Apple is set to unveil its upcoming iOS 18 update at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10th. This update is expected to bring a major change to the iPhone operating system by introducing advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs). iOS 18 will offer a range of innovative features that have the potential to revolutionize the way users interact with their devices.

However, this leap forward comes at a cost – compatibility. According to reports, the resource-intensive nature of these AI-powered capabilities will necessitate a powerful hardware foundation, leaving older iPhones incapable of harnessing the full potential of iOS 18.

At the heart of this divide lies Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, first introduced in the 2018 iPhone XR and XS models. This powerful processor, with its advanced neural engine and ample memory, is expected to be the minimum requirement for devices to fully support iOS 18’s AI features.

As a result, the iPhone 8 Plus and earlier models, as well as the first-generation iPhone SE from 2016, will be left behind. Their aging hardware, with slower processors and limited memory, simply cannot keep up with the demands of the cutting-edge AI capabilities slated for iOS 18.

This technical limitation has far-reaching implications – iPhones incompatible with iOS 18 will also lose access to future iOS updates, effectively rendering them obsolete in the face of Apple’s relentless march toward innovation.

On the other side of the divide stand the iPhones poised to embrace the AI-powered future of iOS 18. In addition to the iPhone XR and XS, this elite group includes the second and third generations of the iPhone SE, as well as the entire lineup of iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 models.

For these devices, iOS 18 promises a plethora of AI-enhanced features that could revolutionize the iPhone experience. Rumored capabilities include a generative AI app called iWork, which could allow users to create images and write essays based on simple prompts, leveraging the power of AI to unlock new realms of creative expression.

AI is also expected to play a significant role in enhancing existing features. Siri, Apple’s digital assistant, could receive a substantial upgrade, delivering more accurate and contextual responses to user queries. The Messaging app may incorporate AI to assist with fielding questions and auto-completing sentences, streamlining communication and increasing productivity.

As the anticipation builds for WWDC, the tech world eagerly awaits official confirmation of iOS 18’s features and capabilities. Traditionally, Apple’s developer conference kicks off with a keynote speech unveiling the company’s latest operating system updates for its various devices, including the iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and TV.

This year, however, the excitement extends beyond iOS 18. Rumors abound about potential software updates for Apple’s recently released Vision Pro headset, further underscoring the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.

One particularly intriguing speculation surrounds a potential partnership between Apple and Google’s AI bot, Gemini. If true, this collaboration could open up new avenues for AI integration, allowing users of newer iPhones to tap into Gemini‘s capabilities seamlessly.

In the words of Apple analyst Mark Gurman, “I’m told that the new operating system is seen within the company as one of the biggest iOS updates — if not the biggest — in the company’s history. With that knowledge, Apple’s developers conference in June should be pretty exciting.”