Apple’s big new iPhone software update is here. iOS 18 dropped today with a bunch of new features. But the age-old question with new software returns: will the update slow down your iPhone? Here’s what you need to know.

The problem with OS updates on older devices

Almost every time I talk to family members or friends about a new iOS update, the question comes up: “Will this make my phone slower?”

And unfortunately the answer is not entirely simple.

Apple continually releases software updates for its devices. Major updates, such as iOS 18, are released once a year.

Every major OS update is designed to support as many iPhone models as possible. This year, iOS 18 is compatible with a long list of models. The oldest supported devices are the iPhone XS and XR from 2018.

But be careful: old phones cannot always get new features without compromising performance.

Some people think that Apple is deliberately slowing down iPhones via software updates. But consider this: Phones from 2018 aren’t as powerful as phones from 2024. So the modern features from 2024 in iOS 18 probably won’t run as smoothly on an older device.

Ideally, Apple would do everything it could to minimize any performance loss. But there’s a limit to what it can do when it needs to run modern software on a less powerful, older device.

Apple could choose to deliver its OS updates only to newer devices, but that would create a whole new problem. Everyone would say the company is holding back new features to boost iPhone sales.

Making an informed upgrade decision

Will iOS 18 slow down your iPhone? Maybe, maybe not.

If you have an iPhone from the last few years, chances are you won’t notice much difference. If your device is older, things get a little riskier.

It’s entirely up to you: do you want access to the new features of iOS 18, or would you rather make sure your iPhone works exactly as it does today?

Sure, Apple wants to sell you a new iPhone 16. But the company does a better job than most when it comes to delivering ongoing software and security improvements to users with older devices.

There is even iOS 17.7 being offered as a new alternative to iOS 18, complete with important security updates.

Have you installed iOS 18? How was the performance for you?

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