Apple's upcoming iOS 19 update won't be compatible with several popular devices still used by many.
iOS 18 has been one of the most game-changing software updates to date, introducing ChatGPT-integrated features, an upgraded Siri, and Genmoji.
That said, the update has mainly focused on upgrading existing features rather than making radical designs or software changes - except for the likes of Apple Intelligence.
But that's apparently going to all change in iOS 19.
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Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported this year's iPhone software update figures to be 'one of the most dramatic software overhauls in [Apple's] history.'
While the details are being kept under wraps now, if the reports are accurate, users can expect to see 'the biggest revamp since iOS 7.' This is set to include icon changes, new fonts and features, user interface elements and much more.
But with every major update comes the important question of which devices will be compatible. For example, iOS 18 cut supports for devices released in 2017 like the iPhone 8 series.
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There may be good news for iPhone users all round as, according to iPhoneSoft, all devices that support iOS 18 will be able to run iOS 19.
If correct, this would mean every iPhone from the iPhone XR and iPhone XS/XS Max onward would be compatible with iOS 19. Tom's Guide agrees that 'iPhones released in 2018 would still be able to run Apple's latest software update well into 2026, if this report is accurate.'
Meanwhile, iPadOS 19, which is expected to introduce many of the same updates as iOS 19, is rumoured to drop support for the iPad 7 and the 2017 iPad Pro.
Here’s the expected full list of iPhones that will be compatible with iOS 19:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 and 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 and 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 and 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd gen)
- iPhone SE (3rd gen)
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Although, if past Apple updates are anything to go by, not every compatible iPhone will get all the upgraded features.
For example, energy-intensive features like Apple's built-in AI system, Apple Intelligence, will be limited to the newer iPhone and iPad models with more powerful hardware.
Of course, you still have plenty of time to upgrade if you want to make use of iOS 19's new features when they arrive.
It'll be some time before the tech giant gives us an official glimpse of the next update. Apple typically announces its biggest software updates at WWDC, which is expected to take place in June 2025. If so, we can expect an iOS 19 public beta to arrive by the end of early July at the latest, with an official rollout in September this year.