During the Annual Developers Conference WWDC 2024, Apple presented several new features in iOS 18, its next major update for iPhones that aims to change the user experience.
While it is currently available in beta for developers, the official, stable release is expected to take place in September, at which time it will be available for supported models.
As with previous updates, not all devices will be able to support iOS 18 in its entirety. Apple has announced that only the most recent models will be able to have all the advanced features that this new version offers.
This approach was already observed with iOS 17, where certain functionalities were restricted to the most current devices in the iPhone line. Below we present a list of iPhones that will not have Apple’s recent update available.
- iPhone XR.
- iPhone XS.
- iPhone XS Max.
- iPhone
- iPhone SE (First Generation).
- iPhone 8.
- iPhone 8 Plus.
- All models released on the market before those mentioned.
Likewise, according to official information from Apple, These would be the iPhones that would come with the iOS 18 update in September.
- iPhone 11.
- iPhone 11 Pro.
- iPhone 11 Pro Max.
- iPhone SE (2nd gen. – 2020).
- iPhone 12 mini.
- iPhone 12.
- iPhone 12 Pro.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- iPhone 13 mini.
- iPhone 13.
- iPhone 13 Pro.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- iPhone SE (3rd gen. – 2022).
- iPhone 14.
- iPhone 14 Plus.
- iPhone 14 Pro.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- iPhone 15.
- iPhone 15 Plus.
- iPhone 15 Pro.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max.
One of the most notable additions to iOS 18 is the artificial intelligence called Apple Intelligence. This new technology takes Siri to the next level, with an optimized version that offers faster and more precise responses, as well as improvements in understanding complex commands.
However, due to hardware demands, These innovations will be available only for those devices equipped with an advanced chip and at least 8 GB of RAM.
Specifically, only two current models will be able to take advantage of these improvements, although Apple has already announced that future iPhone 16s will also have these capabilities. Among the mobile phones with AI are:
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
Another novelty in iOS 18 is a function intended to improve battery protection, but as with other advanced functions, this will be reserved for the ‘Pro’ line models.
This trend of technological exclusivity has been a constant in Apple’s latest updates, limiting access to the latest features to only a segment of users who own the latest and highest-cost devices.
Apple’s strategy of restricting certain features to the most advanced models is nothing new. However, with iOS 18, this trend has intensified, generating both enthusiasm and some frustration.
On the one hand, those with the latest devices are eagerly awaiting to take full advantage of their phones’ new capabilities. On the other hand, there is a significant segment of users who feel that their devices become obsolete faster than expected.
It is estimated that iOS 18 will be available in autumn 2024 and among other features it will have, Included are improvements to security and privacy, something Apple has focused a lot of effort on in recent years.
New privacy controls will allow users to have even more control over the data they share with apps, strengthening Apple’s effort to protect its customers’ personal information.
Additionally, users who want to update their iPhone to iOS 18 should keep an eye on the compatibility list that Apple has provided. Those who own older models may find that their devices are not eligible for this update or will only be able to access a limited version of the new features.
