iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 are two of the most recent versions of Apple’s mobile operating systems. They both come with new features and improvements, so it’s important to know if your iPhone or iPad can run them. If you have an iPhone or iPad that was released before September 2017, you won’t be able to install iOS 15 or iPadOS 15. These operating systems require newer hardware that was released in that year or later. If you have an iPhone or iPad that was released in September 2017 or later, you can install either iOS 15 or iPadOS 15. However, there are some limitations on which devices you can use them on. iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 are only compatible with devices that have A13 Bionic processors and up. This includes the iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, XS Max, XR, and the latest models of the 6 and 6S series of iPads. Older models of the iPhone and iPads don’t have this processor type, so they won’t be able to run these operating systems. Additionally, iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 are only compatible with devices that have a Lightning connector. If your device doesn’t have a Lightning connector, you won’t be able to install either iOS15 or iPadOS15. ..
Every year, Apple rolls out a major refresh of its iOS and iPadOS mobile operating systems for iPhone and iPad as well as Apple Watch updates to watchOS. As always, iOS 15 is a free upgrade—if Apple still supports your device.
Which iPhones Support iOS 15?
The good news is that, if your iPhone supports iOS 14, you will be able to upgrade to iOS 15 in the fall. The full list of devices that will support the iOS 15 upgrade are:
iPhone 6S (including Plus) models or newer iPhone SE (first and second generation) iPod Touch (seventh generation)
The iPhone 6S was released in late 2015, so iOS 15 marks the sixth major update that the device has received. Any iPhone manufactured after this date will receive the update free of charge alongside SE and iPod Touch models.
If you’re not sure what iPhone you have, you can check under Settings > General > About. Your iPhone will be listed under “Model Name” with the version of iOS that you are currently running listed above.
Which iPads Support iPadOS 15?
Much like the iOS 15 update for iPhones, any iPads that support iPadOS 14 will be able to upgrade to iPadOS 15. This includes:
iPad Pro 12. 9-inch (first generation through fifth generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation through third generation) iPad Pro 10. 5-inch iPad Pro 9. 7-inch iPad (fifth generation through eighth generation) iPad Mini (fourth and fifth generation) iPad Air (second generation through fourth generation)
You can find out any relevant information about your tablet or the software that you are currently running under Settings > General > About.
Which Apple Watches Support watchOS 8?
In addition to its smartphone and tablet updates, Apple is also rolling out the next major version of its wearable operating system. watchOS 8 will be available on the Apple Watch Series 3 and later, including the Apple Watch SE.
These are the same models that are already capable of running watchOS 7. You can find out which Apple Watch you have as well as its software version by launching the Watch app on your iPhone and heading to General > About.
iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 Public Betas: Coming Soon
Beta versions of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 were released to developers right after WWDC 2021, with a public beta scheduled for sometime in July of 2021. If you want to get in on the action early, head to beta.apple.com to enroll your device.
Get the full list of new features coming to iOS and iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, and watchOS 8.
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