What updates to iphone 18 and other operating systems have been made for users of older Apple equipment?

WatchOS 11, macOS 15 and iOS 18 all promise new features
Apple’s line-in-the sand on Apple Intelligence leaves many new features for older devices in iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11 – with some caveats. Apple’s list of compatible devices for iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia dates back to 2017 in some cases. However, Apple Intelligence will not be available on nearly all of these models. Apple Intelligence is an extensive set of new capabilities designed to help users find answers, summarize information, and work with their data. Due to the complexity and sophistication of these AI technologies only the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPads or Macs with M1 chips or newer are eligible for those AI-based functions. Apple’s WWDC 2024 keynote was split into two parts, one focusing on the new features in the next OS releases and another on Apple Intelligence. Apple didn’t mention that some features in iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11 as well as macOS Sequoia won’t be compatible with the oldest devices. Which devices are compatible with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, WatchOS 11, or macOS 15? Here’s the list of iPhone models that can run iOS 18: iPhone XR (2018
iPhone XS (2019).
iPhone SE second-generation (2020)Newer models such as the iPhone 11 or higher are also compatible. Many of the new features that will be available in iOS 18 starting in the fall 2024. These are the oldest iPad models compatible with iPadOS 18. They include the seventh-generation iPads (2019-2021), and later, with a screen size of 10.2-inches.
The 10th-generation 10.9-inch Apple iPad (2022).
The fifth-generation iPad mini (2019 and later)
The third-gen iPad Air 2019 and later
All models of the 11″ iPad Pro
Apple Watch: The first-generation Apple Watch SE, along with the Series 4 or Series 5 Apple Watch models, are no longer compatible with watchOS 11. All models of the Series 6 and newer Apple Watch SE are supported. MacOS Sequoia includes significant new additions, as well as new features shared with iPhone and iPad. Not all listed features will be available on all compatible devices. Apple made it clear in its presentation that not all features listed are available. It’s not as clear which older devices will get which OS update features. For example, the upcoming iPhone Mirroring feature will not run on Macs without a T2 chip. The two iMacs from 2019 will not be able use this feature as they do not support Touch ID. Siri’s improvements are expected to be one of the most exciting features of the new OS update. Siri will be able to handle requests in everyday language including accents and variations of phrasing. It should be able access a much wider range of information to provide better answers and handle tasks on the device. Apple has hinted, but not confirmed, that older devices compatible with these OS upgrades could receive some level of Siri functionality. Apple mentioned in its presentation that it would be able to send certain requests over to its new Private Cloud Compute. The new Ultra Wideband Home Keys feature is not compatible with the second-gen Apple Watch SE. The Series 6 Apple Watch cannot take advantage of Tap to Cash. Game Mode in iOS 18 requires second-gen AirPods. AirPods Pro are required for Personalized Spatial audio. Game Mode focuses graphics, processing and audio on game-playing. You’ll need an iPhone 14 to use the touted Messages Via Satellite feature in iOS 18. iOS 18’s live audio transcription requires an iPhone 12 and later, although Visual Voicemail works with models as old as the iPhone XS. Ultra Wideband unlock, which allows compatible locks to be opened by detecting your iPhone’s presence, requires an iPhone 11 or later. SE models are not compatible. If you’re using an iPadOS 18 compatible iPad or iPhone 11, the Enhance Dialogue function is only available if the device is running on iOS 11. If you want to use the upcoming Eye Tracking and Music Haptics features, you’ll need an iPhone 12 or iPhone SE 3rd generation. You’ll need an iPhone 12 or newer to use the iPhone eye-tracking feature. You’ll need a third-gen iPad Pro 11-inch or later or a fifth generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro. You can also use the current 10th generation iPad, third-generation iPad Air or later and current 6th generation iPad mini. The “Smart Script”, which emulates your handwriting, works on the latest-generation iPad, iPad mini, 10.9-inch 4th-gen iPad Air, or later, third-generation 11″ iPad Pro, or fifth-generation 12.2-inch iPad Pro. iPadOS 18 will bring new features to the majority of iPad models. Other features, like Math Notes, auto-categorization, and summaries within Mail, could be part of Apple Intelligence, and therefore not available on older devices. The beta program for new OSes is still ongoing, and testers are bound to discover some surprises as well as some restrictions. It’s not clear when iOS 18, or the rest of the OSes, will fully support languages other than English. Apple has confirmed that the transcription features will be available in a variety languages once the new operating system is released. You may want to upgrade one or more devices in the near future, especially if you’re interested in Apple Intelligence. We expect all models of iPhone 16 to be compatible with Apple’s new AI engine when they are released. We also expect that future iPads and Macs will support Apple Intelligence, as well as the full set of features of iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. Apple Intelligence envious people should know that not all features of Apple Intelligence are expected to be available before 2024. Users of newer and older devices alike will learn to use the “core features” of iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. These updates will extend the life of older devices compatible with these updates. Apple Intelligence will be available in its entirety by 2025, which may encourage many to upgrade sooner rather than later.