Apple and iOS 18

Are Older Devices Being Left Behind?

The release of iOS 18 has generated excitement among Apple users, but for those with older devices, it has brought mounting frustration. Content creator and former Apple Sales Specialist Tyler Morgan has warned users with older iPhones not to download the update—a cautionary note echoed by many experiencing performance woes firsthand.

As a user with several older iPhones and iPads, I decided to test iOS 18 myself. Unfortunately, my findings align with the warnings. Slower performance and accelerated battery drain have left these once-reliable devices struggling to keep up. While some may see this as the natural progression of technology, it’s difficult not to recall controversies like the “batterygate” scandal, when Apple admitted to throttling older devices under the guise of battery preservation.

Why does this happen? New software updates like iOS 18 bring features and improvements designed for the latest models, but they also tend to push older hardware beyond its limits. This often results in a noticeable decline in speed and battery life, leaving users at a crossroads: adapt to diminished performance or upgrade to a newer device.

For those still using older hardware, the most practical advice may be the simplest: don’t update. While some tips, like enabling Low Power Mode or disabling Background App Refresh, can provide marginal relief, they do little to counteract the demands of updates like iOS 18.

---

---

This situation raises questions about inclusivity in technology. Apple’s commitment to sustainability and long-term usability seems at odds with updates that force older devices out of relevance. For users, it’s a decision between holding onto aging devices that function well enough or giving in to the pressure of upgrading.

For now, those of us with older devices might feel like we’re being left behind—again.

Petra Lugar

Abet News | April 14, 2025

Related Posts