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WWDC 2021: Apple devices that are compatible with the upcoming iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8 and macOS Monterey

Every year when Apple announced new software during its worldwide developer conference (WWDC), Apple users will be biting their fingernails and wonder if their current devices will become obsolete.

So, here are the devices that will support the new software that is expected to launch in fall (or September period).

Apple iPhone users can look forward to using FaceTime video calls with their Android and Windows friends in iOS 15. In addition, notifications have been re-designed, adding contact photos for people and larger icons for apps.

The notification screen on iOS 15. (Photo: Apple)

For iOS 15, here are the supported devices: –

  • iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone X, iPhone XR
  • iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus
  • iPhone SE (1st-generation and later)
  • iPod Touch (7th-generation)

I seriously doubt that iPhone 6s and 7 series will be able to run iOS 15 smoothly. But I guess it is pretty amazing that an iPhone 6s launched six years ago can still support the latest iOS.

It is even more reassuring for iPad users, as even users of 2014 iPad Air 2 can look forward to running iPadOS 15.

For iPadOS 15, you can organise and personalise your iPad with widgets and App Library. You can also place widgets anywhere on the Home Screen. Plus, there will be all-new widgets for App Store, Find My, Game Center, Mail and Contacts.

You can put widgets on the Home Screen with iPadOS 15. (Photo: Apple)

Here are the supported devices for iPadOS 15: –

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st-generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st-generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch
  • iPad Pro 9.7-inch
  • iPad (5th-generation and later)
  • iPad Mini (4th-generation and later)
  • iPad Air (2nd-generation and later)

If you have an Apple Watch, don’t fret. Unless you have the first two generations of Apple Watch, your Apple Watch can run the latest watchOS 8.

New features include the Mindfulness app that features Reflect, which allow you to focus on a thoughtful notion for a positive frame of mind. It also supports sleeping respiratory rate, portrait watch face and photos.

New Mindfulness app and Portrait Watch Face are some new features in watchOS 8. (Photo: Apple)

Here are the supported Apple Watch models: –

  • Apple Watch Series 3
  • Apple Watch Series 4
  • Apple Watch Series 5
  • Apple Watch Series 6
  • Apple Watch SE

It looks like I can finally retire my Apple Watch Series 2.

And lastly, the new macOS Monterey for Apple Mac machines. New tools in the new desktop operating system includes a re-designed Safari web browser with a new tab design for you to see more of the page as well as new Shortcuts feature that help you to automate everyday tasks.

I am most excited about Universal Control, which lets you control a Mac and an iPad using one mouse and keyboard. In fact, you can drag and drop documents from iPad to Mac or vice versa easily. At least, it looks easy from the keynote address last night.

You can control a Mac and an iPad using one mouse and keyboard with Universal Control in macOS Monterey. (Photo: Apple)

Here are the Mac machines that will support macOS Monterey: –

  • iMac (late 2015 and later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 and later)
  • Mac Pro (late 2013 and later)
  • Mac Mini (late 2014 and later)
  • MacBook Pro (early 2015 and later)
  • MacBook Air (early 2015 and later)
  • MacBook (early 2016 and later)

So, can all your Apple devices run the upcoming software?

Trevor Tan

Started out with dreams to become a street photographer, Trevor Tan somehow became a tech journalist with over 16 years of consumer tech experience. Maybe he plays too much video games and buys too many new gadgets.
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