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Unsure which version of iOS your iPhone can run? Here’s a quick guide so you can find out if your iPhone is compatible with the most recent iterations of the iPhone operating system, and, if it isn’t, which version you can install on your iPhone.
Apple gives iOS a major update each year, usually introducing new features and some stability upgrades to the previous version, plus numerous smaller updates in between. Although the company is better than most at keeping older models on the list of supported devices, hardware limitations can sometimes mean that an iPhone gets left behind. This doesn’t mean the device will stop working, but you won’t be able to access the newer features and capabilities that come with the updated software. If your iPhone can’t run one of Apple’s supported versions of iOS then it’s probably time to upgrade your iPhone. To find out more read how long Apple supports iPhone for.
If you want to see a brief history of iOS, then take a look at our guide to Every version of iOS released so far.
If you’re not sure which version of iOS you’re currently running, it’s very easy to find out. Just go to Settings > General > About and look for the iOS Version number.
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To show you which version of iOS your iPhone can run, we’ve broken down each generation so you know which version it originally shipped with (as that will be the earliest it can run) and the latest iteration it currently supports. We’ll also estimate its chances of being on the compatibility list for iOS 17 when it arrives this fall. We’ve not listed the smaller ‘point’ releases, as they change all the time, so take it as understood that any version of iOS that the iPhone is shown as supporting (such as iOS 16) also means any smaller point updates too (such as iOS 16.4.1).
It should be noted that Apple has stopped supporting a lot of the older versions of iOS now, meaning there are no new security patches for them. For example, Apple currently supports the last two generations of the iPhone operating system: iOS 16 or 15. Because iPhones that could run iOS 13 and iOS 14 can run iOS 15, those versions of iOS are considered obsolete by Apple and aren’t updated.
If support ended at iOS 15 though that would leave a number of iPhones unsupported though, so Apple has been known to issue security updates for iOS 12–one arrived as recently as January 2023. This extended the list of supported handsets to include the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and the iPhone 5S, handsets that arrived in 2014. We don’t imagine that Apple will be issuing any further iOS 12 updates though.
If your iPhone isn’t supported by iOS 17, 16 or 15 then you might want to consider upgrading to a newer device. Take a look at our best iPhone deals round up where we share the most recent money-saving deals.
Now that you know the latest version of iOS that your iPhone supports, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re running on that platform. We have a guide on how to update iOS on your iPhone, so take a look at that and follow the simple instructions to get your iPhone up to date.
Also, if your iPhone supports iOS 17 and you want to get a sneak peek at what the update will bring, you can always sign up to test a beta version before the official launch. This gives you early access to the software, although there are a few caveats to consider, so read how to join Apple’s beta software program before you take the plunge.
Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.
Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.
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