SOME iPhone owners are missing out on Apple’s latest major software update – leaving them exposed to cyber crooks.
The iOS 15 upgrade launched on September 20, bringing a suite of new features. Not everyone, however, can get it.
Why are some iPhones blocked from getting iOS 15?
Each year, Apple typically culls an older iPhone model or two from its list of handsets compatible with newer versions of iOS.
This is to offset the challenge of keeping loads of models and iOS versions running smoothly at any one time.
Surprisingly, iOS 15 is compatible with every iPhone and iPod touch model that currently runs on iOS 14.
That means anyone with an iPhone 6S and later, as well as 7th generation iPod touch owners, can install the iOS 15 update.
It means Apple hasn’t frozen out any additional iPhone models this year
This can land some iPhone owners in hot water, as software updates are extremely important.
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For a start, they mean the addition of brand new features, as well as bug fixes that improve the performance of your handset.
But they also mean security patches that prevent hackers from cracking your phone’s security using old exploits.
It’s worth noting that Apple’s software update offering is pretty exceptional.
By contrast, most Android smartphones receive one or two years’ of updates.
Very rarely, a phone might receive three years’ of updates – but it’s not common.
By contrast, Apple offered out the latest iOS 15 update to smartphones going back years – including 2015’s iPhone 6S.
That means an iPhone that came out six years ago is still receiving software updates from Apple.
Which iPhones can’t get iOS 15?
In total, there are 10 iPhone models that cannot download the latest version of the iOS operating system.
If you’re using one of these, you should seriously consider picking up a newer one, even if it’s a few years old or a refurb.
That way, you’re guaranteed to get future iOS updates that secure your mobile from hackers and repair irritating bugs and glitches.
- The original iPhone
- iPhone 3G
- iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
What is iOS 15 and how do I get it?
Released worldwide on September 20, 2021, iOS 15 is the latest and greatest version o the iPhone operating system.
The update introduced a redesigned home screen and some big changes to Apple’s messaging app, iMessage.
It also includes an updated Lock Screen and a suite of new privacy and notification features.
The headline addition, however, is Focus. The tool lets users set different notification preferences depending on what they’re doing.
You can use the new menu to select if you’re driving, working, sleeping or a custom status of your choosing.
You have the option to select if your phone makes a sound or not, or whether it vibrates, depending on your current status.
Focus will even notify your iMessage contacts of your status to let them know why you’re not responding to their texts.
To download iOS 15, head to Settings > General > Software update.
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In other news, the iPhone 13 sold out at breakneck speed after it hit shelves around the world last week.
Read our review of the impressive iPhone 13.
And here’s what we thought of its pricier sibling, the iPhone 13 Pro.
And here are the reasons you SHOULDN’T buy one of Apple’s new devices.
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