Apple Discontinues support for Older Devices with iOS 18 Update
Cupertino, California – December 4, 2024 – Apple has announced that the upcoming iOS 18 operating system will not be compatible with several older iPhone models, effectively rendering them obsolete for official software updates. The change impacts iPhone owners still using the iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and iPhone 8 series, among others.
The decision, revealed alongside the iOS 18 preview, means these devices will no longer receive critical security patches, new features, or Apple support. This impacts millions of users globally who continue to rely on these older handsets. Apple routinely ceases software support for older hardware to optimize performance and introduce new technologies requiring greater processing power. The last update these devices received was iOS 17, released in September 2023.
Specifically, the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X are no longer supported, alongside the iPhone XS and XS Max, and the iPhone XR. The company cites hardware limitations as the primary reason for ending support. iOS 18 introduces meaningful advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning,features that demand newer chipsets for optimal functionality.
This practice is common within the tech industry, as maintaining software compatibility across increasingly diverse hardware generations becomes unsustainable. Though,it forces users to upgrade to newer models to continue receiving updates,raising concerns about e-waste and the financial burden on consumers. Apple’s latest iPhone lineup, the iPhone 16, is expected to launch in September 2024, offering users an upgrade path to remain within the supported ecosystem.
