In early September, most iPhone users were able to update their devices to iOS 18. The devices released before 2018, the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, did not receive an update, just like a year earlier. What about iOS 19?
Apple offers iPhone models software updates for years, nowadays even up to six or seven years after a device’s release. A good example is that all devices that supported iOS 17 also received an update to iOS 18.
It seems the same is true for the iOS 19 update. All iPhones that currently support iOS 18 are also expected to be able to make the switch to iOS 19. That amounts to all models starting with the iPhone XR, says the usually reliable French source iPhoneSoft.
iPads will have less luck than iPhones
Unlike the iPhone, there will be iPads that will not receive an update next year. The 2017 iPad 5 currently still supports iOS 18, but will not receive another update next year. The same is true of the 2017 iPad 7 and iPad Pro, according to iPhoneSoft.
This is because the A10 chips in these devices are too weak to run iPadOS 19. For next year’s update, you’ll need at least an A12 processor. That means the iPad mini (5th generation or later), the iPad (8th generation or later), the iPad Air (3rd generation or later) and the iPad Pro (2018 or later) will get an update, though.
(image: unsplash)
No iPhone update, now what?
It’s no big deal if your iPhone unexpectedly stops receiving updates. While it’s unfortunate to miss out on the latest features and app updates, your device usually continues to receive security updates for a while. This allows you to continue using it safely.
Fortunately, devices today are supported much longer than they were a few years ago. Whereas Apple and Android previously stopped updates after two or three years, the support period is now a lot longer.
