Every iPhone model that can be updated to Apple's iOS 18 (and which ones can't)

2 months ago 17

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Jason Hiner/ZDNET

Last month, Apple announced a string of artificial intelligence (AI) updates to its operating systems in one of its most jam-packed WWDC keynotes. For the iPhone, Apple unveiled iOS 18, available in its public beta version now, the latest iteration of the smartphone software, with enhanced AI integrations in Siri, generative AI capabilities in Photos and Messages, and even updates to its Health and Calculator apps.

Also: 5 cool things to try in Apple's iOS 18 public beta

Apple removes one or two older iPhone models from its list of supported devices each time it releases a new iOS version, marking the end of the devices' software support cycle. Most of the newest AI features are reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, as they require the processing power of an A17 Pro chipset or newer, but iOS 18 will still be available for many older models. Here's the list of supported iPhone models for almost every other benefit of the newest operating system version.

According to Apple, these iPhone models will get iOS 18 when it becomes widely available:

iPhone 15iPhone 15 PlusiPhone 15 ProiPhone 15 Pro MaxiPhone 14iPhone 14 PlusiPhone 14 ProiPhone 14 Pro MaxiPhone 13iPhone 13 miniiPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 Pro MaxiPhone 12iPhone 12 miniiPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone 11iPhone 11 ProiPhone 11 Pro MaxiPhone XSiPhone XS MaxiPhone XRiPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

Notably, the once-popular iPhone X model is not on the list. Older devices like the iPhone 8 series also didn't make the cut this year. As for what's to come, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16 lineup in September with iOS 18, presumably with new A18 silicon.

Apple typically releases its new operating systems for public beta access a few weeks after WWDC. iOS 18 was released in public beta in mid-July. The public beta program lets users test developing software to pinpoint bugs and performance issues. This is done so software teams can make any necessary fixes and releases before the new system reaches general availability.

Also: Everything to know about Apple's AI features coming to iPhones, Macs, and iPads

Apple will likely release iOS 18 out of beta this fall, following Apple's September iPhone event, at which the company announces new models and potentially other hardware.

While this list of iPhone models will support iOS 18, very few will support Apple Intelligence, Apple's AI features. Apple Intelligence will be available in a beta version upon its release for the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as iPads and Macs with an M1 chip or later. Apple Intelligence will be part of iOS 18, iPadOS18, and macOS Sequoia.

Also: My 4 favorite iOS 18 features make the iPhone a lot better, and more fun

iOS 18 will not be supported in the iPhone X, iPhone 8, or earlier models. The new iOS version will only be available for iPhones sporting an A12 Bionic chip or newer.

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