iOS 18 released: What iPhone models can't get the newest update?

(NEXSTAR) — It’s mid-September which, as history shows, means another major iOS update has become available to Apple users.

Apple previewed Monday’s expansive iOS 18 update during its World Wide Developers Conference in June. In addition to AI-powered features and changes to text messaging, Apple says the update will bring more customization options to the iPhone, expanding on features iPhone users saw last year with iOS 17.

As long as your iPhone can get iOS 18 (more on that in a moment), you’ll be able to personalize your home screen more than ever before, schedule text messages, and stay connected, even without cellular data or Wi-Fi.

How to get iOS 18

Like other updates, you’ll be able to find iOS 18 under Settings, then General, then Software Update. You may have to get iOS 17.7, but then you’ll be invited to download iOS 18.

You’ll be asked whether you want the update now or tonight, and to agree to terms and conditions.

You may also need to clear up space on your iPhone to make room for iOS 18 — like other major updates before it, it needs at least a few gigabytes of space.

Who can — and can’t — get iOS 18?

If you don’t have enough space on your iPhone, you won’t be able to get iOS 18 right away. You also need to have an internet connection and may need to have your phone on the charger.

If you have an older iPhone, no amount of space or internet connection will help you get iOS 18. As is common practice with Apple, iPhones, at some point, become too old to handle the newest features (Siri, which is entering “a new era” with iOS 18, wasn’t even on iPhones until the 4S was made available).

The easiest way to know if you can get iOS 18 is if you were able to get iOS 17 last fall, and all of its subsequent updates. If you aren’t updated, Apple released this list of devices that are compatible with iOS 18:

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)

That means any iPhone 8 models and older will not be able to get iOS 18.

However, not all iPhones that can get iOS 18 will have the chance to enjoy the latest features. Apple’s highly anticipated Apple Intelligence will only be available on iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The Apple iPhone 16 plus during an event at Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California, US, on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Apple Inc. introduced the latest version of its flagship device, the iPhone 16, betting it can entice consumers with modest hardware upgrades and AI technology that’s still on the horizon. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Sending messages via satellite without cellular data or Wi-Fi will only be available on iPhone 14 and later, Apple notes. Only those with iPhone 12s or later will be able to use: live audio transcription on recorded audio sessions; haptics that allow “those who are deaf or hard of hearing” to “enjoy the Apple Music catalog”; and eye tracking to control their device “with just their eyes.” Third-generation iPhone SE models will also be able to get the latter feature.

Not sure which iPhone you have? Open the Settings app, then go to General, and About.

How long does the update take?

This can depend on the size of the update and your internet speed, according to Apple. Since iOS 18 is quite large, it could take longer than the average update (it took us about 40 minutes to download and update an iPhone 11).

You’ll still be able to use your iPhone while downloading iOS 18, but if you’re impatient, you could schedule the update to take place overnight.

You may not want to put off getting the update, though. Apple often pushes out security fixes and improvements with updates, and delaying iOS 18 could make your iPhone vulnerable.