The iOS 18 update, which Apple rolled out to users yesterday, has generated excitement among iPhone users but also raised some concerns. Specifically, owners of older iPhone models are worried about whether their devices will experience a decline in performance. So, is it really possible for your phone to slow down?
No Special Case for iOS 18
A frequently discussed topic in the tech world is the allegation that Apple intentionally slows down older iPhone models through software updates. However, experts emphasize that this situation needs to be viewed from a different perspective. It’s unrealistic to expect a 2018 phone to perform at the same level as a 2024 model, even with the latest operating system.
Modern operating systems like iOS 18 are designed for current devices and may not perform as smoothly on older models. While Apple makes efforts to minimize performance degradation, some issues are inevitable due to the limitations of older hardware.
Apple faces two options: either release software updates only for new devices or continue to support older devices. The first option risks accusations of limiting features to boost new iPhone sales and could alienate users who have paid a premium for their devices.
So, will iOS 18 slow down your iPhone? There’s no definitive answer. However, users of recent iPhone models released in the last few years are likely to notice little difference. Older models, however, may face a higher risk of slowdown.
Users will need to choose between benefiting from the new features of iOS 18 and maintaining current performance levels. Although Apple wants to market the new iPhone 16, it still offers better support for older devices compared to many of its competitors.
In Conclusion: If you’re using an iPhone 12 or an older model and are not interested in the new features of iOS 18, you might prefer to stick with iOS 17 to maintain your current performance. However, we don’t anticipate significant slowdowns for other iPhone models.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic in the comments.