By Apple has launched its highly anticipated iOS 18 update, introducing a range of new features for iPhones globally. As with previous major releases, users of older iPhones are concerned about potential performance issues with the new software.
While Apple aims to ensure compatibility across a broad range of devices, not all iPhones will run iOS 18 equally well. This year’s update supports devices as old as the 2018 iPhone XS and XR, but users may experience some performance trade-offs.
A report from 9To5Mac notes that while some believe Apple intentionally slows down older devices, the issue is more about hardware limitations. Older models simply lack the processing power of newer phones, which can affect how smoothly iOS 18 runs. Despite Apple’s efforts to optimize performance, running advanced features on older hardware can still lead to slower performance.
For users with recent iPhones, the update is unlikely to cause significant slowdowns. However, those with older devices may notice some decreases in speed and battery life. Apple provides an alternative for those hesitant to upgrade: iOS 17.7, which includes essential security updates without the added demands of iOS 18.
Ultimately, users must decide whether to upgrade for new features or stick with a stable, older version. Apple continues to support older models longer than many competitors, even as it encourages upgrades to the latest iPhone 16.
