iOS 19 Compatibility: Good News for iPhones
According to a report by iPhoneSoft, Apple’s iOS 19 update, expected in late 2025, will remain compatible with all devices currently running iOS 18. This means users of older models, like the iPhone XR from 2018 and the second-generation iPhone SE from 2020, won’t have to upgrade their devices to enjoy the latest software features.
List of iPhones Compatible with iOS 19: 2025 Models: iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone SE (4th gen) 2024 Models: iPhone 16 series 2023 Models: iPhone 15 series 2022 Models: iPhone 14 series, iPhone SE (3rd gen) 2021 and Earlier Models: iPhone 13, 12, 11, XS, XR, and iPhone SE (2nd gen)This extended support continues Apple’s tradition of maintaining software updates for devices for at least five years.
iPadOS 19: A Different Story
While iOS 19 will bring inclusivity, iPadOS 19 is set to drop support for some older iPads. Devices running the A10 Fusion and A10X Fusion chips, like the 7th-gen iPad (2019) and the 2nd-gen iPad Pro (2017), won’t make the cut.
iPads Compatible with iPadOS 19: iPad mini: Fifth generation or later iPad: Eighth generation or later iPad Air: Third generation or later iPad Pro: Third generation or laterThis shift reportedly aligns with Apple’s focus on prioritizing Apple Intelligence features, which rely heavily on newer hardware capabilities like the A12 chip and M-series processors.
What to Expect from iOS 19 and iPadOS 19
Apple’s next OS iterations are likely to focus on refining features introduced in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. While Apple Intelligence—a suite of AI-driven tools—continues to evolve, most of its advanced capabilities remain exclusive to the latest iPhones and iPads equipped with M-series chips.
For devices that don’t support Apple Intelligence, iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 are still expected to bring enhancements unrelated to AI, including UI improvements and feature upgrades.
Official Announcement Timeline
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025. The updates will roll out publicly in the fall, following months of beta testing.