As Apple prepares to release its iOS 18 software update later this year, iPhone users are eager to learn which devices will be compatible. Additionally, there are questions around which models will support the new Apple Intelligence AI features.

iOS 18 Compatibility
The good news is that every iPhone that currently runs iOS 17 will also be able to upgrade to iOS 18. This includes the following models:

iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max

Additionally, the yet-to-be-announced iPhone 15 series will almost certainly come pre-loaded with iOS 18 when they launch. This means the majority of iPhones in use today will be able to take advantage of the new features and capabilities that iOS 18 brings, including the ability to fully customize your home screen and control center, lock and hide apps, access an overhauled Photos app, and more.

Apple Intelligence Compatibility
However, the story is a bit different regarding Apple Intelligence - the company's new generative AI system for iPhone and other devices. This advanced AI integration will allow users to do things like quickly summarize text, generate personalized images, and give Siri more powerful conversational abilities.

Unfortunately, not every iPhone that supports iOS 18 will be able to take advantage of Apple Intelligence. According to the information available, the only iPhone models that will support these new AI features are:

iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max

This is because these two devices will be powered by Apple's latest and most advanced A17 Pro chipset, which is required to handle the on-device AI processing necessary for the Apple Intelligence system.

It's a safe bet that the next generation iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models will also support Apple Intelligence. However, it remains unclear if the standard iPhone 16 lineup will include the same AI capabilities, or if they will be reserved only for the higher-end "Pro" variants.

This means that a significant portion of iPhone users, even those with relatively new devices, may not be able to utilize the full scope of Apple's new AI functionalities when iOS 18 is released.

It's an important consideration for those looking to upgrade or purchase a new iPhone in the coming year. While the iOS 18 software update will be widely available, the more advanced Apple Intelligence features will be limited to only the top-tier iPhone models.

As Apple continues to push the boundaries of what's possible with smartphone AI, it's clear that device compatibility will be a key factor in determining which users can take full advantage of these cutting-edge capabilities. iPhone owners will need to weigh their priorities when selecting their next device.