If you own an iPhone, you will of course always want to use the latest features and updates of the operating system. However, not all iPhones support the latest iOS versions. Below we have made an overview of the iOS versions and the iPhone generations that they support:
iOS 16
This is the latest iOS version and is supported by the following iPhone generations:
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
iOS 15
This is the second newest iOS version and is supported by the following iPhone generations:
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
iOS 14
This is an older iOS version and is supported by the following iPhone generations:
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
iOS 13
This is an older iOS version and is supported by the following iPhone generations:
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
iOS 12
This is an even older iOS version and is supported by the following iPhone generations:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
iOS 11
This is the oldest iOS version on this list and is supported by the following iPhone generations:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
iOS 10
This is an older iOS version and is supported by the following iPhone generations:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
iOS 9
This is a very old iOS version and is only supported by the following iPhone generations:
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 4s
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
Importance of a recent iOS version
It’s important to have an iPhone running a recent version of iOS for a number of reasons. First, the latest version of iOS often includes important security updates that keep your iPhone safe from malicious software and hackers. This is especially important if you store personal data on your iPhone, such as banking information, passwords, and photos.
In addition, new iOS updates often contain new features and improvements to existing features, making your iPhone perform better and offer more possibilities. This can range from small improvements in the user interface to major new features, such as dark mode or improved notifications. It is also important, for example, to be able to continue using WhatsApp.
Furthermore, some apps may only work on certain iOS versions. For example, if you want to download the latest version of a certain app, your iPhone must be compatible with the required iOS version.
Finally, having the latest version of iOS can also help maintain the value of your iPhone. If you ever decide to sell your iPhone , having a recent version of iOS will make your iPhone worth more than an older version with outdated iOS.
In short, it is important to have an iPhone with a recent version of iOS for the sake of security, performance, functionality, app compatibility, and the value of your device.