Not sure which version of iOS your iPhone supports? Here is a quick guide so you can find out if your iPhone is compatible with the latest versions of the iPhone operating system, and if not, which version you can install on your iPhone.
Apple releases a major update to iOS every year, usually bringing new features and some stability improvements over the previous version, as well as many smaller updates in between. While the company is the best at keeping older models on the list of supported devices, hardware limitations can sometimes mean the iPhone is left behind. This does not mean that the device will stop working, but you will not be able to access the new features and functionality that were introduced in the updated software. Also, Apple only supports the three most recent versions of its operating systems, so if your iPhone can’t run one of them, it’s probably time to update your iPhone. To learn more, read How long does Apple support the iPhone.
If you’d like a brief history of iOS, check out our guide to every version of iOS released so far.
How to find out what version of iOS you have
If you’re not sure which version of iOS you currently have, it’s very easy to find out. Just go to Settings > General > About and search iOS version number.
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Which versions of iOS can run on each iPhone?
To show you which version of iOS can run on your iPhone, we’ve broken down each generation so you know which version it originally shipped with (since that would be the earliest it can run) and the latest iteration it supports. currently. We’ll also evaluate its chances of being listed as compatible with iOS 17 when it launches this fall. We didn’t list the smaller “point” releases as they change all the time, so please take note that any version of iOS supported by the iPhone (iOS 16 for example) also means any smaller point updates (iOS 16.4.1 for example).
It should be noted that Apple has ended support for many older versions of iOS, which means there are new security patches for them. Apple usually only supports the last three generations of the operating system, so currently it’s iOS 17, 16, or 15.
However, as recently as January 2023, Apple released a security update for iOS 12 that expands the list of supported phones to include the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, as well as the iPhone 5S, phones released in 2014. We don’t think Apple will release any further updates to iOS 12.
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- Original iOS version: 16
- Latest iOS version: 16
- Will iOS 17: Yes
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 pro, 13 pro max
- Original iOS version: 15
- Latest iOS version: 16
- Will iOS 17: Yes
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- Original iOS version: 15
- Latest iOS version: 16
- Will iOS 17: Yes
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 pro, 12 pro max
- Original iOS version: 14
- Latest iOS version: 16
- Will iOS 17: Yes
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- Original iOS version: 13
- Latest iOS version: 16
- Will iOS 17: Yes
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- Original iOS version: 13
- Latest iOS version: 16
- Will iOS 17: Yes
iPhone XR, XS, XS Max.
- Original iOS version: 12
- Latest iOS version: 16
- Will iOS 17 get it: maybe
iphone x
- Original iOS version: 11
- Latest iOS version: 16
- Will iOS 17 get it: maybe
iphone 8, 8 plus
- Original iOS version: 11
- Latest iOS version: 16
- Will iOS 17 get it: maybe
iphone 7, 7 plus
- Original iOS version: 10
- Latest iOS version: 15
- Will iOS 17 get: No
iPhone 6C, 6C Plus
- Original iOS version: 9
- Latest iOS version: 15
- Will iOS 17 get: No
iPhone SE (1st generation)
- Original iOS version: 9
- Latest iOS version: 15
- Will iOS 17 get: No
iphone 6, 6 plus
- Original iOS version: 8
- Latest iOS version: 12
- Will iOS 17 get: No
Iphone 5c
- Original iOS version: 7
- Latest iOS version: 12
- Will iOS 17 get: No
Iphone 5c
- Original iOS version: 7
- Latest iOS version: 10
- Will iOS 17 get: No
iPhone 5
- Original iOS version: 6
- Latest iOS version: 10
- Will iOS 17 get: No
Iphone 4s
- Original iOS version: 5
- Latest iOS version: 9
- Will iOS 17 get: No
Iphone 4
- Original iOS version: 4
- Latest iOS version: 7
- Will iOS 17 get: No
iPhone 3GS
- Original iOS version: 3
- Latest iOS version: 6
- Will iOS 17 get: No
iPhone 3G
- Original iOS version: 2
- Latest iOS version: 4
- Will iOS 17 get: No
iPhone
- Original iOS version: 1
- Latest iOS version: 3
- Will iOS 17 get: No
If your iPhone is not supported by iOS 17, 16, or 15, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer device. Take a look at our top iPhone deals where we share the latest money saving deals.
How to update iOS
Now that you know the latest version of iOS your iPhone supports, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re on that platform. We have a guide on how to update iOS on your iPhone, so take a look at it and follow the easy steps to update your iPhone.
Also, if your iPhone supports iOS 17 and you want to see what the update will bring, you can always sign up to test the beta before the official launch. This gives you early access to the software, although there are a few caveats to be aware of, so read up on how to join Apple’s beta program before you take the plunge.