Which iPhone and iPad Models Support iOS 15 Upgrade?

When Apple rolled out iOS 15, many users wondered whether their trusty device could keep up. The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no” – it depends on the model, the year it launched, and, for iPads, the shift to iPadOS 15. Below we break down the eligible hardware, explain why some older gadgets are excluded, and give you a quick roadmap for updating.

iPhone models that can run iOS 15

If you own any iPhone released from 2015 onward, you’re in luck. Apple’s support list covers a surprisingly broad range, stretching from the compact iPhone 6s to the latest flagship at the time of release. Here’s the full lineup:

• iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus (released 2015)
• iPhone SE (1st generation, 2016)
• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (2016)
• iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (2017)
• iPhone X (2017)
• iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR (2018)
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019)
• iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020)
• iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021)
• iPhone 14 series (2022) – fully supported, of course.

Every model on this list can install iOS 15, though performance gains vary. The older 6s and SE (1st gen) will notice slower animations compared with newer chips, but they still gain the security patches and many of the new features.

iPad models eligible for iPadOS 15

Apple renamed the tablet operating system to iPadOS starting with version 13, but the compatibility matrix mirrors iOS 15’s philosophy. If you own an iPad that can run iPadOS 14, you can also upgrade to iPadOS 15. The eligible devices are:

• iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (1st‑gen) and later
• iPad Pro 10.5‑inch (2017) and 11‑inch (2018) models
• iPad Air (3rd‑gen, 2019) and newer
• iPad (5th‑gen, 2017) through iPad (9th‑gen, 2021)
• iPad mini (5th‑gen, 2019) and newer

Older iPads, such as the original iPad Air (1st‑gen) or the iPad mini 4, stop at iPadOS 14. The primary reason is the A9 or older chips, which struggle with the more demanding background tasks introduced in iPadOS 15.

iPod touch and other hardware considerations

The 7th‑generation iPod touch, released in 2019, is the only iPod model that can install iOS 15. Earlier iPod touches are capped at iOS 12, largely because their A4/A5 processors lack the required 64‑bit architecture.

Beyond the processor, Apple also looks at RAM, GPU capabilities, and battery health. Even if a device technically meets the minimum spec, a severely degraded battery may cause the update to pause or fail, prompting the system to recommend a replacement battery first.

Why older devices are left behind

Apple’s decision to drop support for certain models isn’t arbitrary. Each new iOS version introduces APIs that rely on faster CPU cycles, more RAM, and modern graphics pipelines. For instance, the new Focus mode and Live Text features use on‑device machine learning, which older neural engines simply cannot handle efficiently.

Continuing to push the latest OS to under‑powered hardware would result in sluggish performance, higher crash rates, and a frustrating user experience. By narrowing the list, Apple can also allocate resources toward security patches and feature innovation without being weighed down by legacy constraints.

How to check and install iOS 15

Updating is straightforward, but a few preparatory steps can smooth the process:

• Back up your data. Use iCloud or connect to a computer and run a quick backup in Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).
• Charge your device. A minimum of 50 % battery is recommended, though plugging in is safest.
• Navigate to Settings → General → Software Update. If iOS 15 is available, you’ll see a description and a “Download and Install” button.
• Follow the prompts. The download may take 10–30 minutes on a typical Wi‑Fi connection; installation takes a few more minutes, during which the screen will restart.

After the update, you’ll be greeted by a brief tour of new features like Focus, redesigned notifications, and spatial audio support for compatible headphones. Take a few minutes to explore Settings → Focus to tailor the experience to your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can iPhone 6 still receive security updates?

Yes. While iPhone 6 cannot run iOS 15, it does receive occasional security patches through iOS 12.5, which Apple released specifically for legacy devices.

Will iPad Air 2 get iPadOS 15?

No. The iPad Air 2, introduced in 2014, stops at iPadOS 14 because its A8X chip lacks the performance headroom needed for iPadOS 15’s new multitasking features.

Do I need to free up storage before updating?

Generally, iOS 15 requires about 5 GB of free space for the download and installation. If you’re tight on storage, deleting unused apps or offloading photos to iCloud can help.

Is iOS 15 compatible with jailbroken devices?

Apple does not officially support jailbreaks, and attempting to upgrade a jailbroken iPhone can cause the device to become unbootable. It’s safest to restore to a clean firmware before installing iOS 15.