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iOS 17 is only coming to a limited list of iPhone models. This raises questions about what will happen next to the iPhone models dropped from Apple’s update cycle.
During the WWDC 2023, Apple announced and discussed the features and improvements coming to iOS 17. The update is now in beta testing, but it is only limited to models launched in 2018 or later, including iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone SE (second generation and later), iPhone 14 (including Plus), iPhone 14 Pro, and the upcoming iPhone 15 lineup. However, Apple is dropping iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus from the list of iOS 17-compatible device list.
The move, nonetheless, is not surprising since the models are somewhat old after being first launched in 2017. Unfortunately, this means users of the said models won’t be able to experience the new features and improvements that iOS 17 is about to bring. Yet, this doesn’t mean the halt of essential updates in them. Although they are not getting iOS 17, the said device users will still be eligible for security updates and bug fixes. Also, the devices will continue to get iOS 16 updates, including the iOS 16.6 update, which has a minimal set of new features.
This update, of course, won’t be forever. The iOS 17 update signals Apple’s move to push its customers to newer iPhone models, explaining the introduction of the new iPhone 15 series. And as new iPhone lineups come, it means the gradual departure of Apple from supporting its older iPhone creations. With this, sooner or later, iPhone users have to embrace upgrades to ensure getting Apple’s latest iOS updates in the future.
