2 weeks Ago By Omair Pall
Apple is gearing up to unveil iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, starting on June 9, and it's expected to bring some exciting new features along with a major redesign. However, this update could spell disappointing news for long-time iPhone users, especially those with older models. The iPhone XR and iPhone XS, two devices that have been reliably supported by Apple for years, may not be included in the iOS 19 rollout, marking a shift in how Apple handles software support.
According to a report from 9to5Mac, the news comes from a trusted source on X (formerly Twitter) who has a history of accurately sharing details about Apple's software updates. This source has previously provided reliable insights, including information on the compatibility of past iOS versions. The report suggests that while the iPhone XR and iPhone XS have received several updates over the years, iOS 19 could be the first version they won’t get.
Rumor: iOS 19 will drop support for three iPhone models https://t.co/eHEdRwqiTO by @ChanceHMiller — 9to5Mac (@9to5mac) April 1, 2025 These two models, released back in 2018, were part of Apple's effort to provide a wider range of devices to users. Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, these phones were top of the line at the time, but now, several years later, that chip is far behind the current A18 Pro and A18 chips in newer devices.
As Apple introduces more advanced iOS features, it becomes increasingly difficult for older chips to keep up, which is why the company often phases out support for older hardware. That said, the iPhone XR and iPhone XS are still quite capable by today's standards. But with iOS 19 pushing for higher performance, it seems these older devices may no longer meet the requirements for future updates.
This means users with these models could miss out on the latest features, security patches, and performance enhancements that come with iOS 19. If the iPhone XS and iPhone XR are indeed left behind, it’s not the end of the line for other models. The iPhone 12 series (released in 2020) will still get the iOS 19 update, as will the iPhone 11, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series.
Even the upcoming iPhone 16 series, which includes models like the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 Plus, will likely continue to receive the update. Additionally, the second and third generations of the iPhone SE will also stay supported. While the news may be a blow to iPhone XR and iPhone XS owners, it’s just a natural part of how technology evolves.
Apple has always been praised for its long support of older devices, but as new software features require more power, the company must focus on its newer hardware to maintain smooth performance and security across its devices..
