Here’s your list of devices expected to get iOS 15 and iPadOS 15

iOS and iPadOS 15 will shed support for older hardware. Based on everything we know, here’s what we believe to be the complete list of supported iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models.


STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • iOS 14 works on all the same models as iOS 13.
  • iOS 15 may drop support for some older iPhones.
  • Apple will unveil iOS 15 at WWDC21 on June 7.

iOS and iPadOS 15 device compatibility list

Based on all the information we currently have, plus conventional wisdom, educated guess, rumors and reports like this one from Wccftech, it’s fairly safe to assume that the following Apple device models (or newer) will get support for the iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 software updates when the release publicly later this year.

iOS 15: Supported iPhone models

  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12 mini
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone SE 2 (2nd generation)

iOS 15: Supported iPod touch models

  • iPod touch (7th generation)

iPadOS 15: Supported iPad models

  • 11-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generations)
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd and 4th generations)
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generations)
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
  • 10.2-inch iPad (7th and 8th generations)
  • iPad (5th and 6th generations)
  • iPad Air (3rd and 4th generations)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)

This isn’t an Apple-sanctioned list so we’ll need to wait until iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 become official to learn about their official system requirements.

System requirements: iOS 15 v. iOS 14 v. iOS 13

Earlier, both iPhoneSoft and The Verifier reported that Apple was planning to remove support for the original iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, third-generation iPad mini and first-generation iPad Air with the upcoming iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 updates.

So there you have it, iOS 15 is probably going to nix support for the Apple A9 chip in the aforementioned devices. For reference, iOS 13 cut off support for the iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, the sixth-generation iPod touch, the first-generation iPad Air and the third-generation iPad mini.

Meanwhile, iOS 14 supports all the same iPhone and iPad device models as iOS 13.

Why Apple removes support for some devices?

If you’ve ever owned an iOS device, you probably know that Apple does not build major revisions to its operating systems with specific device models in mind. Rather, it optimizes them for a particular Apple chip as the lowest common denominator.

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When will Apple unveil iOS 15?

Apple traditionally holds its annual pilgrimage for developers in the summer.

This is called the Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, and this year it will run from June 7 through June 11. Similar to 2020’s WWDC that was basically a prerecorded live-streaming presentation, WWDC 2021 is also going to an online-only event rather than an in-person gathering due to the current pandemic, Apple has confirmed.

Although a developer-focused event, WWDC also provides customers with first glimpses of the features they can expect from the next major software updates.

Apple has already confirmed that this year’s conference will offer “unique insight into the future of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS.” In addition, WWDC21 will offer a State of the Union talk along with online sessions, 1:1 labs offering technical guidance and much more.