Apple's annual iOS updates are highly anticipated events, bringing new features, performance improvements, and security enhancements. With the release of iOS 18 on the horizon, iPhone users are eager to know if their devices will be compatible with the latest operating system. In this article, we'll explore the iPhones that are likely to receive the iOS 18 update based on Apple's historical update patterns and the latest rumors.
Historical Update Patterns
Apple has generally provided software updates to its iPhones for about five to six years after their initial release. This means that iPhones released in recent years have a high chance of getting the iOS 18 update. For example, iOS 17, which was released in 2023, was compatible with iPhones as old as the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, which were launched in 2017. However, Apple usually drops support for older devices with each new iOS release to focus on optimizing performance and features for newer hardware.
Likely Candidates for iOS 18
iPhone 16 Series
The recently launched iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, will undoubtedly be among the first to receive the iOS 18 update. These devices are equipped with the latest hardware and are designed to take full advantage of the new features and capabilities of the upcoming operating system.
iPhone 15 Series
The iPhone 15 series, which includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, was released in 2023. Given Apple's update history, these devices are also expected to be compatible with iOS 18. They have powerful processors and advanced features that can support the new software.
iPhone 14 Series
The iPhone 14 series, consisting of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, was launched in 2022. With just two years since their release, these iPhones are likely to receive the iOS 18 update. They offer a good balance of performance and features and can handle the new software without major issues.
iPhone 13 Series
The iPhone 13 series, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, was released in 2021. Although they are a bit older, they still have relatively powerful hardware. Based on Apple's past update patterns, there's a high probability that the iPhone 13 series will be eligible for the iOS 18 update.
iPhone 12 Series
The iPhone 12 series, which includes the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, was launched in 2020. While they are approaching the five - year mark, Apple has sometimes extended software support to devices of this age. So, there's a chance that the iPhone 12 series could get the iOS 18 update, but it might be on the cusp of being phased out.
iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Generation)
The second - generation iPhone SE was released in 2020, and the third - generation in 2022. These budget - friendly iPhones have been popular among users. Given their relatively recent release, they are likely to be compatible with iOS 18, allowing users to enjoy the latest features without having to upgrade to a more expensive model.
Devices on the Bubble
iPhone 11 Series
The iPhone 11 series, including the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, was launched in 2019. These devices are approaching the six - year mark, which is typically the outer limit of Apple's software support. While it's possible that they could receive iOS 18, it's also quite likely that Apple might drop support for them to focus on optimizing the new operating system for newer hardware.
iPhone XS and XR
The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR were released in 2018. They are among the older devices in Apple's lineup. Given their age, the chances of them receiving the iOS 18 update are relatively low, but it's not entirely impossible as Apple has sometimes surprised users by including older devices in software updates.
Conclusion
While Apple has not officially announced the list of iPhones that will be compatible with iOS 18, based on historical update patterns, iPhones from the iPhone 16 series down to at least the iPhone 12 series, as well as the second - and third - generation iPhone SEs, are likely to receive the update. However, devices like the iPhone 11 series and older, such as the iPhone XS and XR, are on the fence and may or may not be included. As the release date of iOS 18 approaches, Apple will surely provide an official list of compatible devices, so stay tuned for the latest information.