Apple’s event “It’s Glowtime” is finally over. The Cupertino giant has announced its upcoming Apple iPhone 16 series in this event. One of the major updates and upgrades that iPhone 16 gets is the iOS 18. Last year, Apple released iOS 17 with the iPhone 15 series. So following the pattern, this is the year for iOS 18. However, one question that might come to your mind at this point is which are the iOS 18 supported phones? We will also cover the iPhones that won’t be getting the iOS 18 update in this post. Also, what are the iOS 18 new features? Worry not, we will help you find these answers. In this blog, we will cover the iOS 18 compatible devices. So, sit back and enjoy as we take you on this journey.
Also Read: Cheapest Country To Buy iPhone 16: Price Comparison Across Countries
Apple iPhones Compatible With iOS 18
The iOS 18 new features could be quite useful to users. We will talk about them later in this article. First, let us have a look at the iOS 18 supported Phones here.
| iPhone Models | iOS 18 Compatibility |
| iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE (2nd generation) | ✅ |
| 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 | ✅ |
| iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus , iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max | ✅ |
Also Read: iPhone 16 Storage Options: How To Pick The Right iPhone Storage?
These iPhones Won’t Be Getting iOS 18
Let us now have a look at the devices not compatible with the iOS 18:
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- All older iPhone models
So, if you are using any of these models, you will have to stick to the current iOS your phone is offering. In case, you want to update the iOS, you need to buy the latest iOS 18 compatible devices.
Also Read: Here Are 5 Annoying Things Apple Didn’t Fix With The iPhone 16
iPadOS 18 Compatible Devices
Besides iOS 18 compatible devices, let us now have a look at the iPadOS compatible devices:
| iPad Pro (M4) | ✅ |
| iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd generation and later) | ✅ |
| iPad Pro 11″ (1st generation and later) | ✅ |
| iPad Air (M2) | ✅ |
| iPad Air (3rd generation and later) | ✅ |
| iPad (7th generation and later) | ✅ |
| iPad mini (5th generation and later) | ✅ |
Apple Intelligence-Supported Devices
Just because you have iOS 18 supported Phones, it doesn’t mean your device will be capable of running Apple Intelligence. That implies, you need an iPhone with A17 Pro chip or higher. In case of Mac or iPad, you need a device having M1 chip or later. Refer to the table below for better understanding:
| iPhones | iPads | MacBooks |
| Apple iPhone 16 ✅ | iPad Pro (M1 and later)✅ | iMac (M1 and later) ✅ |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus✅ | iPad Air (M1 and later)✅ | Mac mini (M1 and later)✅ |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro✅ | Mac Studio (M1 and later)✅ | |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max✅ | Mac Pro M2 Ultra ✅ |
Also Read: 8 iPhone 16 Photo Tips And Tricks To Improve Your Photography
iOS 17 vs iOS 18
Here’s a table showing the iOS 17 vs iOS 18 differences:
| Feature | iOS 17 | iOS 18 |
| Release Date | September 18, 2023 | September 9, 2024 |
| Interface Changes | Minor tweaks | Redesigned Control Center and notifications |
| AI Features | Basic enhancements | Advanced AI capabilities |
| Health App Improvements | New mental health metrics | Enhanced tracking for mindfulness |
| FaceTime Enhancements | Video filters | Screen sharing and remote control |
| Notes Functionality | Basic organization | Live audio recording and transcription |
| Home App Upgrades | Improved automation features | Guest access for home controls |
| Privacy Settings | Basic app permissions | More control over data sharing |
| Wallet Features | Peer-to-peer payments | Tap to Cash and event ticket management |
| Calendar Improvements | Enhanced event creation | New Month view for navigation |
| Accessibility Features | Voice Control | Eye Tracking and Music Haptics |
| Emergency Features | SOS and location sharing | Live video streaming for emergencies |
| Performance Optimizations | General stability | Faster app launches and better battery life |
| App Updates | New Freeform app | Enhanced Freeform with presentation tools |
What Does This Mean For Your Old iPhone?
If your iPhone is not on the list of the iOS 18 supported phones, you might want to know how will it impact you. Here, have a look:
1. Security Updates
Perhaps the most important reason for keeping your iPhone up to date is to receive the latest patches for new security flaws. If your iPhone cannot receive new security updates, because of an older iOS version, then it is at a significant security risk. This is worth being aware of, as upgrading to a new version might be necessary in order to keep you and your data secure.
2. New Features
Another thing to note is that the features introduced in the latest iOS, for instance, iOS 18 won’t be found or won’t work on a device that has a lower version of the operating system.
Also Read: iPhone 16 Series Battery Capacity Revealed: Big Upgrade For All Models
This includes potential enhancements in AI capabilities, improved performance optimizations, and new functionalities that are designed to take advantage of the latest hardware. If these new features are especially important to you, consider upgrading.
3. Performance Impacts
Older devices that do support iOS 18 may still experience performance issues. While Apple works to optimize newer versions of iOS for older hardware, the latest software is often designed with newer hardware in mind. This can sometimes lead to slower performance or reduced battery life on older devices.
Should You Upgrade To iOS 18?
Now that you know whether or not you have iOS 18 supported Phones, you might wonder, is it worth upgrading to the latest iOS. Well, if your iPhone is not supported by iOS 18, it is worth evaluating your current device’s performance and functionality. If it’s still running smoothly and meets your needs, you might decide to hold off on upgrading.
However, if you’re experiencing issues or want to take advantage of the latest features, it may be time to consider investing in a newer model.
iOS 18 Release Date
The iOS 18 has finally been introduced with the launch of Apple iPhone 16 series on September 9, 2024.
Also Read: 9 iOS 18 Features That Will Make You Say “Wow”
Final Thoughts
And that’s our take on the iOS 18 supported Phones. Every year, Apple announces a new iOS to offer the best features to its users. However, you need to have iOS 18 compatible devices to enjoy the latest features. With the above-mentioned list, you now know which iPhone supports iOS 18 and which one lacks it. In case your phone is on the list of devices not compatible with iOS 18, go ahead, assess your phone’s performance and budget and take a call, whether you want to upgrade your phone or not.
Also Read: Is iPhone 16 Worth Buying? Should You Buy Now Or Wait For A Sale?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPhones will support iOS 18?
Apple iPhones supporting the A12 bionic chipset or newer ones will be getting the iOS 18 update. So, the iOS 18 supported devices would be iPhone iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE (2nd generation), 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 and iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus , iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
Which iPhones won’t get iOS 18?
The iPhone models like iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone X, iPhone 8 and all the other older models won’t get the iOS 18.
Which iPhones will get iOS 18 AI?
Any iPhone model having the A12 chipset or newer will get the iOS 18 update. However, the AI features will only be available to iPhone 15 Pro models and the upcoming iPhone models.
Is iOS 18 on iPhone 11?
Yes, iPhone 11 supports iOS 18. iOS 18 will come to all the newer iPhone models launched after 2017. Additionally, the upcoming iPhone 16 series will also feature the iOS 18.
When can I download iOS 18?
Apple might release the iOS 18 for public usage after the launch of the iPhone 16 series. So, the iOS 18 release date could be somewhere around mid to late September.
How to install iOS 18 on iPhone?
Once, you are sure that you have an iOS 18 compatible device, you can easily install it on your iPhone. Simply, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Updates> iOS 18 to install it.
Which iPad support iPadOS 18?
The iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11″ (1st generation and later), iPad Air (M2), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later) and iPad mini (5th generation and later) are iPadOS 18 compatible devices.
If you’ve just bought a new phone and don’t know what to do with your old phone, then here’s your answer. Sell old mobile to Cashify and get the best price for it. If you are planning to buy a new phone, check out Cashify’s refurbished mobile phones. You can get your favourite phone at almost half price with six-month warranty, 15 days refund and free delivery.
Surbhi Verma
Engineer by Degree, Writer by Profession. I have tried my hands on different genre of writing only to end up finding technology to be my forte.