With iOS 18 now officially showcased at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC 2024), we’ve got a look at what’s new, including a more customizable home screen, a revamped Control Center, changes to first-party apps, and integration of Apple Intelligence.
There’s a lot to like here, so you might be wondering when and if your iPhone will get the iOS 18 update. The answer will depend on your iPhone model, so take a look below.
Which iPhone models can download iOS 18?
As with every iOS release, the iOS 18 update should be available on most — though not all — iPhone models. The minimum requirements are that your iPhone must have an A12 Bionic chip and newer. If you have an iPhone with an A11 Bionic chip and older, you’re out of luck unfortunately.
To be able to get the update, you’ll need one of the following models:
- 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)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
That’s a pretty solid list, and it shouldn’t be surprising that the iPhone X and iPhone 8 are no longer supported since they lost support when the iOS 17 update rolled out last year. However, it’s important to add the caveat that while all these devices will get iOS 18, not all of them will be able to take advantage of Apple Intelligence AI features. You’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max with an A17 Pro chip or iPads and Macs with M1 chips and newer.
What’s new with iOS 18?
The iOS 18 update comes packed with changes. The obvious standout is AI with improvements to Siri and integration into apps, but as mentioned, not all iPhones will be able to take advantage of it. Everyone will be able to use the new personalization options for the home screen layout, with the ability to place apps wherever you want, and the theme engine for color customization.
The Control Center has gotten a full redesign, with faster access to controls, including the ability to add and rearrange panels. You’ll also be able to swipe through different pages, and you’ll have better access to media controls and Home. There’s also support for third-party app controls.
A variety of changes and improvements to apps. Messages gets RCS support, Mail will have better sorting options, topographical features are coming to Maps, and there’s a new Tap to Cash feature for Wallet. Photos also got a major redesign, with a new Gallery at the top and the ability to view by years or months.
Apple continues to prioritize privacy with iOS 18. You can hide apps from your home screen and put them behind a hidden app folder that requires authentication to unlock. Finally, Game Mode will now be available on iOS, minimizing background app activity to give you smoother gameplay on your iPhone and better responsiveness with AirPods and wireless game controllers.
The iOS 18 update is already available to developers as a beta, and the official release is expected to roll out to compatible iPhones starting this fall.
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