During WWDC22, Apple unveiled its latest operating systems including iOS 16. After almost 7 years of supporting the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus (released in 2015), Apple will not offer its new iOS version for the device as well as the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, and the first-gen iPhone SE from 2016.
iPhone models that support iOS 16
According to Apple’s iOS 16 device compatible list, the new mobile operating system will run on iPhone 8 and above, as well as the 2nd gen iPhone SE and above. The iPhone 8 and iPhone X are turning 5 years old this year, and it is still quite remarkable that Apple still provides newer operating systems for these devices. If you’re still using an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, or older, iOS 15 will be the final version available. Also joining the iOS “end of life” list is the 7th gen iPod Touch which has been discontinued recently, marking the end of the iPod lineup.
iPad models that support iPadOS 16
For the latest iPadOS 16, it is compatible with all iPad Pro models (including the first-gen model launched in 2015), iPad Air (3rd gen and above), iPad (5th gen and above) and iPad mini (5th gen and above). The iPad models that were dropped from iOS 16 update include the 2nd gen iPad Air (released in 2014) and the iPad mini 4 (released in 2015).
It is worth noting that even if the devices are compatible with iOS or iPadOS 16, you won’t be able to access all of the latest features that were showcased during WWDC22. Typically, certain new features would require a more powerful processor with greater neural engine capability, and they are only offered on the newer models.
The new iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 are available as a developer beta starting today and the public beta will be released in July. Apple will push the latest iOS and iPadOS versions during fall (around September) just in time for the upcoming iPhone 14 launch.
