iOS 17 supported devices — these are the phones we think will make the cut

(Image credit: Future)

Official iOS 17 news is still a few months out, with Apple expected to talk up the next major version of its phone software at WWDC 2023. However, as excitement builds for that iOS 17 preview, a lot of us have started to wonder what iPhones Apple will support going forward.

As is typical with Apple, we don't have confirmation on which iPhones will get iOS 17, but we can take a good guess. The iPhone 7 got cut off at iOS 15 and it was the last handset on the chopping block. The iPhone 8, released in 2017, was the oldest phone to still be able to run iOS 16.

Let's start with the obvious iPhones that are likely to support iOS 17.

iPhones sure to get iOS 17

The following iPhones are a no-brainer for iOS 17. Obviously, the models released in the last few years are sure to retain support, as will as the rumored iPhone 15 models.

Which iPhones may not make the cut?

Apple tends to keep iPhones around for about five years before dropping them off the list. For iOS 17, that would means the models released in 2017 are in danger of not being included among this year's supported devices.

It may seem like longer than five years and a half years, but the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X all launched in 2017. We strongly believe that these phones will not get iOS 17 due to their older chipsets likely not supporting the new features. They can't even use all of the goodies in iOS 16. (For instance, you need at least an iPhone XR to take advantage of features like Live Text in the latest iOS.)

iOS 17 outlook

Apple typically doesn't divulge which iPhones get dropped from the list of supported devices until it previews the new iOS version at its Worldwide Developers Conference; as of this writing, that's still about three months away.

But we feel pretty confident in saying that the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X will likely get axed this year. We don't expect to see the iPhone XS or iPhone XR face the chopping block just yet, since they support Live Text and Visual Look Up, two of the more advanced features in recent versions of iOS.

WWDC 2023 will likely happen this summer, possibly in June, and that's where we'll hear all about iOS 17 and its feature set. At that point, we'll know for certain which iPhones are in — and which ones will need an upgrade to a newer model.

More from Tom's Guide

Jordan is the Phones Editor for Tom's Guide, covering all things phone-related. He's written about phones for over six years and plans to continue for a long while to come. He loves nothing more than relaxing in his home with a book, game, or his latest personal writing project. Jordan likes finding new things to dive into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Outside of work, you can find him poring over open-source software and his studies.

Topics

Smartphones

iPhones sure to get iOS 17

Which iPhones may not make the cut?

iOS 17 outlook

Be In the Know