With WWDC25 just around the corner, speculation about iOS 19 is heating up. A new rumor suggests that Apple may cut support for three iPhone models: the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. If true, these devices—first launched in September 2018—would no longer receive major software updates from Apple.
The rumor originates from a well-known X private account with a strong track record of leaking accurate information about Apple’s software platforms. This account has previously revealed iOS compatibility details correctly, including last year’s iOS 18 support list.
Which iPhones Will Support iOS 19?
If this rumor holds, iOS 19 will be available on the following devices:
- iPhone 11 Series (iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max)
- iPhone 12 Series (iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max)
- iPhone 13 Series (iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max)
- iPhone 14 Series (iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
- iPhone 15 Series (iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max)
- Upcoming iPhone 16 Series (iPhone 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max)
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Generation)
What About iPadOS 19?
The rumor also suggests that iPadOS 19 will drop support for the iPad (7th generation), which debuted in September 2019 with an A10 Fusion chip. This would mark another step in Apple’s gradual phase-out of older hardware if accurate.
Conflicting Reports
Interestingly, this rumor contradicts an earlier report from iPhoneSoft, which claimed that all iPhones compatible with iOS 18 would also support iOS 19. While both sources have a history of accurate leaks, iPhoneSoft has been mistaken before—most notably in 2021, when it incorrectly predicted that iOS 15 would drop support for the iPhone 6s and first-generation iPhone SE. Those devices remained supported until iOS 16, the following year.
What Happens if These iPhones Lose Support?
Even if iOS 19 does not support the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, Apple will likely continue to provide security updates for them. For instance, Apple just released iOS 16.7.11, a security-focused update for older devices like the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. This means that while these models may not receive the latest features, they will still benefit from critical security patches.
With WWDC25 fast approaching, we won’t have to wait long to see if this rumor is true. Stay tuned!
