iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 compatibility explained: which models are supported?

Editor's noteWe've updated this guide with reference to the iPhone 16e, new iPad models, and newer versions of iOS 18.

Both iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are now available to download, but which iPhone and iPad models are supported by Apple's latest updates?Helpfully, Apple has confirmed the device requirements for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, so below, we’ve listed every supported iPhone and iPad. If your device supports the software, it will be compatible with all subsequent versions of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 (e.g. iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4), too.We also have details on which iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 features aren't available on every device, since Apple is restricting certain tools to newer Apple chipsets.

iOS 18 compatibility

Even the iPhone 12 mini (above) is compatible with iOS 18 (Image credit: TechRadar)

Apple has confirmed that all iPhone models including and newer than the iPhone XS (i.e. any iPhone with the A12 Bionic chipset or better) are compatible with iOS 18. Incidentally, that’s the same eligibility criteria as iOS 17, so if you’re currently running Apple’s last-generation flagship software, you’ll be able to download iOS 18, too.The full list of iOS 18-compatible iPhones is as follows:

iPhone 16eiPhone 16iPhone 16 PlusiPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 Pro MaxiPhone 15iPhone 15 PlusiPhone 15 ProiPhone 15 Pro MaxiPhone 14iPhone 14 PlusiPhone 14 ProiPhone 14 Pro MaxiPhone 13iPhone 13 miniiPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 Pro MaxiPhone 12iPhone 12 miniiPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone 11iPhone 11 ProiPhone 11 Pro MaxiPhone XSiPhone XS MaxiPhone XRiPhone SE (2020)iPhone SE (2022)

iPadOS 18 compatibility

(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 (8th generation onwards)iPad mini models from 2019 and later (5th generation onwards)

Unlike with iOS 17, not every iPad that runs iPadOS 17 is compatible with iPadOS 18. Specifically, Apple has dropped 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

The Messages via Satellite feature is limited to the iPhone 14 series and upwards (Image credit: Apple)

Not every iOS 18 and iPadOS 18-compatible iPhone and iPad can benefit from every iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 feature.Apple Intelligence features, for instance, are exclusive to devices running Apple’s M-series, A18, A18 Pro, and A17 Pro chipsets, while the Messages via Satellite tool is limited to the iPhone 14 series and newer.Below, we’ve detailed a list of exclusive 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 with Apple.

Apple Intelligence features – iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and M1-equipped iPad and Mac models (or newer)Messages via Satellite – iPhone 14 or newerAudio transcription in Notes – iPhone 12 or newerEye tracking – iPhone 12 or newerMusic Haptics – iPhone 12 or newerWireless smart lock opening – iPhone 11 or newerEnhance Dialogue feature in Apple TV – iPhone 11 or newer

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