It’s always exciting when Apple announces the latest version of iOS or macOS. Not just a bunch of new features to try, it’s a great way to get an old device running like new again by erasing it and reinstalling it with the latest OS.
This year, however, fewer devices will be able to enjoy the new updates. After supporting devices like the iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2 for several generations, Apple has made an astonishing number of cuts to this year’s compatibility list, and you’ll need to buy one if you have a slightly older device. New device to enjoy the latest version. Here are the devices you’ll need to run the latest version of each OS:
iOS 16
Apple did not remove any phones from the iOS 15 compatibility list last year, and several iPhones will not be able to upgrade to iOS 16 in the fall.
Compatible device
- IPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- IPhone X.
- iPhone ZR, XS, and XS Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (second and third generation)
Excluded consistency
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 7
- iPhone SE (first generation)
iPadOS 16
The good news is that every iPad Pro made by Apple will be able to upgrade to iOS 16 (although only the latest models will be able to use the new Stage Manager multitasking feature ৷ but if you have an older iPad Air or iPad mini you will be out of luck again.
Compatible device
- IPad (fifth generation and later)
- iPad mini 5 and later
- iPad Air 3 and later
- IPad Pro (all models)
Excluded consistency
macOS 13 Adventure
In Mac’s case, it’s a bit bloody. Several devices have hit the chopping block, including some models that were recently sold as of 2019.
Compatible device
- iMac (2017 or later)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- MacBook (2017 or later)
- MacBook Air (2018 or later)
- MacBook Pro (2017 or later)
- Mac Mini (2018 or later)
- Mac Pro (2019 or later)
- Mac Studio (2022)
Excluded consistency
- iMac (2015-2016)
- MacBook (2016)
- MacBook Air (2015-2017)
- MacBook Pro (2015-2016)
- Mac Mini (2014)
- Mac Pro (2013)
watchOS 9
It is not surprising that Apple does not support Apple Watch Series 3 with watchOS 9. But that’s because Apple still sells it.
Compatible device
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch SE
Excluded consistency
TVOS 16
Apple TV owners are the only device that can release it. Each model that supports iOS 15 will support iOS 16 in the fall, although we anticipate that non-4K models will not last long in this world.
Compatible device
- Apple TV (4th generation)
- Apple TV HD
- Apple TV 4K (all models)