Bad news for iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 owners: iOS 13 won’t be compatible anymore.
At the WWDC 2019, Apple unveiled the next major update for iPhones. Called iOS 13, the latest software update brings a host of UI changes and performance improvements. The update also throws in a couple of new features to spice up the user experience. Additionally, Apple separated the iPad lineup from the usual iOS with its majorly revamped iPadOS. With every new update, there’s one query that always comes up – is it compatible with older phones. With iOS 13, it’s mostly good news.
The new iOS 13 update will be coming to several older iPhone models. However, unlike last year’s iOS 12 that gave a new lease of life to the older models from 2013, iOS 13 is meant for the newer phones mostly. Apple says on its support page that iOS 13 will come to iPhone 6S and newer models. This includes the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR. The iPod Touch 7th Generation also makes it to the list.
The surprising model to be eliminated is 2014’s iPhone 6. Yes, the iPhone 6 is no more supported by Apple. 2013’s iPhone 5S also doesn’t make it to iOS 13’s list. This is unexpected considering that last year’s release included support for a five-year-old smartphone. With this year’s iOS 13, it’s back to the four years of support cycle.
In the iPad universe, it’s a similar situation. The iPadOS is based on iOS 13 and will be available on iPad Air 2 and newer models. For the Mini series, the iPad Mini 4 and newer will be supported. Other supported iPad models include the iPad 2017 and iPad 2018. The Pro series lineup getting the iOS 13 update includes the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Weirdly, the iPad Mini 4 is supported given that it runs on the A8 chip whereas the iPhone 6 doesn’t make the cut. Also, the iPhone SE and iPod Touch 7th Generation are the only two 4-inch devices to get the support for iOS 13.
iOS 13 brings in slight performance improvements across all devices. Apple claims that app launches are now two times faster than the previous iOS 12. App downloads have now been reduced up to 50 per cent in size while the app updates have been reduced up to 60 per cent in size. iOS also gets the highly anticipated Dark Mode and updated editing tools for portrait mode photos.
