In just few days, Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event will kick off (here’s how to watch it), where the iPhone 16 lineup will be officially announced. The new iPhones will come pre-installed with iOS 18. However, if you’re not planning to upgrade to a newer model this fall, your current phone might not be supported by Apple’s latest operating system. If you do plan to upgrade, here’s when the iPhone 16 models are expected to hit stores.
Each year, Apple typically removes some older iPhone models from iOS eligibility. For instance, last year, the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X were excluded from the iOS 17 compatibility list, leaving those users unable to access new features.
We’ll help you determine if your iPhone will support iOS 18—which is expected to roll out in about two weeks—along with its new features like Apple Intelligence. Not sure what’s coming with the update? Here’s a breakdown of the major announcements from WWDC, including iOS 18 highlights.
iPhones compatible with iOS 18 The good news is, if your iPhone was eligible for iOS 17, it should still be compatible with iOS 18. That means you won’t need to upgrade your device to enjoy most of the new software features.
Here’s the list of iPhones that support iOS 18:
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS, XS Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
If you have an iPhone from 2017 or earlier (like the iPhone 8 or iPhone X), you won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 18, though your phone will still work—just without the latest features.
Will your iPhone support Apple Intelligence? Although your older iPhone may support iOS 18, only certain models will be compatible with Apple Intelligence, the highly anticipated new feature. Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are confirmed to support it, and it’s likely that the iPhone 16 series will also be fully compatible. We’ll know more after the official announcement at the September 9 event.
iOS 18 new features to expect Apple Intelligence is the standout feature coming with iOS 18, though its rollout will be gradual. Advanced features will be exclusive to newer models, but the iOS 18 update will still bring several exciting changes to older devices. Here are some highlights:
- Passwords app: A new app dedicated to securely storing your passwords and security alerts, making it easier to access and manage your credentials.
- Improved Messages app: iMessages will support bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough options, along with animated text messages. RCS will also be added to improve compatibility with Android devices.
- Revamped Photos library: The Photos app will get a redesign with options to create and pin custom collections. It will switch from a tabbed layout to a grid format, though the carousel view from the beta has been removed.
- Customizable home screen: You’ll be able to rearrange apps more freely, such as leaving the center space open for your wallpaper and positioning apps around the edges. Apps can also be tinted with custom colors and resized.
Other improvements will enhance key apps like Maps, Calendar, and Safari. For more hidden features, check out Cherlynn Low’s recommendations from the iOS 18 betas.
Is there an iOS 18 beta? Yes, and you can download it now—if you’re comfortable dealing with bugs and glitches. If not, it’s probably best to wait for the official release, which is just a few days away.