Apple announced new software at WWDC 2022. (Image credit: Apple)
During its annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), Apple unveiled new versions of its iOS, macOS and watchOS platforms along with new MacBook Air and a 13-inch Macbook Pro. But with the release of new software from the company came a new list of older Apple devices that will no longer get software updates.
Some iPhones will not be getting iOS 16, some iPads will not get iPad OS 16, some macs will not get macOS and a series of Apple Watches will not get watchOS 9. Here is a list of Apple products that will now stop receiving updates.
iPhones that won’t be getting iOS 16
Apple has decided to not roll out iOS 16 to the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and older devices. This means that the following iPhones and one iPod will no longer get iOS updates:
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPod touch (7th generation)
If you want to confirm which iPhone you have, go to Settings > General > About and see the name next to “Model Name”.
Macs that won’t get macOS Ventura
The list of Macs that have been cut out of macOS Ventura is noteworthy, too. You can check the model number of your Mac by clicking on the Apple logo at the top left of your screen and going to “About This Mac. Here is the list of Mac computers that will no longer receive future macOS updates.
- iMac (Late 2015) (includes the 27-inch, 21.5-inch, and the non-Retina models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013) (the good old “trash can”)
- Mac mini (2014)
- MacBook Air (Early 2015) (11- and 13-inch models)
- MacBook Air (2017)
- MacBook (Early 2016) (the 12-inch laptop with Retina display)
- MacBook Pro (Early 2015) (includes the 13- and 15-inch models)
- MacBook Pro (2016) (the 13- and 15-inch models)
iPads which will not get iPadOS 16
Two iPads will no longer get Apple software updates: the iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2. To check your iPad’s model number go to Settings > General > About > Model Name.
No watchOS 9 for Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 will not be getting the watchOS 3 update, just as was reported earlier.
FAQs
The iPad Air 2 was first introduced in October 2014 – almost ten years ago. It originally shipped with iOS 8.1, and can run the latest release of iPadOS 15 – but can't run iPadOS 16 or higher. If yours is not already updated to the latest release of iPadOS 15, you may want to update it to that.
Why won t my iPad Air update to latest iOS? ›
You might be unable to update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly, or over the air, for one of these reasons: Your device doesn't support the latest software. There isn't enough available storage space on your device. The update takes a long time to download.
What is the maximum iOS version for iPhone 7? ›
The front camera is the first in the series with 1080p (Full HD) video resolution. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were supported from iOS 10 to iOS 15, and they are the third to support six versions of iOS before support was terminated, after the iPhone 5s.
How long will the iPad Air 2 be supported? ›
In general, Apple contends that it updates its devices as long as it can assure they function and perform in a way that provides a “good” user experience. For example, the iPad Air 2 was released in October 2014, almost 10 years ago. Apple still technically supports the iPad Air 2 today, in 2024.
Is my iPad Air 2 too old to update? ›
With each update, Apple releases a full list of devices that are able to download it. If you don't see your model on the list and it's more than 5-6 years old, it's likely that your iPad is too old to handle a new update.
What is the highest iOS for iPad Air 2? ›
The iPad Air 2 supported eight versions of iOS and iPadOS, from iOS 8 to iPadOS 15, but does not support iPadOS 16 due to hardware limitations.
Can the iPhone 7 get iOS 16? ›
The iOS 16 is compatible with all iPhone 8 and newer models, leaving out the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6s series.
Can the iPad Air 2 get iOS 17? ›
iPadOS 17 is compatible with sixth-generation iPad models, fifth-generation iPad mini, third-generation iPad Air, and second-generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch models or later.
What to do when an iPad can no longer update? ›
You can put your iPad in recovery mode, then restore it using your computer. In these situations, you might need to use recovery mode to restore your iPad: Your computer doesn't recognize your iPad or says it's in recovery mode.
Can I install iOS 15.7 on iPhone 7? ›
The iPhone 7 will only install to iOS 15.7. 9. See here: Update your iPhone or iPad Software if you're Experiencing Issues with Location, Date, and Time - Apple Support.
iOS 15, which arrived in September 2021, supports all iPhones from iPhone 6s onwards, just as with iOS 14 and iOS 13. Both iOS 14 and 13 are considered obsolete by Apple because the same phones can run iOS 15.
What is the average lifespan of an iPad Air 2? ›
Your iPad should last at least 5 years.
What is the last update for iPad Air 2? ›
An iPad Air2, if you have one, is capable of update to iPadOS 15.8. The Air2 does not support iPadOS 16. x or later. Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circ*mstances (such as being too far behind the current version) you may need to use a computer to perform the update*.
Can an iPad Air 2 get iOS 16? ›
iPadOS 16 Supported Devices
iOS 16 dropped support for iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2, both of which were supported by iPadOS 13, iPadOS 14, and iPadOS 15. See the iPadOS 16-compatible devices listed below: iPad Pro (5th generation) iPad Pro (4th generation)
Can I install iOS 16 on iPad Air 2? ›
iPadOS 16 Supported Devices
iOS 16 dropped support for iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2, both of which were supported by iPadOS 13, iPadOS 14, and iPadOS 15. See the iPadOS 16-compatible devices listed below: iPad Pro (5th generation) iPad Pro (4th generation)
Can I update my iPad Air 2 to iOS 17? ›
The iPad Air2 is capable of update to iPadOS 15.8. 1; the Air2 does not support iPadOS16 or later.
Can you install iOS 15 on iPad Air 2? ›
An iPad Air2 supports iPadOS 15.0.
How do I upgrade my iPad Air 2 to iOS 14? ›
Update your iPhone or iPad
- Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.
- Plug your device into a power source and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
- If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one you want to install.
- Tap Install Now.
Apple announced new software at WWDC 2022. (Image credit: Apple) 
