New versions of Apple's operating systems usually require certain hardware. Below you will find a list of all devices that are compatible with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, tvOS 16, watchOS 9 and macOS 13 Ventura.
The WWDC 2022 keynote just ended, and with it came new major versions of Apple software for every category of device Apple makes. Here are the individual hardware generations you'll need to run the new software.
iOS 16
In addition to new Maps and Apple Pay functions, the new iOS 16 also offers improvements for the lock screen, focus and iMessage. Surprisingly, Apple is retiring two iPhone generations this year. This means that the iPhone 6S, the iPhone 7 and the iPod touch are not included in iOS 16. iOS 16 is compatible with these iPhone models:
- 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 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
This means you need an iPhone released in fall 2017 or later to use iOS 16.
iPadOS 16
The new iPadOS 16 offers the new Stage Manager, better support for external displays, reference modes on the Liquid Retina XDR display and the weather app. While the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4 were previously supported, Apple is now retiring both devices. iPadOS 16 is therefore compatible with the following iPad models:
- iPad Air (10.5-inch, 3rd generation)
- iPad Air (10.9-inch, 4th generation)
- iPad Air (10.9-inch, 5th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad (9th generation)
- iPad Pro (12.9-inch 2015)
- iPad Pro (9.7-inch 2016)
- iPad Pro (12.9 inch 2017)
- iPad Pro (10.5-inch 2017)
- iPad Pro (12.9 inch 2018)
- iPad Pro (11-inch 2018)
- iPad Pro (12.9 inch 2020)
- iPad Pro (11-inch 2020)
- iPad Pro (12.9 inch 2021)
- iPad Pro (11-inch 2021)
This means you need an iPad released in fall 2015 or later with at least an A9X processor to use iPadOS 16.
watchOS 9
The new watchOS 9 features three new watch faces, a new heart rate zone and customizable fitness features, as well as a new medication utility. While previously the Apple Watch Series 3 was supported, it was discontinued this year. watchOS 9 is compatible with these Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
You'll also need to pair an iPhone running iOS 16 with your Apple Watch to use the new watchOS software. This means you'll need an Apple Watch released in fall 2018 or later to use watchOS 9.
macOS Ventura
The new macOS Ventura brings Shared Tab Groups, a new Stage Manager, a new design for Spotlight search, improved collaboration features, and support for the Continuity Camera. While previously iMac models released between 2015-16, MacBook Pro models released between 2015 and 2017, MacBook Pro models released between 2015-16, the 2013 Mac Pro, the late 2014 Mac mini, and the 2016 MacBook were supported, they have been dropped this year.
macOS Ventura is compatible with these Mac models:
- iMac, 2017 or later
- iMac Pro, 2017
- MacBook, 2017 or newer
- MacBook Pro, 2017 or later
- Mac mini, 2018 or later
- MacBook Air, 2018 or later
- Mac Pro, 2019 or later
tvOS 16
The new tvOS 16 is compatible with the same Apple TV models as tvOS 15. That means tvOS 16 is compatible with these Apple TV models:
- Apple TV HD
- Apple TV 4K
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
This means that you need an Apple TV that was released in fall 2015 or later to use tvOS 16. In summary, all of your Apple devices in the ecosystem that you purchased new from Apple in fall 2018 or later will receive the latest software. (Image: Apple)
