Apple Shakes Up iPhone Lineup with iOS 18: Older Models Left in the Dust
Brace yourselves, Apple fans! The forthcoming iOS 18 update promises dazzling AI-powered features that will transform your iPhone experience. But there’s a catch — if your device was made before 2018, it’s getting left behind.
iOS 18 Unveiling at WWDC: AI Upgrades Take Centre Stage
Apple is set to reveal iOS 18 at the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) from June 10-14. This update is hyped as the biggest yet, packed with AI boosts to Siri and the Messages app, including Google’s AI Gemini integration for creating images and essays from simple prompts.
Sounds brilliant, right? Not if you own an older iPhone. Devices with the A11 Bionic chip (like the iPhone X, 8, and 8 Plus) or A10 Fusion chips (iPhone 7 and 7 Plus) can’t keep up with the heavy AI demands.
Who’s Out? Who’s In? The Tough Compatibility Line
Apple is cutting off support for a slew of older iPhones, stoking frustration among loyal users. Here’s the full roster:
iOS 18 Non-Compatible iPhones:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6 & 6 Plus
- iPhone 7 & 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 & 8 Plus
- iPhone SE 1st Gen
iOS 18 Compatible iPhones:
- iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
- iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd Gen
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 15 series
Users of iPhone 7, 8, and SE 1st gen will feel the sting, missing out on Apple’s fancy new AI tricks.
Beta Launch in July, Full Rollout in September – But Not for All
The iOS 18 beta testing kicks off in July with a full public release expected in September 2024. Apple’s AI leap promises to revolutionise how we interact with our phones, especially through Siri and messaging.
But beware: if your phone is stuck on those pre-2018 models, you’ll have to watch the future pass you by.
Apple is clearly pushing its cutting-edge tech—but for some iPhone owners, it’s time to upgrade or miss out.
