ll have to wait for the official announcement on September 9 to know for sure.
In Conclusion
As we await the unveiling of the iPhone 16 lineup and iOS 18, it’s important to check whether your current iPhone will be able to keep up with Apple’s latest innovations. If you’re using a device that’s a few years old, you may find yourself missing out on the full range of new features. But for many iPhone users, the ability to update to iOS 18 means they can enjoy a refreshed experience without having to invest in a brand-new device. Stay tuned for more details as Apple’s event draws near!