iOS 13 Release Date, New Features, Leaks: Upcoming OS Might Force Apple Fans to Upgrade to Newer iPhones

The great part of having annual iOS updates is that new features and stronger security patches are made available to iPhone and iPad users. However, it also obliges others to upgrade to newer devices due to compatibility issues. It now seems to be the same case in 2019 as Apple fans await the release of iOS 13.

One of the latest rumors about iOS 13 came from French website iPhoneSoft.fr claiming that iPhones released as late as 2016 will not be able to run the upcoming operating software update. The report cites a source who is a developer with knowledge about Apple’s plans.

Under the list of devices, not supported by iOS 13 are iPhone 5s released in 2013, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus both made available in 2014, and iPhone SE launched in 2016. All these iPhones are currently supported by iOS 12 since all of these are 64-bit devices. Of course, these can all still be used after iOS 13 goes live likely in September, but its users will not be able to update to the newest OS update.

The same report did not mention exactly in which aspect do these iPhones become incompatible with the requirements of iOS 13. For example, iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C were not supported by iOS 11 because they do not have 64-bit chips.

MacRumors also pointed out that it is absurd the iPhone SE joins the list of incompatible devices to iOS 13. Unlike the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus powered by the A9 chip, iPhone SE runs with the A9 chip — the same CPU in iPhone 6S series that is reportedly compatible with iOS 13. So even though this is not the first time this has been reported, it is still best to take it with a grain of salt.

iOS 13 is expected to be unveiled during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) hosted by Apple on June 3-7. Beta testing for developers is expected to launch shortly after that while the first full version will probably launch in fall along with the new iPhone lineup.