At its press event yesterday, Apple announced a slew of new products, including a trio of new iPhones (such as the $1579 iPhone X), an LTE-equipped Apple Watch, and an Apple TV capable of displaying movies in 4K HDR. The announcements also coincided with some software update news, namely release dates for iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra, updated versions of Apple’s mobile and desktop operating systems, respectively.
Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty
Devices Supporting iOS 11
iOS 11 will be available for launch on September 19, when you can update your iPhone and iPad with the new software. Unfortunately, not every phone is supported. iPhones from the iPhone 7 to the iPhone 5s are capable of running iOS 11. That leaves older devices, including the original iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c (released in 2013), out in the cold in terms of device updates.
Here’s the official list of supported iPhones:
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 5s
As for the iPad, iOS 11 supports devices in both the iPad and iPad mini line of tablets. The oldest mini supported is the iPad mini 2, while the oldest iPad supported is the iPad Air, both of which debuted in 2013. That means iOS 11 is dropping support for the fourth-generation iPad, the first iPad with a high-resolution Retina display.
Here’s the official list of supported iPads:
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation)
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
- iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
- iPad Pro (9.7-inch)
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Air
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad mini 4
- iPad mini 3
- iPad mini 2
The only other device supporting iOS 11 is the sixth-generation iPod touch, released in 2015. It’s also the only currently sold iOS device that doesn’t have TouchID support so, you know, maybe don’t get that one.
Devices Supporting macOS High Sierra
Apple’s macOS High Sierra for its desktop computers is also getting ready to debut September 25. While its predecessor, Sierra, was packed with new features such as Siri integration, Night Shift software for easing eye strain during late-night use, and Apple’s solid-state-optimised Apple File System, High Sierra’s changes are mostly under the hood. It supports the same devices supported by Sierra, so if you have the old version you’re good to go when upgrading to its successor. According to Apple, “All Macs introduced in mid 2010 or later are compatible. MacBook and iMac computers introduced in late 2009 are also compatible.”
Here are the devices supported by macOS High Sierra:
- iMac (late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook/MacBook (Retina) (late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (mid-2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (late 2010 or newer)
- Mac Mini (mid-2010 or newer)
- Mac Pro (mid-2010 or newer)
- iMac Pro (2017)
If you’re not sure the age of your Mac, there’s a really simple way to check. Just click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your display, select “About This Mac”, and take a look at the name of your device, which should include its manufacturing year. You can also use Apple’s serial number identification page that provides you with even more information about your Mac, such as its purchase date, AppleCare Protection Plan status and repair coverage.
If you find your Mac or iOS device unable to receive the new software, don’t fret too much. Newer software takes advantage of newer hardware, meaning your older device might simply find the update too intensive for its outdated hardware. It’s a bummer, but at least you can turn your vintage tech into cash by trading it in.
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