Can iPhone XR update to iOS 18?

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Can iPhone XR update to iOS 18?

So I just bought my buddies old iPhone XR from him, it wouldn’t let me do the set up from another iPhone and told me I couldn’t re-enroll into the beta program because on my iPhone 11 Pro Max I have iOS 18.1. I thought it was weird so I just set up with no data or app transfer, it seemed weird. I went into settings to check the battery health and the battery icon wasn’t in the new place. Then I figured I’m on iOS 17.7, wrong, I’m actually somehow on iOS 16.0. As much as I want to keep this, I’m having major problems singing into my Apple ID for iMessage and FaceTime. It tells me that it can’t connect to iMessage servers. I’m going to figure that because I’m on iOS 16 somehow, it’s interfering with my Apple ID sign in.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone XR, iOS 16

Posted on Oct 1, 2024 6:35 PM

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Answer 1

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Servant of Cats

Level 7

33,719 points

Oct 1, 2024 7:07 PM in response to Mineman130

The iPhone XR is compatible with iOS 18.

If the phone is on some version of iOS 16 right now, it will probably be offering you updates both to iOS 17.7 and to iOS 18. I updated my phone from iOS 16 to iOS 17 just the other day – so I doubt if being on iOS 16 is keeping you from doing an update.

If you are running a beta version of iOS 18 on your iPhone 11 Pro Max, that might interfere with features like Quick Start, or with restoration of a backup to a new iPhone. It's a good idea to run beta versions only on spare phones that you do not need for everyday use – not on phones that you must rely on every day.

Another question. Did your friend prepare the phone properly for transfer?

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If he did, the phone should have opened up to the "Hello" screen. If it didn't, take it back to him. Ask him to carry out these steps and then return the phone to you.

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Answer 2

Oct 2, 2024 5:40 AM in response to Mineman130

If you are on iOS 16 now, and you have automatic updates disabled, your choices are as follows:

Remain on iOS 16.
Update to iOS 17.7. (Limited-time choice; may disappear without warning.)
Update to iOS 18.

I can see why you might be cautious. Your phone has only 3 GB of RAM – it is one of only two models compatible with iOS 18 to have that little. It also is one of the oldest iPhones that can run iOS 18.

My iPhone is somewhat newer, with a bit more RAM – but I decided to go with door 2, while I still could. Choosing door 2 does not keep you from choosing door 3 later. Once you choose door 3, you can never go back …

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Answer 3

Oct 2, 2024 5:43 AM in response to Mineman130

As for using iMessages, you should be able to do that on iOS 16. Maybe if you describe the problem you are having with that in more detail, someone could suggest a fix. Then you could make the decision on what iOS update to install (if any) on its own merits.

If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime on your iPhone - Apple Support

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Answer 4

Mineman130 Author

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16 points

Oct 2, 2024 5:02 AM in response to Servant of Cats

Sorry, the title got renamed. My question wasn’t can I update, because I know I can. My problem is that while I’m iOS 16.0 I can’t sign into iMessage at all, I don’t want to update to iOS 18 because the XR is super snappy on iOS 16. And yes my friend did reset it correctly, it started with the hello screen.

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Answer 5

Mineman130 Author

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16 points

Oct 3, 2024 7:57 AM in response to Mineman130

Nevermind, for some reason I tried signing into iMessage one last time so for the heck of it but it worked. After that I deleted the IOS 17.7 update and am still signed into iMessage. Thank you for the comments and helpful words along the way.

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Answer 6

Mineman130 Author

Level 1

16 points

Oct 3, 2024 7:01 AM in response to Servant of Cats

I have decided to do door 2. I did make a back up of my IOS 16.0 though if i ever want to go back. I'm hoping that IOS 17.7 doesn't slow down my phone to much and helps my problem for my iMessage.

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Can iPhone XR update to iOS 18?

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