Apple Confirms iOS 19 Won’t Be Compatible with Many Older Devices

Apple’s much-anticipated iOS 19 update is set to bring significant changes, but it won’t be compatible with several widely used devices.

The iOS 18 update introduced major enhancements, such as ChatGPT-integrated features, an improved Siri, and Genmoji. However, its focus was primarily on refining existing functionalities rather than making sweeping design or software modifications—except for advancements like Apple Intelligence.

That trend is expected to shift with iOS 19.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this year’s iPhone software update will be ‘one of the most dramatic software overhauls in [Apple’s] history.’

While Apple has yet to reveal details, reports suggest users should anticipate ‘the biggest revamp since iOS 7.’ Expected updates include redesigned icons, fresh fonts, updated user interface elements, and a host of new features.

With every major software release, the crucial question remains: which devices will support the update? For instance, iOS 18 discontinued support for older models such as the iPhone 8 series, which launched in 2017.

There’s potentially good news for iPhone owners, as iPhoneSoft reports that all devices running iOS 18 will be eligible for iOS 19.

If this information holds true, it means that iPhones starting from the iPhone XR and iPhone XS/XS Max onward will be compatible with the upcoming update. Tom’s Guide also echoes this prediction, stating ‘iPhones released in 2018 would still be able to run Apple’s latest software update well into 2026, if this report is accurate.’

On the other hand, iPadOS 19—expected to incorporate many of iOS 19’s new features—may discontinue support for older models like the iPad 7 and the 2017 iPad Pro.

iOS 19 Compatibility List

Here’s a projected list of iPhones 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)

However, as with previous Apple updates, not every supported iPhone will have access to all new features.

For instance, Apple Intelligence, the tech giant’s AI-powered system, requires substantial processing power. As a result, energy-intensive features like this may remain exclusive to the latest iPhone and iPad models equipped with more advanced hardware.

For those who want full access to iOS 19’s new capabilities, there’s still time to upgrade.

Apple typically unveils its major software updates at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is expected to take place in June 2025. If Apple follows its usual schedule, an iOS 19 public beta will likely roll out by early July, with the official release slated for September this year.