The end of the support period for iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X is in sight. An update to iOS 17 is not possible for these devices.

Every year Apple announces the new iOS version at its developer conference WWDC, this year iOS 17. You can read about what this update includes here. Later this year, when the new iPhone models are announced, iOS 17 will be rolled out to all compatible devices. For the time being, only developers and enthusiasts who are not averse to some bugs can get started.

The following devices will all get the iOS 17 update, according to Apple:

• iPhone 14 (also Plus, Pro, Pro Max)
• iPhone 13 (also Mini, Pro, Pro Max)
• iPhone 12 (also Mini, Pro, Pro Max)
• iPhone 11 (also Pro, Pro Max)
• iPhone XS (Max)
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2nd generation or newer)

Some features like certain AR effects are only compatible from the iPhone 12 or later, but each device in the list above can brace itself for another year of software updates.

Every year, new devices that are too old or not powerful enough are left behind. This year these are the models:

• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8Plus
• iPhone X

For the above devices, iOS 16 is the last measure. You will get some security updates this year, after that there is a risk.

If you continue to use your device persistently, you will be forced to upgrade within two years. App developers typically only support iOS operating systems that are one to two years old to limit development costs or for security reasons.