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iOS 19 is still a few months away, but initial reports on device compatibility and possible new features are already causing a stir. While all iPhones that currently support iOS 18 will also be ready for iOS 19, the situation is different for some iPads.
Apple's annual updates are a highlight for many users. They not only bring new functions, but also provide more security and often better performance. What is particularly exciting this time is which devices will receive the update - or not. iPhones come out well, while there are limitations for iPads.
Which iPhones are supported?
According to a report According to iPhoneSoft's report, which has established itself as a reliable source, iPhone owners can rest assured. All devices that currently support iOS 18 will also receive iOS 19. This includes models such as the iPhone XR and iPhone XS from 2018. This means that Apple is continuing its strategy of providing older devices with updates for as long as possible. For you, this means that in September 2025, even with a seven-year-old iPhone, you will still be able to use the latest features and security updates.
Which iPads are left out?
The situation is a little different with iPads. According to the report, the 7th generation iPad, which was released in 2019 with an A10 processor, will no longer be able to be updated to iPadOS 19. This means Apple is raising the minimum requirements for iPadOS to an A12 chip. This is not a problem for newer models, but users of older iPads could soon be left without software updates. So if you are using a 7th generation iPad or another device with an A10 processor, you should think about how long it will meet your needs.
Schedule for iOS 19 and iPadOS 19
Apple remains true to its typical schedule. The first preview of iOS 19 and Co. is expected to be presented in June 2025 during the annual developer conference (WWDC). The official rollout will take place in September 2025. This means that iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 will remain the most current operating systems until September 2026.
What is known about the new features?
It is still unclear exactly what new features iOS 19 will bring. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the update could be less extensive, as the development of iOS 18 was very time-consuming. Stability and optimization could therefore be the focus. Nevertheless, something interesting was noted. According to Gurman, Siri based on a completely new technology: advanced language models that work similarly to OpenAI's ChatGPT. The goal is to make Siri much more conversational and give her the ability to handle complex and sophisticated requests. This could mean that Siri can do a lot more in the future. However, this feature will not be available immediately with iOS 19. According to Gurman, Apple plans to release the new Siri in spring 2026 as part of the iOS 19.4 update.
Compatibility in focus: iOS 19 stays true to older devices
iOS 19 will once again show how Apple masters the balancing act between new features and support for older devices. The official launch is expected to take place in September 2025, but it is already worth keeping an eye on your own device compatibility. If you have an older iPad, it might be time to think about an upgrade. With iOS 19, Apple is staying true to its line of focusing on stability and longevity. (Photo by Unsplash / its outsider)
