IOS 16 Supported Devices: A Complete List Of Compatible IPhones

3 min read Post on Sep 04, 2025

iOS 16 Supported Devices: A Complete List of Compatible iPhones

Apple's iOS 16 brought a wave of exciting new features, from a customizable lock screen to improved focus modes and a revamped messaging app. But not every iPhone owner got to enjoy these upgrades. Knowing which iPhones are compatible with iOS 16 is crucial before upgrading. This comprehensive guide provides a complete list of supported devices and helps you determine if your iPhone is eligible for the latest iOS experience.

Which iPhones Can Run iOS 16?

Apple meticulously tests its operating systems to ensure optimal performance and stability across its devices. This means some older iPhones, while still perfectly functional, may lack the processing power or memory to handle the demands of newer software. For iOS 16, Apple drew a line, leaving some users behind.

So, which lucky iPhones made the cut? Here's the complete list of compatible devices:

iPhone 8 and 8 Plus: These popular models from 2017 continue to receive updates, demonstrating Apple's commitment to long-term software support.
iPhone X: The groundbreaking iPhone X, with its edge-to-edge display, also supports iOS 16.
iPhone XS and XS Max: These powerful devices from 2018 remain fully compatible with the latest iOS.
iPhone XR: The affordable iPhone XR also benefits from iOS 16's features.
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max: This popular lineup from 2019 is fully supported.
iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max: The iPhone 12 series, released in 2020, is naturally compatible.
iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max: The iPhone 13 series, released in 2021, receives the latest iOS update.
iPhone SE (3rd generation): The latest iteration of the budget-friendly iPhone SE is also on the list.
iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max: These latest models, naturally, support iOS 16.

What About Older iPhones?

Unfortunately, if your iPhone isn't listed above, it's unlikely to receive the iOS 16 update. This means models like the iPhone 7, iPhone 6s, and older devices will remain on their current operating system. While this can be disappointing, it's important to remember that Apple's focus is on providing the best possible user experience, and older devices may struggle to meet the performance demands of newer software. Consider this an opportunity to explore upgrading to a newer model if you desire access to the latest iOS features.

Tips for a Smooth iOS 16 Update

Before upgrading, it's crucial to:

Back up your data: This is a critical step to ensure you don't lose any valuable photos, contacts, or other important information. Learn more about .
Check your storage: iOS updates require a significant amount of storage space. Ensure you have enough free space before starting the update.
Connect to Wi-Fi: Downloading the iOS 16 update can consume a large amount of data. Using Wi-Fi avoids unnecessary data charges.

Conclusion

This list provides a definitive answer to the question "Which iPhones support iOS 16?". While the update brings a wealth of new features and improvements, it's essential to understand which devices are compatible. Remember to back up your data before upgrading and enjoy the enhanced iOS experience! What are your favorite iOS 16 features? Share your thoughts in the comments below!