Apple‘s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this year was a showcase of the company’s growing prowess in artificial intelligence. Chief among these advancements was iOS 18, the next major update to the iPhone‘s operating system. Packed with AI-driven enhancements to Siri, Photos, Messages, and even Health and Calculator, iOS 18 promises a smarter, more intuitive user experience.

However, the excitement around iOS 18 is tempered by the reality of technological obsolescence. As with every new iOS release, Apple typically drops support for older iPhone models. This year, the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 series have been given the boot.

Which iPhones will get iOS 18?

While the full list of compatible devices is yet to be officially announced, it’s safe to assume that most iPhone models released in recent years will be eligible for the update.

The AI divide: not all iPhones are created equal

A particularly noteworthy aspect of iOS 18 is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI features designed to revolutionize how we interact with our iPhones. Unfortunately, this cutting-edge technology is reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, which boast the processing power necessary to handle complex AI workloads.

This creates a digital divide among iPhone users. While everyone can enjoy the general improvements offered by iOS 18, only owners of the latest and most expensive iPhones will have access to the full potential of Apple’s AI advancements.

When can we expect iOS 18?

Apple has a history of releasing public beta versions of its operating systems shortly after WWDC, allowing users to get a sneak peek at upcoming features and help identify bugs. iOS 18 public beta is already available.

The final, stable version of iOS 18 is expected to arrive in the fall, coinciding with Apple’s traditional iPhone launch event. This is when we can anticipate the official unveiling of the iPhone 16 series, likely featuring the next generation of Apple’s powerful A-series chips.

The future of iPhone support

The decision to discontinue support for the iPhone X and iPhone 8 series is a stark reminder of the cyclical nature of technology. As iPhone models become increasingly sophisticated, older devices inevitably fall behind. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability of Apple’s ecosystem and the potential for users to feel pressured to upgrade their phones more frequently.

While iOS 18 promises to be a significant step forward for iPhone users, the reality is that not everyone will be able to fully experience its benefits.