Anticipate the arrival of iOS 17 later this year, with the initial developer beta already released during WWDC 2023. This heralds the revelation of which devices will actively embrace the forthcoming software update, and which ones will persist with iOS 16 for the foreseeable future.
Despite earlier speculation that all iOS 16 devices would seamlessly transition to iOS 17, reality veers from this assumption. In fact, certain earlier rumors have proven to be accurate, as Apple has chosen to exclude the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus from the upgrade trajectory. These devices will continue receiving iOS 16 updates, but the wealth of enhancements and features that iOS 17 offers will elude them.
Presently, these three phones boast an age of nearly six years, originating from their launch in 2017. That occasion coincided with the ten-year anniversary of the original iPhone’s debut, during which the iPhone X introduced a radical transformation in the phone’s aesthetics—featuring a full screen, Face ID, a distinct display notch, and a more premium price point.
Although the iPhone 8 models didn’t constitute monumental leaps from Apple’s prior offerings, they did provide an upgrade without the formidable starting price of $999. This affordability was a boon for those seeking an enhancement without the burden of a substantial smartphone expenditure.
It’s reasonable to assume that the number of individuals utilizing these three phones in 2023 is limited. However, for those in this category, their devices haven’t instantly turned obsolete. Apple will continue deploying security updates and bug fixes as necessary. Regrettably, you won’t experience the same consistent updates as someone wielding an iPhone Xs or iPhone SE 2020.
Which iPhones will be compatible with iOS 17?
If you possess an iPhone introduced in 2018 or later, you will become a recipient of iOS 17 once it arrives in a matter of months. While the exact release date remains undisclosed, it is certain that the launch will coincide with this year’s autumn. Historically, the new software aligns with the debut of a new iPhone.
Despite the absence of a specific date, Apple’s predictability remains a constant. The iPhone 15’s arrival is anticipated in early to mid-September, with iOS 17 preceding the phones’ availability on retail shelves. The iPhone 15 series will naturally operate on iOS 17 straight out of the box. Moreover, the following devices are confirmed to embrace the update:
iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE 2022 and iPhone SE 2020
These devices will be compatible with the iOS public beta when it becomes available in July, according to Apple’s announcement.
Additional iOS 17 hardware prerequisites
It’s essential to be cognizant of the fact that not every feature of iOS 17, whether disclosed during Apple’s WWDC or elucidated on the company’s iOS 17 information page, will function on every phone. Some functionalities necessitate the processing prowess found solely in the latest models.
For instance, engaging in the feature that enables sharing reactions via gestures in FaceTime demands an iPhone 12 or newer. Similarly, the upgraded auto-correct capabilities, as well as the ability to complete words or sentences with a space bar tap via in-line predictive text, require at least an iPhone 12.
Among the iOS 17 accessibility attributes revealed before WWDC, Point and Speak mandates a Pro or Pro Max model, commencing from the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The fresh Standby feature, converting your iPhone into an intelligent screen during periods of inactivity, is compatible with all iOS 17-enabled phones. However, an Always On Display is required for StandBy to perpetually showcase information. Presently, only the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max possess this feature, although it’s reasonable to anticipate this feature’s integration into the iPhone 15 Pro models during this autumn.
Editors’ note: The article was updated at 12:12 p.m. ET with additional insights into iOS 17 features that are inaccessible on certain older iPhones.