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Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, set to take place from June 9 to 13, is fast approaching, and tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the debut of iOS 19. This latest software update promises new features and improvements for iPhones and iPads, but with progress comes a downsideāsome older devices will no longer be supported. Here’s everything you need to know about iOS 19, including which devices will be left out.
iOS 19 and Device Compatibility
Apple is gearing up to unveil iOS 19 at the upcoming WWDC 2025, with some significant changes expected in the software. As always, the update will offer new features and enhancements for users, but Apple has decided to phase out support for several older devices. The most notable casualties of iOS 19ās new compatibility requirements are the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. These models, equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, will not be able to run the new software.
The decision to drop support for these devices may not come as a surprise to many, as Apple has a history of discontinuing software updates for older devices. However, what makes this particularly noteworthy is that these models are still quite capable, boasting solid performance and features. While iOS 19 may not be available to users of the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, newer iPhones, including those in the iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 series, will be able to run the updateāalbeit with some advanced features reserved for the latest models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series.
Here is the list of iPhones that are expected to support iOS 19:
– iPhone 16e
– iPhone 16
– iPhone 16 Plus
– iPhone 16 Pro
– iPhone 16 Pro Max
– 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 SE (2nd generation or later)
This list gives a glimpse of the devices that will continue to enjoy the latest features of iOS 19, with those running on older processors like the A12 Bionic chip being excluded.
What Undercode Says:
As Apple continues to innovate and release new devices, its policy of dropping support for older models with each new software update remains consistent. The decision to exclude iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max from receiving iOS 19 highlights a significant trend: the company prioritizes keeping its most recent devices up-to-date with cutting-edge features, while gradually leaving older models behind.
This move is not entirely unexpected. Apple has always adopted a gradual approach to phasing out devices that no longer meet the performance requirements for running the latest iOS versions. For many users, these older iPhones still perform well, but the fact remains that they lack the necessary hardware to support the new features and optimizations found in iOS 19. Appleās focus is increasingly shifting toward the more advanced capabilities of its newer devices, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 16 series, which are expected to deliver enhanced AI capabilities and more powerful hardware.
Another point to consider is the practical implications of iOS 19 for users. While iPhone owners of the XR, XS, and XS Max may feel disappointed, it’s important to remember that iPhones typically receive software updates for about 5-6 years. For many users, the lack of iOS 19 compatibility may not be a dealbreaker. These devices will continue to receive security updates for some time, so theyāll remain secure and functional for the foreseeable future. However, the exclusion of these models from iOS 19 signals a larger trend in the tech industry: the ever-quickening pace of technological progress, which makes it difficult for older hardware to keep up.
As Apple looks to maintain its leadership in the smartphone market, the emphasis on new technologies, including AI, augmented reality (AR), and the new intelligence features integrated into the iPhone 15 and 16, will mean that only the latest hardware will fully benefit from these capabilities. Users with older iPhones may feel left behind, but the reality is that the tech ecosystem is constantly evolving, and Appleās decision ensures that the newer models are optimized for these advancements.
Apple is also very clear about its efforts to ensure that users continue to have access to its ecosystem of applications, services, and innovations, but that requires embracing newer hardware. For those who want the full suite of iOS 19 features, upgrading to a newer iPhone may be the only way forward.
Fact Checker Results:
- Compatibility: The drop of support for iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max aligns with previous trends where older models gradually lose support for the latest software updates.
- Processor limitations: The A12 Bionic chip is indeed likely to be phased out of compatibility with iOS 19, as it struggles to meet the requirements for newer features.
- Security: While iPhones that no longer support iOS 19 wonāt receive the latest features, they will still receive critical security patches, ensuring continued usability for some time.
References:
Reported By: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/apple-to-announce-ios-19-at-wwdc-2025-some-devices-may-miss-out-on-update-1870462
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