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Every iPhone model that can be updated to Apple's iOS 18 (and which ones can't)

The upcoming software version features AI enhancements to popular apps, an improved Siri, and more.
Written by Maria Diaz, Staff Writer
iPhone 13 in Apple Store
Jason Hiner/ZDNET

Apple last week announced a string of artificial intelligence (AI) updates to its operating systems in one of the most jam-packed WWDC keynotes in the company's history. For the iPhone, Apple debuted iOS 18, 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: You can download iOS 18 beta on your iPhone right now. Here's how (and which models support it)

With every new iOS version, Apple pulls the plug on one or two older iPhone models, marking the end of the devices' software support cycle. Most of the newest AI features are reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, as they require the processing power of an A17 Pro chipset or newer. For just about every other benefit of the newest operating system version, here's the list of supported iPhone models.

Which iPhone models will get iOS 18?

According to Apple, these iPhone models will get iOS 18 when it becomes 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. We expect iOS 18 to be available in public beta by July. 

Also: Everything to know about Apple's AI features coming to iPhones, Macs, and iPads

The public beta program lets users test developing software to pinpoint bugs and performance issues. This is done so that software teams can make any necessary fixes and releases before the new system reaches general availability.

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.

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