iOS 19: A Detailed Look at Rumored Features and Supported Devices

 

iOS 19: A Detailed Look at Rumored Features and Supported Devices

The tech world is buzzing with anticipation for iOS 19, the next major iteration of Apple's mobile operating system, expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2025 on June 9th. While Apple remains tight-lipped about the specifics, numerous rumors and leaks offer a glimpse into what could be in store for iPhone users. This blog post delves into the rumored supported devices and potential new features of iOS 19, while also addressing the possibility of the iPhone XS and XS Max losing support.

Rumored Supported Devices: Will Your iPhone Make the Cut?

Based on the information gathered from various sources, iOS 19 is expected to be compatible with a wide range of iPhones. However, a significant rumor suggests that some older models powered by the A12 Bionic chip might be left behind. Here's a breakdown of the likely scenario:

Expected to Support iOS 19:

• iPhone 16 Series: iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max (These models are expected to launch later in 2025 and will undoubtedly support iOS 19).
• iPhone 15 Series: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max.
• iPhone 14 Series: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max.
• iPhone 13 Series: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max.
• iPhone 12 Series: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max.
• iPhone 11 Series: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max.
• iPhone SE: iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation).

Potentially Losing Support:

• iPhone XS: Released in September 2018, powered by the A12 Bionic chip.
• iPhone XS Max: Released in September 2018, powered by the A12 Bionic chip.
• iPhone XR: Released in October 2018, powered by the A12 Bionic chip.

Several reports from reliable sources indicate that iOS 19 might discontinue support for iPhones featuring the A12 Bionic chip. If this rumor holds true, the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR will not receive the latest software update. This decision would align with Apple's typical support window of 5-7 years for its devices. The iPhone XS and XS Max, being 6.5 years old by the expected release of iOS 19, are nearing the end of this cycle.

It's important to note that even if these older devices don't receive major iOS updates, Apple usually continues to provide security updates for a period. For instance, the iPhone 6s, which no longer receives major updates, recently got a security patch.

Rumored New Features: What to Expect in iOS 19

While the official feature list is yet to be revealed, the rumor mill is churning with exciting possibilities for iOS 19:

• Major Design Overhaul: Several sources suggest that iOS 19 could bring the most significant visual redesign since iOS 7. This might involve a more transparent and rounded design language, potentially drawing inspiration from visionOS, the operating system for Apple's Vision Pro headset. Leaked images hint at a redesigned Camera app with translucent menus. However, some reports suggest these early renders might not be entirely accurate.
• Enhanced Siri with Apple Intelligence: After some features were reportedly delayed from iOS 18.4, iOS 19 is expected to introduce significant upgrades to Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence. This could include improved personal context understanding, on-screen awareness, and deeper in-app actions. A new large language model (LLM) backend for Siri is also rumored, aiming for a more unified and intelligent AI assistant.
• Expanded Apple Intelligence Features: Features like Image Playground, Genmoji, and text summarization, introduced with Apple Intelligence, are speculated to be integrated into more built-in apps across the system, enhancing their usability.
• AI-Powered Health Coach: A major update to the Health app is rumored, potentially including an AI health coach. This feature could offer personalized recommendations for fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness based on data from the iPhone and Apple Watch.
• Food Tracking in Health App: A long-awaited addition, a built-in food tracking feature, might debut in iOS 19. This would allow users to log their meals and receive AI-driven nutritional insights.
• Workout Form Analysis: Leveraging the iPhone's rear camera, iOS 19 could introduce AI-powered workout analysis, providing real-time feedback on exercise form.
• Redesigned Camera App: As mentioned earlier, a visual overhaul of the Camera app is rumored, featuring more translucent elements and a larger viewfinder, aligning with a potential visionOS-inspired design.
• Live Translation for AirPods: Some AirPods models might gain the ability to translate spoken language in real-time, thanks to Apple Intelligence. The iPhone would translate the speech and relay it through the AirPods, and vice versa.
• Enhanced Translation Capabilities: The Apple Translate app is also expected to receive improvements.
• End-to-End Encryption for RCS: Following the introduction of RCS messaging in iOS 18, iOS 19 is likely to bring end-to-end encryption for these messages, enhancing security.
• VisionOS Compatibility Enhancements: Further integration with visionOS could allow for seamless content sharing and control between iPhones and Vision Pro headsets.

It's important to remember that these are still rumors, and the final feature set of iOS 19 might differ. However, the anticipation surrounding a potential design overhaul and significant AI enhancements makes this upcoming update particularly exciting.

Implications for iPhone XS and XS Max Users

If the rumors prove accurate, users of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max might need to consider upgrading their devices to experience the new features and improvements offered by iOS 19. While their current iPhones will likely continue to function and receive security updates for some time, they will miss out on the latest advancements in Apple's mobile operating system.

Conclusion

iOS 19 is shaping up to be a significant update for iPhone users, potentially bringing a fresh new look and a host of intelligent features powered by Apple Intelligence. While the prospect of older devices like the iPhone XS and XS Max losing support might be disappointing for some, it's a natural part of the technology lifecycle. As we approach WWDC 2025, the picture of iOS 19 will become clearer, and users will soon discover the reality of supported devices and the exciting new features Apple has in store.