The iPhone 16 series and Apple Watch Series 10 are officially here, as well as Apple's latest mobile software release -- iOS 18. But if you didn't decide to upgrade your tech, you might be left wondering whether the iPhone you're still chugging along with supports the new software. It's quite possible, as many older devices can use iOS 18. Its still a good idea to check, though.
You're likely wondering: does your iPhone even support iOS 18? Even if it does, will it support any of the new Apple Intelligence features?
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With iOS 18, your iPhone will get a host of new features, including the ability to fully customize your home screen and control center, lock and hide apps, access the overhauled Photos app and take advantage of Apple Intelligence -- Apple's new AI system for the iPhone and other devices.
Here's everything you need to know.
Which phones will support iOS 18?
For iOS 18, you'll be happy to know that every iPhone model that currently supports iOS 17 will also support iOS 18. If you're currently running iOS 17, you'll definitely be able to upgrade to iOS 18. Here's the full list of the iPhone models that will support iOS 18:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- 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 SE (second generation and later)
- 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
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See all photosWill my iPhone support Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence, Apple's generative AI system for your iPhone, is one important aspect of iOS 18. Apple Intelligence will be released next month with iOS 18.1, as a beta, for the general public. It's currently available on the iOS 18.1 developer beta.
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You can use Apple Intelligence to quickly summarize text in Safari, create personalized images in Messages and ask Siri to perform more complex tasks than ever before -- but Apple Intelligence isn't coming to every iPhone.
Only a few select iPhone models will support Apple Intelligence:
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple Intelligence will also be available on iPadOS 18.1 and MacOS Sequoia 15.1. It will only work on iPad and Mac models with M1 and later.
All the iPhone 16 models will have Apple Intelligence.
Patrick Holland/CNETThe two iPhone 15 Pro models are the only older models that support Apple Intelligence, because they both have the A17 Pro processor.
Which iPads support the new iPadOS 18?
The iPad's newest operating system update -- iPadOS 18 -- offers many of the same new features as iOS 18, including Smart Script, the new Calculator app and Math Notes with Apple Pencil. It also features an updated Document Browser and a redesigned tab bar for your apps.
The following iPad models are compatible with iPadOS 18:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen+)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen+)
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Air (3rd gen+)
- iPad (7th gen+)
- iPad mini (5th gen+)