Warning to iPhone users as revolutionary new iOS 18 won't work on several popular iPhones

Apple has confirmed that its upcoming update to iOS will only work on more recent models of iPhone.

The tech giant announced that it will be releasing iOS 18, the latest update to the software running its hugely popular devices.

Updates to the system include the introduction of AI into Apple's smartphones.

There are also updates to things such as locking certain apps on an iPhone.

This is despite many apps including messaging and email apps such as WhatsApp and ProtonMail, as well as banking apps and even browsers already having an option to require FaceID or a passcode to open them.

There is also a feature which will allow users to send money by holding their iPhone close to another device.

You will also be able to hide certain apps from view or put them in a hidden folder.

Only more recent iPhone models will have the new iOS. (CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

In Messages, users will also be able to schedule messages to send for the first time rather than only being to send immediately.

Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering, said in a statement: "We are thrilled to introduce iOS 18.

"It is a huge release with incredible features, including new levels of customisation and capability, a redesigned Photos app, and powerful ways to stay connected with Messages."

Perhaps the biggest part is Apple's inclusion of AI in their new software.

Federighi said: "This release also marks the beginning of a tremendously exciting new era of personal intelligence with Apple Intelligence delivering intuitive, powerful, and instantly useful experiences that will transform the iPhone experience, all with privacy at the core."

iOS18 will feature AI for the first time. (Filip Radwanski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

However, users of older iPhone models may find that they are unable to download the new operating system.

That's because it's only available on newer models of iPhone, so if you have an older one then you won't be able to download it.

The models which can use the new system are: 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, and the iPhone SE 2nd generation or later.

So, if you have an iPhone X or earlier then you will not be able to download the new iOS.