Older Apple Devices & App Compatibility Guide
Thinking about buying an older iPhone or iPad, or already own one from us? This guide explains what an older version of iOS or iPadOS can mean for the apps you want to use.
The short version
- Older Apple devices can still be useful daily phones and tablets.
- Some newer apps and app updates may require a newer iOS or iPadOS version.
- If an app was previously downloaded on the same Apple Account, the App Store may sometimes offer the last compatible version where the developer still provides it.
- For some services, a browser alternative may help when the app itself will not install.
- App availability and compatibility cannot be guaranteed. They depend on Apple and the app developer and can change.
How app compatibility works
App developers choose the minimum iOS or iPadOS version their apps support. As apps evolve, that minimum version can increase. An older device can continue to work normally while some newer apps or future app updates no longer support its operating system.
If an app was previously downloaded using the same Apple Account, the App Store may offer an older compatible version where the developer still provides one. This is not guaranteed. If an app will not install, a browser-based version of the service may sometimes be an alternative.
Devices by maximum OS version
The groups below show the newest major iOS or iPadOS version officially available for each older model in this guide.
iOS 12
iPhone: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus.
iPad: iPad Air (1st generation), iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3.
These are the oldest devices in this guide. App support is more limited than on newer versions, so check any must-have app before purchase.
iOS / iPadOS 15
iPhone: iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus.
iPad: iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4.
iOS / iPadOS 16
iPhone: iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X.
iPad: iPad (5th generation), iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation).
iOS / iPadOS 17
iPhone: No iPhone models in this older-device grouping stop at iOS 17.
iPad: iPad (6th generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation).
iOS / iPadOS 18
iPhone: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max.
iPad: iPad (7th generation).
Look up by iPhone model
| iPhone model | Runs up to |
|---|---|
| iPhone 5s | iOS 12 |
| iPhone 6 | iOS 12 |
| iPhone 6 Plus | iOS 12 |
| iPhone 6s | iOS 15 |
| iPhone 6s Plus | iOS 15 |
| iPhone SE (1st generation) | iOS 15 |
| iPhone 7 | iOS 15 |
| iPhone 7 Plus | iOS 15 |
| iPhone 8 | iOS 16 |
| iPhone 8 Plus | iOS 16 |
| iPhone X | iOS 16 |
| iPhone XR | iOS 18 |
| iPhone XS | iOS 18 |
| iPhone XS Max | iOS 18 |
Look up by iPad model
| iPad model | Runs up to |
|---|---|
| iPad Air (1st generation) | iOS 12 |
| iPad mini 2 | iOS 12 |
| iPad mini 3 | iOS 12 |
| iPad Air 2 | iPadOS 15 |
| iPad mini 4 | iPadOS 15 |
| iPad (5th generation) | iPadOS 16 |
| iPad Pro 9.7-inch | iPadOS 16 |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation) | iPadOS 16 |
| iPad (6th generation) | iPadOS 17 |
| iPad Pro 10.5-inch | iPadOS 17 |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) | iPadOS 17 |
| iPad (7th generation) | iPadOS 18 |
“Runs up to” means the newest major operating-system version Apple made available for that exact model. The version installed on an individual unit can be checked under Settings > General > About.
What to check before you buy
- Must-have apps: If a particular banking, school, work, streaming or other app is essential, check its current App Store requirements before buying.
- Battery condition: Battery condition affects real-world runtime and everyday use.
- Storage: Photos, videos and app updates can use storage quickly, particularly on older low-capacity models.
- Activation lock: A pre-owned Apple device should be fully unlinked from the previous owner's Apple Account before setup.
- Warranty and condition: Check the individual product listing for the applicable warranty, cosmetic grade and any model-specific notes.
Frequently asked questions
Will my everyday apps work on an older iPhone or iPad?
Many established apps continue to support older versions for some time, but support varies by app and can change. If an app is essential, check its current minimum OS requirement before purchase.
Can I use YouTube, Netflix or my banking app?
Compatibility changes over time and cannot be guaranteed for a specific app. If the app itself is unavailable, a browser-based version may sometimes be an alternative, subject to the service and browser support on that device.
Can I redownload an app I used before?
If the app was previously downloaded on the same Apple Account, the App Store may offer the last compatible version where the developer still provides it.
Does SmartGear NZ guarantee every app will work?
No. App availability depends on Apple and individual developers and can change at any time. SmartGear can help explain which operating system a device supports, but availability of a particular third-party app cannot be guaranteed.
Need help choosing?
If app compatibility is important for your purchase, contact SmartGear NZ before ordering and tell us which apps or services you need.
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