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Millions of iPhone users risk missing out on free upgrade to be announced by Apple tonight

Millions of iPhone users risk missing out on free upgrade to be announced by Apple tonight

Only some phones will be able to access the free upgrade

There are millions of iPhone users who risk missing out on a free upgrade that is due to be announced by Apple tonight.

The tech firm’s ‘Glowtime’ event is set to make some huge announcements, with one being the launch of the iPhone 16.

Apple is also expected to confirm the release date for iOS 18, the highly anticipated operating system update.

Apple is set to make some major announcements tonight (Filip Radwanski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Apple is set to make some major announcements tonight (Filip Radwanski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

With the upgrade comes some pretty cool new features, including display customization and more message options.

With it, you’ll be able to use Genmoji to create bespoke emoji characters from your prompt.

Siri will also be getting a revamp and will be able to interact with items on the screen like adjusting the settings and editing photos

But the most notable addition in the works is Apple Intelligence, an AI feature which promises to change the way we use our phones.

You’ll have access to a summarizing tool for emails and you’ll also be able to record and transcribe phone calls.

All in all, you can expect a smoother experience from using your iPhone.

Apple's 'Glowtime' event is set to announce the new iPhone 16 (Apple)
Apple's 'Glowtime' event is set to announce the new iPhone 16 (Apple)

Apple Intelligence is a completely free new function, something that a lot of Apple competitors are charging extra for.

However, there is a bit of a catch - only iPhone models fitted with an A17 Pro system-on-a-chip will be able to access it.

This means that you’ll need to own either an iPhone 15 Pro or a 15 Pro Max in order to get Apple Intelligence.

If you don’t have one of those phones, then you’ll need to either pick one up or wait to preorder an iPhone 16 to use the feature.

However, if you have an older device, you’ll still be able to access all of the other updates that will come with iOS 18.

If you’re not sure whether your phone will be able to download the operating system update, go into your settings and check which version you currently have.

If your phone has iOS 17, then it’ll be able to download iOS 18.

Here’s a full list of iPhone models that are compatible:


  • iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation)
  • iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Featured Image Credit: NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty