When the iPhone 16 series is officially introduced at the upcoming Apple event, iOS 18 will be integrated into these new devices. However, if you don't plan to upgrade to the latest iPhone series, you may be left behind with an older operating system that Apple no longer supports.
Every year, Apple removes some older iPhone models from the list of devices that can update iOS. For example, last year, the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X were no longer compatible with iOS 17, leaving users of these devices without access to new features.
So, is your iPhone compatible with iOS 18? Here is a list of iPhone models that can update to iOS 18 according to Apple.
The good news is that if your iPhone was able to update to iOS 17, it will still be able to update to iOS 18. This means you don't need to buy a new iPhone to experience most of the new software features.
List of iPhone models compatible with iOS 18:
iPhone SE (second 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
In other words, if you own an iPhone from 2017 or earlier (like the iPhone 8 or iPhone X), you won’t be able to upgrade to the latest iOS. However, your phone will still work, just without the new features and notable improvements that iOS 18 brings.
Is your iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence?
While your older device may still support the latest iOS, you probably won't be able to experience the Apple Intelligence beta . Unless you own an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max — the top-of-the-line 2023 models — your iPhone won't be eligible.
Experts predict that the new iPhone 16 models will be fully compatible with Apple Intelligence, but we will have to wait until the September 9 event for official information.
