iOS 16 is expected to be the iPhone's big software update for 2022, but a new rumor claims that Apple won't offer the update to older models it supported with iOS 15. There are a few reasons why folks prefer iOS over Android. The operating system works seamlessly with the Mac, has excellent developer support, and is generally easy to use. On top of all that, Apple has a clear advantage when it comes to software updates.

In the Android space, software updates are hit-and-miss. Some phones are promised up to three years of guaranteed OS updates, while others are lucky to get one or two updates. It's something that's been slowly improving with each year that passes, though it's still miles behind Apple's track record for iOS updates. In general, every iPhone from the past few years has gotten at least five annual iOS updates. Most recently with iOS 15, Apple released the software to iPhones that launched as early as 2015.

Related: iOS 15.2 Is Available — Here's Why You Need It On Your iPhone Right Now

As impressive as that all is, there does come a point where even Apple has to end support for models that it deems as being too old. New iOS updates mean new features and capabilities, and these eventually become too much to run on aging hardware. According to a new report from French publication iPhoneSoft, this is happening next year with iOS 16. Apple reportedly won't release iOS 16 to the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and the first-generation iPhone SE — three phones that all got the iOS 15 update just a couple of months ago.

Older iPads Also Won't Get The iPadOS 16 Update

ipad with apple logo

Along with support ending for older iPhones, iPhoneSoft also says Apple's going to pull the plug for certain iPads. Specifically, iPadOS 16 apparently won't come to the fifth-generation iPad, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, or the 2015 iPad Pros (iPads that all received the iPadOS 15 update this year).

While this likely comes as disappointing news to anyone who still has any of these iPhones or iPads, it's something that's not particularly surprising. Even though Apple did bring iOS 15 to handsets like the iPhone 6s and SE, it had to remove numerous features to make it possible — such as spatial audio support in Apple Music, Walking Steadiness in Apple Health, AR directions in Apple Maps, and Live Text translation. If Apple were to try and bring iOS 16 to these older models, it would likely result in even more missing features.

Assuming this rumor is true, that marks seven years of support for the iPad Air 2, and six years for the iPhone 6s/6s Plus, iPad mini 4, and first-gen iPad Pros. The iPhone SE will end its life after five years of updates, followed by four years for the fifth-gen iPad. None of this is confirmed until Apple comes out and says so itself, but considering iPhoneSoft's accurate track records for iOS 13 and iOS 14 device roadmaps, this all seems pretty likely.

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Source: iPhoneSoft