iOS Update Support Guide for iPhone 11 and Newer

Apple typically supports iPhones with major iOS upgrades for many years. Even iPhone 11 models, released back in 2019, still run the latest iOS version in 2025. In fact, every iPhone from the 11 series onward can install iOS 18, and rumors suggest they’ll also get iOS 19 next year. That means an iPhone 11 today is running software five generations newer than it shipped with. Below is a quick overview of each model’s iOS history and what’s current:

Even years after launch, iPhones 11 and newer still handle everyday tasks smoothly. As shown above, all these models ship with the iOS version current at release (for example, the iPhone 11 started on iOS 13) and have since been upgraded through iOS 18. Apple’s support page confirms iOS 18 is compatible with every iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 model, meaning owners of those phones can use the latest features and security updates. In practical terms, that means a 2019 iPhone 11 today runs the same major iOS 18 as an iPhone 15 does.

iOS Update on iPhone 11 Series (2019)

The iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max debuted in September 2019 running iOS 13. Since then Apple has pushed it up through iOS 14, 15, 16, 17 and now iOS 18. In fact, the iPhone 11’s Wikipedia spec sheet shows Original: iOS 13, Current: iOS 18.6 (July 2025). This means the 2019 flagship is five iOS versions ahead of its launch. All iPhone 11 models are still fully supported, and they should receive iOS 19 as well (according to developer leaks). The main caveat is that the newest AI-powered features (like Apple Intelligence) require a more powerful chip, so something like Apple Intelligence (iOS 18’s AI assistant features) only runs on iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and 16-series devices. But for most everyday users, an iPhone 11 today is on the current iOS and can still use all new apps and updates.

iOS Update on iPhone 12 Series (2020)

Launched a year later, iPhone 12 and 12 Mini came with iOS 14 (and the 12 Pro/Max as well). They’ve followed a similar update path: iOS 15 in 2021, iOS 16 in 2022, iOS 17 in 2023, and now iOS 18 in 2024. According to Apple’s documentation, the entire iPhone 12 lineup supports iOS 18. As with the 11 series, these 2020 models are still eligible for the latest updates. If rumors hold, iPhone 12 models will also get iOS 19. In day-to-day terms, an iPhone 12 user can expect the phone to run today’s apps without issue – for example, it can install all the latest system apps and security patches just like Apple’s newest phones.

iOS Update on iPhone 13 Series (2021)

The iPhone 13 and 13 Mini launched in September 2021 running iOS 15 (the 13 Pro models too). They were updated to iOS 16 and 17 in subsequent years, and now are on iOS 18. Wikipedia confirms Original: iOS 15, Current: iOS 18.6 (July 2025) for the iPhone 13 line. Apple’s iOS 18 compatibility list includes all 13-series iPhones. That means iPhone 13 owners can upgrade to iOS 18 now. As expected, iOS 19 is also slated to support these devices (the rumormill list of iOS 19-compatible models explicitly includes iPhone 13 models). The 13-series hardware is quite capable, so most new iOS features (other than the very newest AI extras) work fine on them. In everyday use, an iPhone 13 will feel much like an iPhone 15 when running the same iOS version, aside from camera and display differences.

iOS Update on iPhone 14 Series (2022)

In late 2022 Apple released the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max, which debuted on iOS 16. Apple continued support through iOS 17 and now 18. The iPhone 14 technical spec sheet shows Original: iOS 16, Current: iOS 18.6 (July 2025). All iPhone 14 models are confirmed to run iOS 18 by Apple. They are also on the iOS 19 rumor compatibility list, meaning they should get next year’s update. For the user, this means an iPhone 14 has three years of updates under its belt already and will continue to be supported. It can do everything an iPhone 15 can in terms of OS – for example, iOS 18’s features like updated widgets or improvements in notifications work on 14 just as well. Only special functions like the 15 Pro’s hardware-only AI perks are unavailable on 14.

iOS Update on iPhone 15 Series (2023)

The most recent iPhone 15 and 15 Plus launched in September 2023 with iOS 17 (the Pro/Pro Max also did). They immediately got updated to iOS 18. Wikipedia notes Original: iOS 17, Current: iOS 18.6 (July 2025) for iPhone 15. As expected, the iPhone 15 lineup is fully compatible with iOS 18 (and will support iOS 19). This means even the brand-new iPhone 15s share the same iOS version with older models, which simplifies things for users. In other words, if you’re using an iPhone 15 right now, you’re on the latest iOS just like iPhone 14 and 13 users. All apps and iOS features are available (except again some premium AI features reserved for 15 Pro and 16). So everyday users with an iPhone 15 get the latest system and security updates immediately upon release.

iOS Update on iPhone 16 Series (2024)

Apple’s 2024 iPhone 16 and 16 Plus launched with iOS 18, and the 16 Pro models did as well. (The simple wiki spec lists Original: iOS 18, Current: iOS 18.0.) Since the 16 series is brand new in 2024, its first major update is iOS 18. All 16 models support iOS 18 out of the box. They will certainly get iOS 19 too (the rumor lists include the 16-series Pro models). For users, that means your new phone is already one step ahead – it’s built for the latest software. Having iOS 18 on launch also means the 16-series can immediately take advantage of iOS 18’s improvements (and any new iOS 19 changes next year).

Looking Ahead (iOS 19)

Apple’s pattern suggests that any iPhone which runs iOS 18 will also run the next major update. Indeed, leaks indicate all iPhones that support iOS 18 – including the 11 through 16 series – are expected to get iOS 19 in 2025. In practice, this means even an iPhone 11 (6 years old by 2025) could install iOS 19, extending its useful life. Keep in mind that the latest features often rely on the newest chips. For example, Apple recently noted that the new Apple Intelligence (AI-powered) features in iOS 18 only work on iPhone 15 Pro/Max and 16 series devices. But aside from advanced AI or Pro-only camera tricks, older iPhones still get the core updates and security fixes. This is great news if you want to keep an older iPhone running like new – your iPhone 11, 12, 13, or 14 will continue to receive updates for now.

Even in 2025, an older iPhone fits right into modern life. These phones still sit on today’s desks and run today’s apps without a hitch. Thanks to Apple’s multi-year support, everyday users don’t have to worry about being “left behind” for several years. In short, if you own an iPhone 11 or any later model, you can upgrade to the latest iOS version and enjoy the newest features and security updates.

References and Sources:

• Apple - iPhone models compatible with iOS 18
• MacRumors - iOS 19 Expected to Run on These iPhones
• Wikipedia - iPhone 11
• Wikipedia - iPhone 12
• Wikipedia - iPhone 13
• Wikipedia - iPhone 14
• Wikipedia - iPhone 15
• Wikipedia - iPhone 16