A sketchy rumor claims Apple will drop support for iPhone X and iPhone 8 series with iOS 17. The next iPadOS release also reportedly will be incompatible with first-generation iPad Pros and iPad 5.
With iOS 16 last year, Apple stopped supporting several older devices, including the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 series.
iOS 17 could force you to upgrade to a new iPhone
The iPhone X launched in 2017 and was the first to feature Face ID and the screen cutout known as “the notch.” Along with the iPhone 8 series, all three iPhones are powered by an A11 Bionic chip.
Based on the rumor, posted by Twitter user Fame_G_Monster, Apple could drop support for the following iPhones and iPads with iOS 17 and iPadOS 17:
- iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPad 5
- 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
Apple rarely drops support for older devices with two consecutive iOS releases. But given the iPhone X and other devices mentioned above are showing their age, it is certainly a possibility. The company also could bring iOS 17 to those older devices but restrict new features to newer models only. These devices already miss out on many iOS 16 features like Live Text, smarter dictation and Live Captions.
A recent report suggests iOS 17 might be more exciting than expected and include several “nice to have” features. Plus, the next iOS release could allow for app sideloading from outside the App Store. Apple reportedly will make this change to comply with new European Union laws designed to reduce the control of tech giants over mobile app stores.
iOS 16 will continue to get security updates
Even after iOS 17 is released, Apple will continue rolling out security patches for iOS 16. The company releases minor iOS 15 builds from time to time to patch any reported security exploits.
Apple will showcase iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 and the next major release of macOS at WWDC23 on June 5.
Update: A reliable source says Apple will not drop support for any iPhone or iPad with iOS 17. Instead, the operating systems will support the same set of devices as iOS 16.
