Can the iPhone 8 Get iOS 18 and How Do You Update It?
Can the iPhone 8 Get iOS 18 and How Do You Update It?
2 Answers

Alright, so you\’re wondering if your trusty iPhone 8 can jump on the iOS 18 bandwagon. Well, I\’ve got some news for you, and it\’s not exactly what you might want to hear.
Let’s cut to the chase: the iPhone 8 isn\’t compatible with iOS 18. The reason behind this? Technology\’s relentless march forward. iOS 18 packs in swanky features like Apple Intelligence (think AI on steroids), and a fresh take on photo management and customization. But here\’s the snag—these features demand a beefier processor (like the A12 Bionic) and more memory (4GB RAM or higher), which unfortunately, the iPhone 8 doesn\’t have.
When the iPhone 8 launched back in 2017, it was a total game-changer with its A11 Bionic chip and 2GB of RAM. Fast forward to today, and it\’s feeling a bit long in the tooth for the demanding needs of iOS 18.
Why the Hardware Can\’t Keep Up
- The Processor’s Got No Pizzazz: The A11 chip simply can\’t juggle all the fancy AI stuff iOS 18 throws at it, like smart photo editing and email sorting.
- Memory’s Maxed Out: Only 2GB of RAM? That’s gonna slow down when you try running those hefty new features. Imagine trying to fit an elephant in a shoebox—it just doesn\’t work.
Plus, Apple has its own rhythm. They typically keep pushing out updates for their devices for about 5-6 years. The iPhone 8 got its last big iOS party (iOS 15) in 2021 and it’s been wrapping up with security updates since then.
What You Can Do About It
Sticking with iOS 15/16: You can still get a lot out of your iPhone 8 by keeping things sleek and tidy. Ditch any apps you\’re not using, and keep backing up your stuff to iCloud. Sure, you\’ll miss out on the shiny new stuff, but what you have will run smoothly enough.
Thinking About an Upgrade?: If you’re itching for the latest features, it might be time to retire the iPhone 8 and look at something new. The iPhone XR or later models can handle iOS 18, but if you really want the full experience, the iPhone 15 series could be your best bet.
One Last Thing
Don’t be tempted to use risky methods to get iOS 18 on your iPhone 8. Things like jailbreaking or downloading beta profiles from sketchy sites can end up doing more harm than good. Playing it safe is always a smart move.
So, there you have it. The iPhone 8 might not be dancing to the iOS 18 tune, but you can still keep it humming along just fine with what it’s got. And when you\’re ready, upgrading will open a whole new world of features. Cheers!

Can the iPhone 8 Get iOS 18 and How Do I Update It?
Sorry to break it to you, but the iPhone 8 won’t be able to run iOS 18. Apple usually releases its shiny new updates for the latest models, and older ones like the iPhone 8 often lose out when it comes to the more demanding features.
Still, if you’re rocking an iPhone 8, here’s what you can do:
- Stay Updated: Even though you can’t get iOS 18, make sure your iPhone 8 is on its latest version, which is probably iOS 16 for now. Jump into Settings > General > Software Update to check or update.
- Consider the Hardware Reality: As awesome as the iPhone 8 is, its hardware just can’t keep up with the flashy new tricks packed into iOS 18. That’s the tech world for you.
- Think About Upgrading: If those iOS 18 features are calling your name, it might be time to eye a newer iPhone model. It’s a surefire way to grab all the cool new stuff securely and smoothly.
Curious to know more about which devices support the latest iOS? Check out the scoop on Apple’s Support page.