Highlights

• iOS 18 supports iPhone models from iPhone 11 to iPhone 15 series.
• iPhone XS, XR, and SE models continue to receive updates.
• iPadOS 18 compatibility narrows, excluding devices with A10 and A10X chips.
• Major AI improvements expected in iOS 18, enhancing Siri and other apps.

Apple’s next software update, iOS 18, will be revealed at the upcoming WWDC in June.

Rumours are already swirling about which devices will support the latest updates for both iPhone and iPad.

According to a now-deleted post from a Twitter account with a reputable history of accurate iOS build leaks, the compatibility list for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 has been revealed, providing a glimpse into Apple’s plans for its next major software releases.

iOS 18: Keeping the Tradition

According to the rumour, the list of iPhone models compatible with iOS 18 is extensive, potentially including:

• iPhone models from the iPhone 11 series through to the anticipated iPhone 15 series
• The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR
• Both the 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SE

This lineup suggests that Apple is maintaining support for a broad range of devices, mirroring the compatibility list for last year’s iOS 17 update.

This continuity is notable, as Apple typically phases out support for older models with each new iOS version.

For instance, iOS 17 discontinued support for devices running on the A11 Bionic chip, like the iPhone 8 series and iPhone X.

The persistence of the A12 Bionic chip in the compatibility list shows that at the very least Apple is commited to extending the lifecycle of its devices, offering six years of software updates to the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max.

However, it’s worth noting that while these devices may support iOS 18, their older hardware may limit the performance and availability of new, AI-driven features anticipated in the update.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has hinted at significant AI enhancements, including a major overhaul of Siri and updates to Messages, Apple Music, and Pages.

Some of the older phones might have a bit of trouble keeping up with demanding AI-based tasks.

iPadOS 18: A Narrower Path

The outlook for iPadOS 18 compatibility is slightly less generous, particularly for older iPad models.

Rumors suggest that iPadOS 18 may not support devices with the A10X and A10 Fusion chips, which would exclude:

• 2017 iPad Pro models
• The standard iPad 9.7 (2018) and iPad 10.2 (2019)

This move would align with Apple’s usual practice of phasing out support for older hardware to ensure the best performance and user experience with new software features.

The A10 and A10X chipset is of an older foundry and has much larger manufacturing process as compared to the current M1 and A14 iPads.

The expected compatibility list for iPadOS 18 includes:

• iPads from 2020 onwards
• iPad mini models from 2019 onwards
• iPad Air models from 2019 onwards
• iPad Pro models from 2018 onwards

FAQs

Which iPhone models will support iOS 18?

iOS 18 is expected to be compatible with iPhone models ranging from the iPhone 11 series to the upcoming iPhone 15 series, including the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and both the 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SE models.

Will my older iPhone model run the new iOS 18 features smoothly?

While older iPhone models like the iPhone XS and XR will support iOS 18, their hardware may limit the performance of new, AI-driven features. Users can expect updates but should be aware of potential performance constraints with advanced tasks.

What iPad models will be compatible with iPadOS 18?

iPadOS 18 compatibility is expected to include iPads from 2020 onwards, iPad mini models from 2019 onwards, iPad Air models from 2019 onwards, and iPad Pro models from 2018 onwards, excluding devices with A10 and A10X chips.

Why are some iPad models not supported by iPadOS 18?

The exclusion of iPad models with A10 and A10X chips from iPadOS 18 compatibility is likely due to hardware limitations that prevent these older devices from delivering the optimal performance and user experience with the new software features.

What new features can we expect with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18?

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are rumored to introduce significant AI enhancements, including a major overhaul of Siri and substantial updates to Messages, Apple Music, and Pages, aiming to provide a more intelligent and intuitive user experience.

Which devices will be compatible with iOS 18?

Here’s what that rumor claims:

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)

What is iPadOS 18 compatibility ?

For iPad users, the same account reportedly says that iPadOS 18 will drop support for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, both of which were first released in 2017 and use the A10X Fusion processor.

As MacRumors points out, the iPad 6 and iPad 7 are also powered by the A10, so it’s likely that iPadOS 18 will drop support for those devices as well.

iPadOS 18 compatibility:

iPad: 2020 and later
iPad mini: 2019 and later
iPad Air: 2019 and later
iPad Pro 2018 and later

Also Read: Apple’s iOS 18 Is Likely to Be Its Most Ambitious Update Yet: Mark Gurman

Also Read: iOS 18 Rumours: AI Revolution, Enhanced Cross-Platform Messaging, and More

Also Read: iOS 18 Could Reportedly Get a visionOS-Style Redesign for iPhones and iPads