While it is difficult to predict with certainty the exact list of devices compatible with iOS 19, as Apple has not yet announced the update, we still have a few friends within Apple to enlighten us. For one of them, the one who had already informed us about the compatibility of previous versions, Apple is going to cut the cord for certain models, after having left them safe under iOS 18. If you have an iPad, you risk to be disappointed!
iPhones compatible with iOS 19
As you know, Apple tends to offer updates for about several years after a model is released. Although it now guarantees 5 years, it often goes a little further, up to 6 or 7 years. While iOS 17 had ousted the iPhone X, iOS 18 had renewed the entire fleet of phones.
Good news for iOS 19, the compatible iPhones this year will all be going out for a spin, enough to put a smile on the face of customers. To justify this situation, our source assures us that the new products for 2025 will be meager. Among the arguments which plead in favor of a renewed list, our friend explained to us that he had not started the slightest functionality for the next operating system, which is a first for him. If Apple Intelligence occupies a good part of the resources, the drop in quality felt recently would be one of Craig Federighi’s priorities. Clearly, he and his comrades are still on iOS 18.X, when they are not activating visionOS…
So, here are the models that should be compatible with iOS 19:
- iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max (2025)
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max (2024)
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max (2023)
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022)
- iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021)
- iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020)
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019)
- iPhone XS / XS Max (2018)
- iPhone XR (2018)
- iPhone SE (4th generation) (2025
- iPhone SE (3rd generation) (2022)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation) (2020)
The iPhones on the list will therefore all be compatible with iOS 19, but not necessarily capable of running all the new features. Apple reserves certain features for the latest models and, since the advent of AI, the gap is even more noticeable. There is no doubt that the developments will be slim for devices lower than the iPhone 15 Pro.
iPads compatible with iPadOS 19
On the tablet side, Apple is sometimes very generous in terms of updates with iPads sometimes more than 7 years old, like the iPad 5 which currently supports iPadOS 18. All good things must come to an end, several models will leave us.
For iPadOS 19, the A10 chip in the iPad 7 has become too weak. Ditto for the iPad Pro 2017 which will be put in the closet. For our friend, you will need a minimum A12 processor in 2025 to install the update.
Here are the models that would therefore be compatible with iPadOS 19:
- iPad mini (5th generation or later)
- iPad (8th generation or later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation or later)
- iPad Pro (2018 or later)
Conclusion
Users with an iPad marked as not compatible with iPadOS 19 therefore still have nine months before being blocked in terms of developments. Time to upgrade to a more modern device, like the iPad 10 on sale or a tablet capable of running Apple Intelligence, like the iPad mini 7 or the incredible iPad Pro M4. There is something for all budgets.
As for the planned new features, excluding AI, it is impossible to know more.
