Share This Article
Apple’s upcoming software updates, iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 will reportedly not be compatible with several older devices, including the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, first-generation 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and fifth-generation iPad. According to a source with a proven track record for upcoming software updates, these devices were released between November 2015 and November 2017.
If the rumor is accurate, devices powered by the A11 Bionic chip or older will not be able to support iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. The only exceptions would be the sixth-generation and seventh-generation iPad models with the A10 Fusion chip and the second-generation 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro with the A10X Fusion chip.
This move is not entirely surprising, as Apple has been dropping support for older devices in recent years. Last year, iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 dropped support for several devices, including the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, original iPhone SE, final iPod touch, second-generation iPad Air, and fourth-generation iPad mini.
While some may be disappointed by this news, it is not entirely unexpected. iPhones and iPads equipped with the A5 through A11 chip are affected by a bootrom security vulnerability that Apple cannot patch on these devices, as the bootrom operates in a read-only state. The exploit has allowed for these devices to be perpetually jailbroken on a wide range of iOS versions, allowing users to modify the iOS file system.
Related articles
- Spotify Yet to Deliver Promised Support for HomePod and AirPlay 2
- Apple Patents AirPods Case with Interactive Display
Apple is expected to announce iOS 17 during its WWDC keynote on June 5. While the company has not officially confirmed the list of compatible devices, this rumor may give some insight into what devices will be able to run the new software. As always, we will have to wait for the official announcement to know for sure.
Edit; There is a new rumor that is contradicting this report. To read newer information regarding iOS 17 on older devices go to the article: New Rumors Contradict Previous Reports on iOS 17 Compatibility
