Tech
Why you can trust ZDNET : ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Our process
'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
Home Tech Smartphones iPhone
The upcoming software version features AI enhancements to popular apps, an improved Siri, and more.
Written by Maria Diaz, Staff Writer
Last month, Apple announced a string of artificial intelligence (AI) updates to its operating systems in one of its most jam-packed WWDC keynotes. For the iPhone, Apple unveilediOS 18, available in its public beta version now, the latest iteration of the smartphone software, with enhanced AI integrations in Siri, generative AI capabilities in Photos and Messages, and even updates to its Health and Calculator apps.
Also: 5 cool things to try in Apple's iOS 18 public beta
Apple removes one or two older iPhone models from its list of supported devices each time it releases a new iOS version, marking the end of the devices' software support cycle. Most of the newest AI featuresare reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, as they require the processing power of an A17 Pro chipset or newer, but iOS 18 will still be available for many older models. Here's the list of supported iPhone models for almost every other benefit of the newest operating system version.
Which iPhone models will get iOS 18?
According to Apple, these iPhone models will get iOS 18 when it becomes widely available:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Notably, the once-popular iPhone X model is not on the list. Older devices like the iPhone 8 series also didn't make the cut this year. As for what's to come, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16 lineup in September with iOS 18, presumably with new A18 silicon.
When will iOS 18 be released?
Apple typically releases its new operating systems for public beta access a few weeks after WWDC. iOS 18 was released in public beta in mid-July. The public beta program lets users test developing software to pinpoint bugs and performance issues. This is done so software teams can make any necessary fixes and releases before the new system reaches general availability.
Also:Everything to know about Apple's AI features coming to iPhones, Macs, and iPads
Apple will likely release iOS 18 out of beta this fall, following Apple's September iPhone event, at which the company announces new models and potentially other hardware.
Which iPhone models will get Apple Intelligence?
While this list of iPhone models will support iOS 18, very few will support Apple Intelligence, Apple's AI features. Apple Intelligence will be available in a beta version upon its release for the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as iPads and Macs with an M1 chip or later. Apple Intelligence will be part of iOS 18, iPadOS18, and macOS Sequoia.
Also: My 4 favorite iOS 18 features make the iPhone a lot better, and more fun
Which iPhone models will no longer be supported?
iOS 18 will not be supported in the iPhone X, iPhone 8, or earlier models. The new iOS version will only be available for iPhones sporting an A12 Bionic chip or newer.
Featured
- Switzerland now requires all government software to be open source
- I replaced my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the Z Fold 6 for a week - and can't go back
- Can't hear TV dialogue? 3 fixes to dramatically improve your television's audio - and 2 are free
- My 4 favorite iOS 18 features make the iPhone a lot better, and more fun
Show Comments