The iOS 19 operating system will not work with these three phones. Check to see whether your phone is one of them
Millions of iPhone users worldwide are unsure if their devices will work with Apple's upcoming operating system update as the company finalizes the details. iOS 19 is anticipated to be one of the most ambitious updates in Apple's history when it launches in September 2025, the same month as the iPhone 17 series. We examine everything we currently know, from a visual redesign influenced by the Apple Vision Pro to cutting-edge wellness-focused features.
Internal sources close to the business claim that iOS 19 will be a watershed in terms of both the user experience and how well it integrates with Apple's hardware ecosystem. Transparent menus, rounded icons, and a softer color scheme will be some of the most noticeable changes in the update, which will prioritize visual consistency throughout the system.
However, it goes beyond minor aesthetic adjustments. It seems that Apple's plans to introduce foldable devices align with the redesign of iOS 19. With an internal prototype already undergoing testing, there are rumors that the system could provide the technical basis for such an iPhone, despite the company's silence on the subject.
Although Apple is renowned for offering its devices long-term support, some models are discontinued with every new iOS release. Three iPhone models will be phased out for this occasion:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
These devices were launched in 2018 and are powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which is rumored to not meet the requirements for running advanced interface elements and AI features in iOS 19. The full list of compatible devices includes the following Apple models:
iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e
- iPhone 17, all models (preinstalled with iOS 19)
It's worth noting that this list won't become official until Apple announces it at WWDC in June 2025. Historically, the company has offered up to five years of support for its devices, so the exclusion of the iPhone XR/XS isn't surprising. Therefore, it appears that the way the Tim Cook-led brand operates remains the same, with a few minor surprises.