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iOS Version End of Life (2026)

iOS Version End of Life (2026)

DodaTech Updated Jun 20, 2026 3 min read

Apple releases a new major version of iOS every September alongside the latest iPhone. Each version receives security updates for roughly two to three years, and Apple supports devices for five to seven years after launch — longer than any other mobile platform. Understanding iOS version EOL dates helps developers target deployment versions, IT admins manage fleets, and users assess upgrade timing.

Version Support Table

VersionRelease DateApproximate EOL
iOS 16Sep 2022Sep 2024
iOS 17Sep 2023Sep 2025
iOS 18Sep 2024Sep 2026
iOS 19Sep 2025Sep 2027 (estimated)

Support Policy

Apple does not publish an official end-of-life document for iOS, but the practical pattern is consistent: Apple supports the latest two to three major iOS versions with security patches. When iOS 19 shipped in September 2025, iOS 16 dropped out of support. Each major version therefore receives approximately two years of active security updates.

Device compatibility is Apple’s strength. An iPhone XS (2018) can run iOS 18 — a full six years of OS support. However, older devices running the latest iOS version may not receive all features or may experience performance degradation. Apple occasionally releases targeted security patches for devices that cannot upgrade to the latest iOS, though this is not guaranteed.

How to Check Your iOS Version

Open Settings > General > About. The iOS Version field shows the installed version (e.g., 18.5). The Model Name indicates your device generation.

Settings > General > About > iOS Version

There is no terminal command on iOS without a jailbreak. For development devices, Xcode shows the iOS version of connected devices in the Devices and Simulators window.

FAQ

How long does Apple support older iPhones?
Apple typically provides OS updates for 5–7 years per iPhone model. Security patches continue for approximately 2–3 years after the last major OS upgrade for that device. The iPhone 6S (2015) received iOS 15 security patches until 2023 — roughly 8 years after launch.
Do all devices get the same iOS version?
No. Newer iOS versions drop support for older hardware. iOS 18 requires an iPhone XS or later, dropping the iPhone X and earlier. Each device gets the latest iOS it supports, but feature availability varies by hardware capabilities (e.g., Neural Engine, RAM).
What happens when iOS support ends for my version?
Your device continues to work, but you stop receiving security patches. Apps from the App Store gradually raise their minimum deployment target, eventually requiring a newer iOS version. Banking and security-sensitive apps are the first to drop support for unsupported iOS versions.

Related

  • Python Version EOL Schedule
  • iOS Development Guide
  • macOS Version End of Life
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