iOS 18 gives your old iPhone new life
Your old iPhone is starting to slow down. Apps are crashing more often. The battery isn't what it used to be after two years. It's understandable that you'd think: time for the latest iPhone with iOS 18. But here's the surprise: even your 2018 iPhone XS will soon be running the latest version.
Apple is breaking with its own tradition of planned obsolescence. While Android devices no longer receive updates after three years, iOS 18 supports six-year-old iPhones . Of course, older models lack some AI features, but you do get the core improvements.
So before you drop thousands of euros on a new phone, check out what iOS 18 can do for your current device. A new battery or high-quality accessories can give your iPhone a new lease on life. Or pair your revamped phone with new AirPods for the complete experience. Sometimes, updating is smarter than replacing.
Useful links
- Discover refurbished iPhones with iOS 18 support
- View refurbished iPad Pro models
- High-quality accessories for your Apple devices
Which iPhones run iOS 18?
The list of supported devices is surprisingly long. Apple even supports models from 2018, which is a departure from its usual strategy. These are all compatible iPhones:
- iPhone XS, XS Max and XR (2018)
- iPhone 11 series: standard, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 12 series: standard, mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 13 series: standard, mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 14 series: standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 15 series: standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone SE (second and third generation)
Do you have an iPhone X or older? Then support unfortunately ends at iOS 16 or 17. Time to consider whether a refurbished, newer model is a good option. An iPhone 12 or 13 offers years of software support at a fraction of the price of a new model.
The most important innovations
iOS 18 brings substantial improvements that make your daily use more enjoyable. The update focuses not only on new features but also on refining existing capabilities.
Customizable home screens
For the first time, you can fully customize app icons and widgets. Place apps anywhere on the screen, customize colors, and create themes to suit different moments. The control panel has also become modular. Choose which buttons go where.
Messages with more features
The Messages app is finally getting long-awaited features. Send messages later, use text formatting like bold and italics, and reply to messages with any emoji. RCS support significantly improves communication with Android users. Photos and videos retain their quality, and read receipts now work universally.
Password app
Apple is introducing a dedicated password manager app, replacing the fragmented options in Settings. Syncing between iPhone, iPad, and Mac is seamless. The app generates strong passwords, warns of data breaches, and supports verification codes for two-factor authentication.
Apple Intelligence: The Great Absentee
The most talked-about feature of iOS 18 isn't coming to the Netherlands anytime soon. Apple Intelligence, the AI system that summarizes text and generates images, only works in English. It also requires at least an iPhone 15 Pro with an A17 Pro chip.
Older models lack these features regardless of your location. The difference between an iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro is therefore greater than just the camera differences. Consider this when considering an upgrade.
Performance on older devices
An iPhone XS or 11 runs iOS 18 without any major issues. Basic navigation remains smooth, and apps open reasonably quickly. However, you'll notice some performance differences during intensive tasks. The Camera app takes longer to process. Games load slower. Multitasking feels less fluid.
Battery life will remain roughly the same, possibly even slightly better due to optimizations. Apple is learning from previous updates that slowed down older devices. If you're unsure, try the public beta. This way, you'll see for yourself whether the performance remains acceptable.
Practical tips for older iPhones
- Remove unused apps to free up storage space
- Disable background refresh for apps you rarely use
- Reduce movement and transparency in accessibility options
- Reset network settings if you have connection problems after the update
- First make a backup via iCloud or your computer
When should you upgrade?
iOS 18 may add years to your current iPhone's lifespan. However, there are reasons to consider a newer model. The cameras on recent models perform noticeably better, especially in low light. The screens on newer generations are brighter and more energy-efficient.
A refurbished iPhone 13 or 14 offers a good balance between price and performance. These models will receive updates for years to come, have modern cameras, and support 5G. The investment is lower than a brand-new iPhone 15, while the user experience is comparable.
The installation preparations
iOS 18 will likely be released in September, alongside new iPhone models. The update requires approximately 6 GB of free space. Start the installation in the evening when you won't be using your device. The process takes between thirty minutes and an hour, depending on your model.
Check beforehand whether important apps are compatible. Some older apps may no longer work. Banking apps sometimes need time to be updated. Consider waiting a few weeks before updating if stability is crucial for your work.
After installation
Your iPhone may seem slower for the first few days after installation. The system indexes files and optimizes apps in the background. Give your device a few days to settle in. Restart regularly for optimal performance. Report any issues via the Feedback app so Apple can address them in updates.
iOS 18 proves that software updates can rejuvenate hardware. You don't automatically have to buy the latest iPhone for a better experience. Instead, invest the money you save in good accessories or an extra year of AppleCare+. Or save it for when a replacement is truly necessary.
Your old iPhone deserves a second chance
iOS 18 proves that your old iPhone is far from obsolete. Even devices from 2018 are getting valuable improvements that make daily use more enjoyable. Of course, older models lack the latest AI tricks, but you still get the most important updates .
Consider for yourself whether the performance of your current device is still adequate. If not, a refurbished iPhone 13 or 14 offers the best of both worlds: modern features at a reasonable price. Sometimes continuing to use it is the smartest choice, sometimes upgrading is the wiser option. iOS 18 gives you value for your money in both cases.
