The Apple ecosystem continues to evolve and, next year, as usual, we will see the next major update to all of Apple’s operating systems. Along these lines, we have good news to tell you, since the guys at Tim Cook have chosen to keep users with older terminals happy.
According to the latest rumors, derived from the French portal iPhoneSoft.fr, iOS 19 will not leave behind any iPhone that is already compatible with iOS 18. In other words, if your device is capable of running iOS 18, don’t worry, you will also be able to enjoy of the next version that will see the light in September 2025.
iPhones compatible with iOS 19
This information has been supported by an internal Apple source, which indicates that yes, the older models will definitely be upgradeable to iOS 19, although surely with certain limitations.
Compatible devices range from the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max to older ones, such as the iPhone XS and iPhone which ensures that a wide user base will be able to experience what’s new in iOS 19.
If this information is confirmed, it would be the second consecutive year in which Apple has not removed any model from its list of devices compatible with its mobile operating system. A gesture that contrasts with what happened with iOS 17, where models such as the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X were left without support. This marks an interesting change in the company’s strategy, which seems to want maintain access to its latest innovations even on older terminals.
However, it is not all good news. As usual, not all features will be available on older models. Although the new features of iOS 19 have not yet been detailed, it is expected that some of them will require more modern hardware. For example, rumors suggest that in a future version 19.4, Siri could adopt more conversational capabilities, similar to ChatGPT, something that could be limited to newer devices.
The future of the iPad, somewhat less bright
While iPhone users can breathe easy, owners of older iPads will not be so lucky. According to the same source, iPadOS 19 will no longer be compatible with the seventh generation iPad released in 2019, marking the end of its update cycle. On the other hand, all other models that can currently run iPadOS 18 will maintain support, which leaves a bittersweet taste for tablet users.
The first beta of iOS 19 is expected to be presented during the WWDC 2025in June, to later be officially launched in September. Although there are still months to go before its arrival, rumors have already begun to fuel user expectations.
Will this be the update that marks a before and after in the user experience? We will have to wait to see if Apple continues to demonstrate that even the most veteran devices can remain relevant in an ecosystem that continues to advance.
