What features of iOS 18 will be available for older iPhones (like from iPhone 12 -iPhone 15)?

iOS 18 introduces many exciting features, but not all will be available on older iPhone models like the iPhone 12 to iPhone 15. Here are some key features that will work on these models, along with those that won’t:

Features that will work on iPhone 12-15

1. Advanced Home Screen Customization

Rearrange apps and widgets

Place your apps and widgets right where you want them. Arrange them along the bottom for quicker reach, or off to the side to frame a favorite wallpaper. Or give each page of your Home Screen a unique layout that’s most helpful for you.

App Privacy with App Lock

Lock an app to require Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode for access. Information from the app won’t appear in other places across the system, including search and notifications, so others don’t inadvertently see sensitive information. And just as easily hide an app to move it into a hidden apps folder that’s locked.

2. Mega Upgrades to Messages

All-new ways to play with text

In addition to bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough, you can apply playful, animated effects to any letter, word, phrase, or emoji in iMessage — many of which are automatically suggested as you type.

Now you can send a Tapback with any emoji or sticker, including Live Stickers made from your own photos and stickers from your favorite sticker packs. Quickly access the ones you and your friends use the most with just a swipe.

With the satellite capabilities on iPhone 14 or later, you can stay connected with friends and family over iMessage or SMS even without cellular or Wi-Fi service. When texting people on iMessage, you’ll also be able to use key features like sending and receiving messages, emoji, and Tapbacks. And all your iMessages sent over satellite are end-to-end encrypted.

Support for RCS Messaging

RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages bring richer media and delivery and read receipts for those who don’t use iMessage.

3. Control Center is going to change big time

The redesigned Control Center features new groups of controls, which you can access more fluidly with a single, continuous swipe down on the Home Screen.

Controls gallery

All iPhone users will be able to add more controls from the Controls gallery, which displays all your options in one place, including new controls from your favorite apps.

Rearrange and resize your controls

Now users on all iPhones will be able to customize how your controls are laid out, resize them, or build your own groups of controls so they’re always just a swipe away.

4. Biggest redesign to Photos app ever

The updated Photos app helps keep your library organized, making it incredibly easy to find your photos quickly. With a beautiful yet familiar design, everything you need is right at your fingertips, allowing you to spend less time searching and more time reliving your favorite memories.

Easily browse by helpful topics

Collections automatically organizes your library by topics like Recent Days, Trips, and People & Pets. And Pinned Collections gives you lightning-fast access to the collections or albums most important to you.

5. Passwords app

Keep all your credentials in one place

Protected by secure end-to-end encryption and effortless syncing, the Passwords app securely stores all your credentials. It allows you to filter and sort accounts by recent creation, credential type, or shared group status, making it easy to quickly locate the accounts you need.

You can access the Passwords app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, as well as on Windows using the iCloud for Windows app. All your passwords sync securely across devices, and if you use AutoFill, your passwords will automatically be saved to the Passwords app.

This app is going to kill a lot of third-party password apps like 1password.

Restricted Features (not available or limited for iPhone 12-15)

On iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18 introduces Apple Intelligence, which draws on your personal context to give you intelligence that’s most helpful and relevant for you.

Apple Intelligence

AI features like custom emoji (Genmoji), AI writing tools, and image generation will only work on iPhone 15 Pro models and newer models

Siri Upgrades

Advanced Siri features with ChatGPT integration will only be available on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and newer 16 & 16 Pro models

Writing Tools

Apple Intelligence introduces new Writing Tools that assist you in finding the perfect words no matter where you’re writing. With advanced language features, you can quickly summarize an entire lecture, get a concise version of lengthy group conversations, and reduce distractions with prioritized notifications.

ChatGPT integration

With OpenAI's ChatGPT integrated into Siri and Writing Tools, you can access additional expertise right when you need it, without switching between apps. Siri can leverage ChatGPT for specific tasks, such as answering questions about photos or documents. Additionally, the Compose feature in Writing Tools lets you create and illustrate original content from scratch. You remain in control of when ChatGPT is used and will be notified before any of your data is shared. ChatGPT is available for free to everyone, without requiring an account, and subscribers can link their accounts to unlock paid features within these experiences.

iOS 18 brings exciting updates, even for older iPhones like the iPhone 12 through iPhone 15. Enjoy advanced home screen customization, message upgrades with scheduling and emoji reactions, a redesigned Control Center, music haptics for a tactile experience, and eye-tracking accessibility. While some features like Apple Intelligence and satellite-based messages are limited to newer models, these enhancements significantly improve customization, accessibility, and core functionality for your device. Embrace the new updates and enjoy a more personalized and intuitive experience with your iPhone.

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