Every iPhone model compatible with Apple's iOS 18 (and which ones aren't)

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Apple announced a string of artificial intelligence (AI) updates to its operating systems in one of its most jam-packed WWDC keynotes this summer. Apple unveiled iOS 18, the latest iteration of its smartphone software for the iPhone, which is now available for download. iOS 18 includes enhanced AI integrations in Siri, generative AI capabilities in Photos and Messages (most of which are still to come), and updates to its Health and Calculator apps.

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 those devices' software support cycle. Most of the newest AI features in iOS 18 are reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro and the newer iPhone 16 models, as they require the processing power of an A17 Pro chipset or later and 8GB of RAM or higher. However, iOS 18 is still available for many older iPhone models.

Also: My favorite iOS 18 feature stops me from being car sick - here's how to test it for yourself

We've added guidance below on how to trade in your old iPhone and more details about iOS 18 features. Here's the list of supported iPhone models that can benefit from the newest operating system.

According to Apple, these iPhone models can get iOS 18 now that it's become widely available:

iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
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)

Also: iPhone 16 Pro: Upgrading from iPhone 13 Pro or earlier? Your list of new features is impressive

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. Apple's new iPhone 16 lineup launched with iOS 18 out of the box.

The iOS 18 beta version differs slightly from the general release. Beta testers are given a release that has recently exited its alpha phase, so problems and bugs are expected to arise. The purpose of the beta phase is to gather user feedback to repair these bugs and address any user interface issues before the software is massively distributed.

Beta versions can also be incomplete and are not the final product, especially in the case of iOS 18, which didn't include Apple Intelligence features in the initial beta release. This means the iOS 18 beta version is more prone to bugs, glitches, and instability.

Also: My biggest regret with updating my iPhone to iOS 18 (and I'm not alone)

The general release will have ironed out most of these bugs and problems using the user feedback gathered during the beta phase, delivering software that isn't as prone to issues. However, they still happen, as we saw with bugs in the iPhone Messages app.

One example of this process in action is when Apple released the iOS 17 beta version in 2023. The early beta version featured the "End" button during a call that had moved from the center to the right, which was a big change for iPhone users. Disapproving feedback from beta testers resulted in Apple moving the "End" button back to the center of the screen, where users had been accustomed to.

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 process lets software teams make any necessary fixes and releases before the new system reaches general availability.

Also: Every iPhone model that will support Apple's upcoming AI features (including the new Siri)

Apple released iOS 18 out of beta on September 16, a week after its "Glowtime" event. The Apple Intelligence features will be available in stages for qualifying devices and are expected to roll out gradually over the coming months.

A software beta is a version of a program or operating system initially released to a limited group of users to gather feedback and iron out bugs. The beta release lets a developer or company test its software program or system to emulate real-world use before a general release.

Also: We've used every iPhone 16 model and here's our best buying advice for 2024

The beta phase follows alpha testing, where software is developed and tested internally within the company.

While many iPhone models support iOS 18, very few will support Apple Intelligence, Apple's AI features. Apple Intelligence is now available in a beta version for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series, iPads and Macs with an M1 chip or later, and the new iPad Mini 7 with an A17 Pro chip.

Also: iOS 18.1 public beta arrives with Apple Intelligence - how to try it now

Apple Intelligence will be part of iOS 18, iPadOS18, and macOS Sequoia, but will be released over time.

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.

The Apple brand is strong and holds significant resale value, so you can always sell your older iPhone and disclose that it's no longer supported for software updates. There's a lot of demand for older iPhones that are still functional and budget-friendly, but you can also trade them for credit towards a new device.

Also: The best iPhone models of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

Apple, Best Buy, and Amazon are just some retailers that accept iPhone trade-ins. iPhones' resale and trade-in values depend heavily on their condition and storage capacity. Features like an intact screen and a working camera greatly influence resale or trade-in values.

You can check your iPhone's trade-in value at one of these retailers or at a telecommunications company's authorized dealer.

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