Apple may drop support for the iPhone XS and iPhone XR with iOS 19 this year. This contradicts previous rumors, which indicated iOS 19 may work with the same set of iPhones as iOS 18.
The iPhone XS lineup launched in September 2018, running iOS 12 out of the box.
iPhone XS and iPhone XR may remain stuck on iOS 18
Apple generally provides software support for its devices for six to seven years. Since its launch in 2018, the iPhone XS and iPhone XR have enjoyed consistent updates. But that cycle may stop with iOS 19‘s release later this year.
A private account on X with an accurate track record of Apple leaks claims iOS 19 will not support iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. All these devices use Apple’s A12 Bionic chip. It will be compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models, including the iPhone SE (2nd gen).
Do note that just because Apple plans to bring iOS 19 to the iPhone 11 lineup, they will gain access to all the new features. While iOS 18 introduced Apple Intelligence, only iPhone 15 Pro and newer models can access it. Likewise, many new features in iOS 19 will only come to recent and more powerful iPhones.
The leaker didn’t provide any details about iPadOS 19 compatibility. However, if an earlier report is accurate, the update may not support the 7th-generation iPad.
iOS 19 could introduce a big design revamp
With Apple struggling with its AI efforts, reports indicate iOS 19 will stand out for its refreshed design. The OS will seemingly get a vision-OS inspired glassy design, with updated icons, menus, apps, windows and system buttons. It will apparently be one of the biggest redesigns in iOS history.
Apple will only focus on the visual overhaul and not introduce any significant new functionality changes in iOS 19. The same visual changes will also carry over to iPadOS 19 and macOS 16.
Source: MacRumors
Rajesh has been closely following and writing about the latest happenings in the world of mobile for nearly a decade now. While he prefers Android, he does not deny the superiority of Apple’s products and ecosystem.
