Thanks to a usually-reliable tip off from iPhoneSoft, we may already know device compatibility for Apple’s next major operating system updates coming next year.
The report says that every iPhone model that currently supports iOS 18 will also support iOS 19, although like every year, some features may be limited to newer phones. Nevertheless, that means another year of support for iPhones as old as the iPhone XS and XR, first released in 2018.
However, some iPad models will no longer be able to update to iPadOS 19.
The A10 powered iPad (7th generation, released 2019) will apparently not be able to update to iPadOS 19. This will bring the minimum processor spec for iPadOS up to the A12 chip. Otherwise, all other iPad owners can breathe a sign of relief as they will seemingly be getting another full year of free iPad software updates with new features.
iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 are expected to preview in Developer starting in June 2025, with a public release around September 2025. They will remain “updated” until September 2026.
It’s still unclear what features iOS 19 will include. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously warned that extended work on iOS 18 features had fallen a bit behind iOS 19’s schedule. iPhoneSoft says iOS 19 may also be another update small in terms of new core features
There is also the possibility of continuous updates of Apple Intelligence. While many of the new features in the new operating formula require Apple Intelligence, the effective hardware limit supported is much newer.
It may even seem inappropriate to think about iOS 19 when several high-level features promised for iOS 18 are not yet available, or even appearing in the developer beta channel. This includes AI features like priority notifications on the lock screen, App gestures driven by app intents, non-public context understanding, and on-screen Siri detection.
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Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.