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iOS 19 Rumored to Be Compatible With These iPhones

iOS 19 Rumored to Be Compatible With These iPhones

  • 19.03.2025 10:36
  • macrumors.com
  • Keywords: AI, Startup

iOS 19 is rumored to support all iPhone models compatible with iOS 18, including older devices like the iPhone XS, XR, and iPhone SE (2nd gen). While most features will be available across these devices, some advanced functionalities may be limited on older hardware.

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Apple is dropping support for older iPhone models.

Context

Business Insights and Market Implications: iOS 19 Compatibility Report

  • Supported iPhone Models: iOS 19 is rumored to support all iPhones compatible with iOS 18, including:

    • iPhone 16e
    • iPhone 16, 16 Plus
    • iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
    • iPhone 15, 15 Plus
    • iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
    • iPhone 14, 14 Plus
    • iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
    • iPhone 13, 13 mini
    • iPhone 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12, 12 mini
    • iPhone 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
    • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
    • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

  • Oldest Devices: The oldest devices in the list are the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, released in September 2018.

  • Backward Compatibility Strategy:

    • iOS 19 would maintain compatibility with all supported models, aligning with iOS 18's support range.
    • This marks the second consecutive year Apple has not dropped support for any iPhone models in its major annual release (iOS 17 also maintained backward compatibility).

  • Market Impact:

    • Customer Retention: Extended compatibility reduces customer churn by keeping older devices functional and up-to-date.
    • Brand Loyalty: Users are more likely to remain loyal to Apple if they do not need to upgrade hardware to access new features.
    • Sustainability Goals: Aligns with Apple's environmental initiatives by extending device lifecycles and reducing e-waste.

  • Competitive Dynamics:

    • Competitors like Google (Android) and Samsung may face pressure to adopt similar strategies, as consumers increasingly value backward compatibility.
    • This could influence hardware upgrade cycles and software update policies across the industry.

  • Release Timeline:

    • First iOS 19 beta expected in June.
    • Public release likely in September, consistent with Apple's traditional update cycle.

  • Feature Availability:

    • While all supported devices will receive iOS 19, newer features may be optimized or exclusive to recent hardware.

  • Long-Term Effects:

    • Extended support could shift consumer expectations, potentially increasing pressure on tech companies to maintain backward compatibility.
    • May influence regulatory scrutiny on e-waste and device obsolescence practices.

  • Regulatory Implications:

    • While not explicitly mentioned, extended device support aligns with global sustainability goals and may impact future regulations on electronic waste and product lifecycle management.