How Apple’s iOS 17 Update Could Leave Older Devices in the Dust

Apple is expected to release iOS 17, the latest version of its mobile operating system, this fall. While the specific features of the update are not yet known, rumors suggest that it could include more lock screen widgets, access to third-party app stores, and significant improvements to iMessage.

iOS 17 Release Date

Apple typically announces new iOS updates at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), and this year’s event is scheduled for June 5. If Apple follows previous release patterns, iOS 17 will be previewed at WWDC 2023, and developers will be able to try it out the same day.

Which Devices Are Losing Support?

If the rumors are accurate, the new operating system will not be compatible with several older Apple devices. According to an anonymous Twitter user with a track record of accurate reports, iOS 17 will drop support for the:

• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPad (5th generation)
• 9.7-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)

This news comes after iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 dropped support for a range of devices last year, including the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, original iPhone SE, final iPod touch, second-generation iPad Air, and fourth-generation iPad mini.

iOS 17 Supported Devices

The leaked information also suggests that iOS 17 will be compatible with newer devices, including the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and XS Max, iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12 and 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone 13 and 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, as well as newer iPads, such as the iPad Pro (2nd gen or later), iPad Air (3rd gen or later), iPad (6th gen or later), and iPad Mini (5th gen).