iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 compatibility explained: which models will be supported?

Both iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are expected to launch later this year, but which iPhone and iPad models will be supported by the upcoming updates?

Thankfully, Apple has already confirmed the device requirements for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, so below, we’ve listed every supported iPhone and iPad.

We also have details on which iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 features won’t be available on every device, since Apple is restricting some of these tools to newer Apple chipsets.

iOS 18 compatibility

An iPhone 12 mini from the front, on a table

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Apple has confirmed that all iPhone models from the iPhone XS and newer (i.e. any iPhone with the A12 Bionic chipset or better) will be compatible with iOS 18. Incidentally, that’s the same eligibility criteria as iOS 17, so if you’re already running the latest version of Apple’s software, you’ll be able to download iOS 18, too.

The full list of iOS 18-compatible iPhones is as follows:

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 (2020)
iPhone SE (2022)

iPadOS 18 compatibility

An Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021) on a table, with a keyboard

(Image credit: Future)

Almost all iPad models are available in multiple sizes, as well as Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations, so in the interest of readability, we’ve grouped the below list of iPadOS 18-compatible models into dated categories:

iPad Pro models from 2018 and later (3rd generation onwards)
iPad Air models from 2019 and later (3rd generation onwards)
iPad models from 2020 and later (5th generation onwards)
iPad mini models from 2019 and later (5th generation onwards)

Unlike with iOS 17, not every iPad that runs iPadOS 17 today will be compatible with iPadOS 18. Specifically, Apple is dropping support for the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017), the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2017) and the iPad 9.7-inch (2018).

Feature compatibility

An iPhone on a blue green background showing satellite messaging in iOS 18

Messages via Satellite will be limited to the iPhone 14 series and upwards (Image credit: Apple)

Not every iOS 18 and iPadOS 18-compatible model will benefit from every iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 feature. Apple Intelligence features, especially, will be exclusive to devices running Apple’s M-series chipsets or the A17 Pro, while Messages via Satellite will be limited to the iPhone 14 series and newer.

Below, we’ve detailed a list of limited iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 features, alongside their respective device requirements. Apple Intelligence features notwithstanding, we’ve only been able to track down information relating to iPhone compatibility, but we’ll be updating the list with iPad compatibility once we’ve been able to confirm that information.

Apple Intelligence features – iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and M1-equipped iPad and Mac models (or newer)
Messages via Satellite – iPhone 14 or newer
Audio transcription in Notes – iPhone 12 or newer
Eye tracking – iPhone 12 or newer
Music Haptics – iPhone 12 or newer
Wireless smart lock opening – iPhone 11 or newer
Enhance Dialogue feature in Apple TV – iPhone 11 or newer

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