iOS 16 update: When Apple releases a new version of iOS or macOS, it’s always thrilling. It’s not only a good way to get an old device operating like new again by wiping it down and reinstalling it with the newest OS, but it’s also a good way to get an old device running like new again by cleaning it down and reinstalling it with the latest OS.
However, fewer devices will be able to benefit from the new upgrades this year. After multiple generations of support for devices like the iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2, Apple has made a shocking amount of cutbacks to this year’s compatibility list, and if you have an older device, you’ll almost certainly need to upgrade. The following devices are required to run the most recent version of each OS:
iOS 16 update
While Apple didn’t remove any phones from the iOS 15 compatibility list, several iPhones won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 16 in the fall.
Compatible devices
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone ZR, XS, and XS Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (second and third generation)
Dropped compatibility
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 7
- iPhone SE (first generation)
iPadOS 16
The good news is every iPad Pro Apple has ever made will be able to upgrade to iOS 16 (though only the latest models will be able to use the new Stage Manager multitasking feature. But if you have an older iPad Air or iPad mini you’re out of luck.
Compatible devices
- iPad (fifth generation and later)
- iPad mini 5 and later
- iPad Air 3 and later
- iPad Pro (all models)
Dropped compatibility
- iPad Air 2
- iPad mini 4
macOS 13 Ventura
It’s a bit of a bloodbath when it comes to the Mac. Several devices have hit the chopping block, including some models that were sold as recently as 2019.
Compatible devices
- iMac (2017 or later)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- MacBook (2017 or later)
- MacBook Air (2018 or later)
- MacBook Pro (2017 or later)
- Mac mini (2018 or later)
- Mac Pro (2019 or later)
- Mac Studio (2022)
Dropped compatibility
- iMac (2015-2016)
- MacBook (2016)
- MacBook Air (2015-2017)
- MacBook Pro (2015-2016)
- Mac mini (2014)
- Mac Pro (2013)
watchOS 9
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Apple isn’t supporting the Apple Watch Series 3 with watchOS 9. But it is—mainly because Apple still sells it.
Compatible devices
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch SE
Dropped compatibility
- Apple Watch Series 3
tvOS 16
Apple TV owners are the only devices to make it out unscathed. Every model that supported iOS 15 will support iOS 16 in the fall, though we assume the non-4K models aren’t long for this world.
Compatible devices
- Apple TV (4th generation)
- Apple TV HD
- Apple TV 4K (all models)
Dropped compatibility
- None
