iOS 12 release date news 2018: New OS to support older iPhone models

The iPhone 5S is about to turn five years old this September, although many users still find the device to be very reliable. However, as the specs and features of the said iPhone model have already been outdated, the iPhone 5S is left out in the previous iOS updates. However, that may not be the case with the upcoming iOS version as a WebKit test preview hints that the iOS 12 update will support the iPhone 5S.

iOS 11 preview in different Apple devicesApple

Per Tech Radar, the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S variants were missed out during the iOS 11 launch last year, and this is already expected because these devices' core hardware are not powerful enough to run the advanced software features of the current iOS version.

Although, there will be a different story in 2018 as a recent WebKit test shows a listing that has the iPhone 5S running the iOS 12 version. To note, the WebKit is an open source browser engine that is used in Safari.

The WebKit test listing was first spotted by MacGeneration, in which a particular block of text states "iPhone 5S running iOS 12." If this bit of information turns out to be correct, the public can expect the outdated iPhone model getting the latest iOS version upon its release later this year.

Still, this text is not a total guarantee that the iOS 12 will support the iPhone 5S, given that the OS update is still under development. If anything, this is a good sign that Apple is open to the possibility of having the iOS 12 support older iPhone models.

Even though the iPhone 5S was released way back in 2013, there might still be a way for the device to handle the iOS 12 update, especially if the upcoming software will have water-down features for reduced hardware demands.

Based on the latest rumors, the iOS 12 will focus on improved battery performance features and system reliability, and it is not expected to introduce new features like the iOS 11. Anyway, the current iOS version has already exhausted all the new and exciting ways to explore Apple's mobile operating system that there is only little left for the iOS 12.

The iOS 12 is expected to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2018 on June 4.