Comprehensive Guide to iOS 18 Compatibility, Supported iPhone Models & New Features: What You Need to Know
With every new iOS release, Apple keeps pushing the hardware boundaries of what a smartphone should do. And iOS 18 is no different. iOS 18 Compatibility & New Features it promises were unveiled during one of the most dynamic Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynotes this summer. Funky as it has been with various updates to our decades-old device, this latest iteration brings some really smart features for making your iPhone smarter and more responsive than ever before.
We will explain in this detailed guide what iPhone models are compatible with iOS 18, what new features it brings, and what to do if your iPhone isn’t compatible. If you are pondering an upgrade, or just want to see what’s new in iOS 18, this is the article for you.
What’s New in iOS 18?
Before jumping to compatibility, let’s see what iOS 18 is offering. Apple has integrated advanced AI functionalities into several core areas:
- Siri Enhancements: It’s now easier for Siri to listen to everything you say and understand context, as well as run through more complex orders.
- Generative AI in Photos and Messages: For example, Images ought to be more intelligent about photo organization, while editing tools should get better as well as AI powering suggestions in Messages make messages more dynamic.
- Health and Fitness Upgrades: The Health app was updated with new features to give you deeper insight into your wellness metrics, and the Calculator app was updated with improved usability.
- Home Screen Customization: New widget styles, and interactive elements for your home screen.
However, iOS 18 also has these features, but comes with increased power demands — especially in terms of processing power and memory — and what devices can effectively run it depends on which iPhones they are.
iPhone Models Compatible with iOS 18
Just like each major iOS release, support for older devices is phased out and new features focus on the latest hardware, and that’s just the case with iOS 18, supporting an array of iPhone models, while leaving some older models behind. Here’s a comprehensive list of iPhones that can seamlessly run iOS 18:
iPhone 16 Series
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Users of the iPhone 16 series get all new features at the same time thanks to pre-installed iOS 18. With the A17 Pro chipset in these models, you get superior performance and efficiency for what is necessary in handling the new AI aspects in iOS 18.
iPhone 15 Series
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
As they look to support the iPhone 15 series, the Pro models still get the best AI support. These, at least, [A16] come with the A16 chipset and at least 6GB of RAM, which should be more than capable of meeting the needs of iOS 18.
iPhone 14 Series
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
iOS 18 now supports iPhone 14 series, across both standard and Pro models. They come equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, one generation behind the latest chip, but enough power for most new features besides some of the most cutting edge AI integrations.
iPhone 13 Series
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
There is a balance between performance and functionality, but the iPhone 13 series is compatible with iOS 18. The A15 Bionic chip comes in these models and they keep getting updates that keep the models relevant and efficient for everyday use.
iPhone 12 Series
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 series has been verified compatible with iOS 18 and users get to enjoy the latest improvements available in the software. Even though most of iOS 18’s features run smoothly on these devices thanks to the A14 Bionic chip, the chips in newer models will handle some high-end AI features better.
iPhone 11 Series
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
The A13 Bionic chip remains on the iPhone 11 series along with iOS 18, meaning a solid user experience for those who still have old iPhones still in the fold. All these models cannot support the most advanced AI features, but they can work easily with everyday tasks.
iPhone XS and XR Series
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
All iPhones manufactured in 2018 are supported by iOS 18 including the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and so on. Running the new OS, powered by A12 Bionic chip, these devices can handle these devices with ease but with some performance limits in case of AI intensive applications due to age of these devices.
and later iPhone SE (2nd Generation)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone SE (4th generation)
With this update, the iPhone SE series continues to receive updates to iOS 18 — despite the fact that these devices are budget friendly and offer a smaller phone without sacrificing on the software front. Despite being 2nd generation SE now, it’s still compatible with the A13 and so it’s going to have longevity if you’re in the Apple ecosystem.
iOS 18 is Not Supported for iPhone Models
iOS 18 is available for a variety of iPhone models, but some of the older phones are not compatible. Here’s a look at the models that have been left behind:
- iPhone X and Earlier Models: If the iPhone X was once a flagship for someone who never upgraded on iOS, the iPhone X isn’t a flagship anymore — because it no longer works with iOS 18. All iPhones from iPhone 8 series and earlier are also not compatible with this list.
- Running on off the shelf chipsets that don’t have the grunt to deal with the demands of the latest of iOS features, in particular the AI additions that require significantly more data processing power.
Reserved for Newer iPhone Models
Regardless, most of iOS 18’s most interesting features are reserved for recent iPhones. These features leverage the advanced hardware found in the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and newer devices:
- Advanced AI Integrations in Siri: Siri needs the power of A17 Pro or newer bionic in the latest iPhone models to get the best AI capabilities. This then allows more natural and context aware interactions.
- Generative AI in Photos and Messages: Both of these features need higher RAM and more powerful processors so they can run more smoothly and do tasks better with all the help of AI.
- Apple Intelligence Features: This bunch of tools, including better automation and predictive capabilities, are generally available now on the most recent hardware to make sure its the most energy efficient and useful.
Let Us Compare iOS 18 Beta and Final Release
With Apple taking a structured approach to new iOS version releases, from beta to final public release, we regularly check in with the next iOS version to see if features we’re currently missing are in the queue. iOS 18 Compatibility & New Features can help users understand the differences between the beta and final version of iOS 18 because that means they will face fewer issues and know in advance that any updates from beta iOS 18 Compatibility & New Features will require replacing it with the most recent iOS 18 version available to them, which will likely have many of the bugs squashed and the rest of the changes limited to bug fixes.
iOS 18 Beta
The beta version of iOS 18 is mainly for developers to start testing the current new features and give feedback. Key characteristics of the beta version include:
- Incomplete Features: By no means is everything, including the full suite of AI bells and whistles, fully integrated or working in the beta release. It might not be complete as the final version; users may probably only get some limited functionality.
- Bugs and Stability Issues: Just like with any other beta software in existence, iOS 18 Compatibility & New Features beta may still have bugs, glitches, and potential performance issues which haven’t yet been fixed. This is less stable and is not recommended for everyday use by your everyday public.
- User Feedback: It’s important for Apple to test its product in the beta phase to get user feedback, catch bugs and make changes, before sharing software out this time to a wider audience.
iOS 18 Final Release
That’s the polished final release of iOS 18, mindful of our beta testing feedback. Characteristics of the final release include:
- Stability and Performance: During the beta, most of the bugs discovered in the first phase are solved to produce a better adjusted and dependable OS.
- Full Feature Set: The complete AI features are fully operational and optimized for performance.
- Broader Compatibility: Optimizations for a larger variety of models within the supported set may be included in the final release to maintain a consistent flow across fewer, but more diverse, devices.
iOS 18 Release Timeline
As a rule, Apple releases iOS versions more or less periodically. For iOS 18, the sequence of events unfolded as follows:
- WWDC Announcement: iOS 18 was officially announced by Apple at its summer WWDC keynote and we got a look at new features and updates.
- Public Beta Release: A few weeks after WWDC, in mid July, Apple started opening iOS 18 to public beta testing. This phase was to give developers and users a chance to give it a spin and report any issues with it.
- Final Release: After the beta testing period, on September 16 Apple officially released iOS 18 to the public after its “Glowtime” event. As part of the rollout, Apple Intelligence features were gradually made available to devices that support them over the coming months.
Software Beta Phases
Software development doesn’t actually start in alpha; this is beta … and there are a number of reasons why beta is important. Here’s a closer look at what a software beta entails:
- Purpose: The main purpose of a beta release is to spot and fix bugs, improve performance, and ensure that new features work in the way that was expected on different mobile phones on different use cases.
- Participants: Beta testing normally includes developers, early adopters, and users that just elected for the beta program. It is invaluable for them to provide feedback to fix bugs which may have not been spotted physically in the internal testing.
- Duration: This beta phase can be a few months or even several weeks, provided there are no easy fixes to the number of defects in the source code.
- Iterative Testing: When Apple releases multiple beta versions which improve and fix based on previous’s feedback. This is one continuous, iterative process until we say that the software is ready for final release.
Embracing Apple Intelligence: Which iPhones Can Run It?
To some extent, Apple Intelligence is the bridge between what we’ve seen in pure Apple products and what we’d expect from something like Amazon Dash, the software-smart echo dot, which allows you to order things with your voice. But not all iPhones have the advanced features. Here’s a breakdown of which models are equipped to handle Apple Intelligence:
Apple Intelligence Supported iPhones
- iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Series: And thanks to these A17 Pro chipsets and their vast amount of RAM (8GB or higher), these models were the frontrunners in supporting Apple Intelligence. It can perform complex AI tasks in a smooth and efficient way.
- iPad and Mac Devices: In addition, Apple Intelligence is available for iPads and Macs with an M1 chip or above, and the latest iPad Mini 7 with an A17 Pro chip. It is cross device compatible, so you get a great experience across Apple’s product range.
Gradual Rollout
Staged Apple Intelligence rollouts are being delivered to compatible devices. This phased implementation gives Apple the ability to better manage server loads, monitor performance and make suitable adjustments (to ensure a consistent user experience).
New Prescriptions: Phasing Out Unsupported iPhones
If your iPhone model isn’t supported by iOS 18, such as the iPhone X or earlier models, you still have several options to consider:
Trade or Sell your Old iPhone
Apple’s devices have a huge resale value which makes it a cool idea to sell or swap your older iPhone. Here are some steps to maximize the value:
- Assess Your Device’s Condition: A lot of the phone’s resale value depends on exactly how it looks. Check that your iPhone is running properly, without dents and still has a battery of sorts.
- Choose a Trade-In Platform: Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, and other telecommunications firms offer trade-in programs. Compare to see who provides your device at the best value.
- Prepare Your iPhone for Sale: Ensure that your personal information is secure by backing up your data, signing out of all accounts and erasing the device.
Explore Alternative Uses
Older iPhones can still be valuable even if they’re no longer supported by the latest software:
- Dedicated Media Device: Make your old iPhone a dedicated music player, e-reader or a video streaming device.
- Security Camera: A home security camera doesn’t have to be expensive, and with the right apps, an old iPhone can do the job.
- Remote Control: Use it as a smart home remote control, or as a remote for your Apple TV.
Consider Upgrading
If your current iPhone no longer serves your needs or you need what’s newer, upgrading to a newer model could be the best way to go. The iPhone 16 series is packed with the most advanced hardware and is fully IR for iOS 18, with a great performance boost and fullest Apple Intelligence features available.
How to Get the Most Out of iOS 18
For those with compatible iPhones, here are some tips to get the most out of iOS 18:
Leverage AI Enhancements
Use all the AI integrations on offer in Siri, Photos and Messages. Customize the responses and commands Siri gives you in line with your custom workflow, and look at what Photo has to offer in terms of generative AI to help edit and organize in creative ways.
Customize Your Home Screen
Chase the customization with expanded options to customize your home screen with new widgets, interactive features, and layouts, carrying your style on the home screen.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Dig into the new Health app to see more of what’s happening with your wellness metrics. Set new fitness goals, and track your progress with the new fitness goals feature, the new enhanced Calculator app for more accurate and versatile calculations.
Stay Updated with Apple Intelligence Rollout
Watch the creeping rollout of Apple Intelligence features. Keep your devices updated to get these new tools as they roll out to make your overall user experience better.
Preparing for iOS Updates
Keeping your iPhone’s software up to date is an important part of security, performance and getting new features. Here are some best practices:
- Backup Your Data: Before installing a major update on iPhone, make it a habit of always backing up. Make sure your data is saved on the iCloud or iTunes, in case you mess up during the update process.
- Check Compatibility: See if your device is supported with the new iOS version and has enough space in storage for the update.
- Update Gradually: If you’re using a beta then be careful and if you can switch to the stable when it becomes available to avoid problems.
Conclusion
From its integration of advanced AI features to coins and ringtones, iOS 18 Compatibility & New Features stuffs in many more features than versions past. While that makes the very latest iPhone models the place where the most cutting-edge features can be found, it also creates a reason to make the device compatible with so many different models. Upgrading iOS to 18 brings an enhanced and smarter experience with an iPhone for users with supporting devices. If you have an older, unsupported model, selling or trading in your device is a viable option to stay up to date on Apple’s ecosystem.
So, while Apple keeps changing, and with it, lets its iPhones age too, you want to stay in the know about iOS 18 Compatibility & New Features and what’s new so you can get good use out of your iPhone — regardless of whether it’s new or an older, well-respected model. Get on the bandwagon and embrace the iOS 18 Compatibility & New Features advancements and the new possibilities iOS 18 offers in your regular daily interactions with your smartphone.