Apple enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the release of the tech giant’s latest operating system, iOS 18, expected to debut in June. Promising cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, the update heralds a new era of smart device functionality.
However, as excitement builds, a stark reality emerges: not all iPhone models will be able to harness the power of iOS 18.
According to reports from the multiple trusted news outlets like Daily Mail, Apple’s forthcoming iOS upgrade will exclude users of iPhones manufactured before 2018. This includes devices in the SE series and the 8 Plus model or earlier iterations. The reason behind this exclusion lies in the outdated hardware components of these older models, featuring slower processors and less RAM incapable of supporting the robust features of iOS 18.
Dubbed Apple’s “largest” upgrade to date, iOS 18 is poised to introduce significant advancements in language models and other AI technologies. The introduction of the A12 Bionic chip with the iPhone XR and iPhone XS models in 2018 paved the way for the iOS 18 update. Consequently, devices wishing to run the latest iOS iteration must boast this advanced chip.
The disparity in processing power between the A12 Bionic chip and its predecessors, namely the A11 Bionic chip (present in iPhone X, 8, and 8 Plus) and the A10 Fusion chip (featured in iPhone 7 and 7 Plus), renders older devices inadequate for supporting iOS 18 effectively.
Traditionally, Apple discontinues support for iPhone models unable to accommodate the latest iOS release. However, contrary to expectations, the company has opted to retain support for the iPhone seven and eight series this year.
For users clinging to older iPhone models, the implications are clear: access to iOS 18 and subsequent software updates will be forfeited. To ensure compatibility, users must possess iPhone series 11 through 15 models or the second and third-generation SE, XR, XS, or XS Max devices.
As Apple prepares to unveil iOS 18 and its groundbreaking AI-powered features, the divide between old and new iPhone models underscores the rapid evolution of technology and the importance of staying abreast of hardware advancements. With the digital landscape continually evolving, users must consider the implications of device compatibility when navigating the ever-changing realm of smart technology.
By Noel Nortei
