“In its latest announcement, Apple has revealed the upcoming iterations of its operating systems, including iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia. However, not all devices will be receiving these updates, marking a significant shift in support for older models across Apple’s iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs.”
iPadOS 18:
Several iPad models are set to lose support with the rollout of iPadOS 18:
- iPad: Only 7th generation (2019) and newer models will receive the update, leaving behind the 6th generation (2018) iPad.
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro: The 3rd generation (2018) model is the oldest to receive the update, while the 2nd generation (2017) will be dropped.
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro: This model is entirely discontinued, receiving no support for iPadOS 18.
- 11-inch iPad Pro: The 1st generation (2018) model remains the oldest supported.
WatchOS 11:
Apple Watch Series 4 and 5, along with the original Apple Watch SE (2020), will not receive watchOS 11. The oldest supported models are now the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE (2022).
macOS Sequoia:
Most Intel-powered Macs will transition to macOS Sequoia, with one notable exception: MacBook Air models from 2018 and 2019 are discontinued. Only the 2020 Intel MacBook Air and newer models will receive the update.
Apple Intelligence:
Apple’s latest AI technology, Apple Intelligence, will only be available on iPhone 15 Pro models, iPads, and Macs equipped with the M1 chip or later. This means that many devices receiving iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia will not have access to Apple Intelligence features.
This announcement marks a significant move by Apple to streamline its software support and focus on newer hardware capabilities. Users with older devices may need to consider upgrading to access the latest features and advancements.