iOS 19 May Drop Support for iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max: End of the Line After 7 Years of Updates?

iOS 19 May Drop Support for iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max: End of the Line After 7 Years of Updates?Apple's upcoming iOS 19 update has millions of iPhone users worldwide on edge. Previous rumors suggested iOS 19 and iOS 18 would support the same devices, offering a glimmer of hope for owners of older models

iOS 19 May Drop Support for iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max: End of the Line After 7 Years of Updates?

Apple's upcoming iOS 19 update has millions of iPhone users worldwide on edge. Previous rumors suggested iOS 19 and iOS 18 would support the same devices, offering a glimmer of hope for owners of older models. However, a recent leak on X from an account with a history of accurate predictions has shattered that calm: the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max may be excluded from iOS 19.

The leak claims iOS 19 will no longer support devices with the A12 Bionic chip, which happens to be the chip powering the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. If true, iOS 19 compatibility would begin with the iPhone 11 series, encompassing the iPhone 17 series (expected this fall), and the iPhone SE (second generation and later). This means the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Maxflagships since their release in Fall 2018could be stuck on iOS 18.

It's worth noting that even older devices eligible for iOS 19 might lack some performance-intensive features. For example, the Apple Intelligence feature in iOS 18 was limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series. This highlights Apple's differentiated approach to system updates based on hardware capabilities.

The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max launched in Fall 2018 with iOS 12. The iPhone XR, Apple's first relatively affordable model with a full-screen display and Face ID, topped global smartphone sales in 2019, demonstrating its significant market impact. If these models miss out on iOS 19, they'll receive seven major iOS updates (iOS 12 to iOS 18), matching the longevity of the "immortal" iPhone 6s series (iOS 9 to iOS 15).

While seven years of software support is substantial in the mobile industry, it's frustrating for users hoping to extend the lifespan of their XR and XS models by another year. These devices once represented the pinnacle of Apple's technology. Their impending obsolescence is a result of multiple factors.

Beyond the commercial incentive of driving new device sales, Apple's decision to drop support for older iPhones likely prioritizes smooth performance for the new system. Reports suggest iOS 19 will feature a significant visual overhaul, potentially borrowing design elements from visionOS, incorporating more transparency and glass-like effects. This makes iOS 19 the most demanding iOS update yet in terms of device performance.

While the A12 Bionic chip was cutting-edge upon release, its capabilities are now strained by increasingly complex AI features and graphics rendering. Theoretically, Apple could maintain compatibility by compromising performance, but this contradicts Apple's commitment to a seamless user experience. The restriction of iPadOS's Stage Manager feature to M-series iPads is a prime example.

Consumers can hardly fault Apple's strategy. Apple never guarantees a specific update lifespan or feature compatibility across all devices. It's a business strategy and an inevitable consequence of technological advancement. Hardware performance and software feature additions remain in a constant dynamic balance.

Rumors also swirl around next year's iPadOS 19, suggesting the seventh-generation iPad (with the A10 Fusion chip) might be excluded, while the iPad mini 5 (also with the A12 Bionic chip) may receive the update. This hints at a potentially different strategy for iPhone and iPad compatibility.

The definitive answer will arrive at WWDC25. On June 10th, Apple will officially unveil iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, revealing the supported device list. All speculation will end then. iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max users should prepare for the verdict. This is not just about a system update; it's about the ultimate fate of these former flagships in the march of time. For those still using them, it's the end of an era, and perhaps the start of a new onethe beginning of considerations for an upgrade.

Seven years of system updates is a long lifespan for a smartphone. Apple strives to balance technological progress with user experience and business interests. Regardless of the outcome, we should view this rationally and acknowledge Apple's efforts in providing updates. However, for users reliant on older models and unable to upgrade, this remains unsettling news. It's a reminder that technological progress is relentless, and our choices must keep pace. The iOS 19 release will be more than just a system update; it's a footnote to an era, marking the retirement of older devices and heralding the rise of new technology.