Apple is gearing up to release the iOS 12 update at WWDC 2018. Just like every other update, iOS 12 firmware will kill a lot of devices, especially the iPhone 5s.
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3 reasons why iOS 12 will not support iPhone 5s and A7 iPad models
1. Aging hardware
iPhone 5s was released in 2013 and is struggling to keep up with the demands of modern firmware versions like iOS 11. It comes with the Apple A7 system-on-a-chip.
iPad models with the A7 SoC (iPad Air, iPad mini2, and iPad mini 3) are also not too far behind. Even they are bearing the brunt of modern firmware updates.
Apple released iPhone SE back in 2016, which makes the smartphone two years old in 2018. iPhone SE was a replacement for iPhone 6s for users who prefer a small form factor.
2. Poor performance
Users who still use the iPhone 5s and other A7 devices are already reeling under the burdens of iOS 11. Users have reported lags and slowdowns on these versions.
Even powerful devices like iPhone 7 plus experienced slowdowns, at least in the initial versions of iOS 11.
iPhone 5s on iOS 11.1 is slower even than the iPhone 5 on iOS 10.3.3 despite its overwhelming hardware advantage.
Here’s a video comparison of these two smartphones.
Thankfully, you can still downgrade to iOS 10.3.3 or below versions provided you saved your SHSH Blobs. Follow this tutorial to go back to iOS 10.3.3 from iOS 11.
3. Advanced features of iOS 12
Advanced features like AR (Augmented Reality) require powerful processors and several other components that are missing from older models.
iPhone 6 plus and older devices aren’t compatible with AR and, hence, can’t run any applications that use Apple’s AR libraries.
The “planned obsolescence” argument definitely doesn’t apply here. iPhone 5s and other devices simply lack the processing power to handle new features in iOS 12.
What should you do now?
iPhone 5s and aforementioned models seem to have run their course now.
You can only beat a dead horse so much and I highly recommend upgrading to a decent device in the future.
Here are your options now –
- If you are a little tight on budget, I recommend going for the iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s plus at least.
- For those of you who can afford a modern device, go for iPhone 7 or iPhone X, which are both heavy-duty devices and can withstand iOS 12.
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I am sorry to say but,iPhone 5S,iPad Air and Mini 2 and 3 are compatible with ios 12
A7 is a 64-bit chip and ios 12 just removed the errors of ios 11 and apple just added minor differences
Yea, I doubt those older chips would provide a good experience with IOS 12 even if they were supported. Even the iPad Mini 4 is a bit old to do justice to another upgrade. I have a iPhone SE and its been pretty good with IOS 11. Probably one more upgrade with 12 and that’s it. At least Apple is more generous with upgrade compatibility then Android. My own opinion much of the features focus on new devices anyway and if running a older IOS means a faster device. Why even bother upgrading?
Yes, you are absolutely right about that, John. iPhone 5s is way too old to handle iOS 12 and, of course, iOS 12 will be focusing more on the newer devices (iPhone X and above) with more exclusive features. Staying on older versions is without a doubt better if you own aging hardware.
IOS 12 could also come for 5s. Your comparison with slowdown is bullshit!
The comparison is not “bullshit” to be honest. iPhone 5s can barely handle iOS 11 and gets absolutely fried if you are running a jailbreak. Sure Apple might give iPhone 5s another update but it won’t remain as fast as it was on iOS 10. In short, iPhone 5s is pretty much done for.
wait when exactly does the ipad mini 2 quit getting updates? mine is having some issues with iOS 11.
This will be the last update for that, in my opinion.
hello, but is not impossible that A7 chips are supported with ios 12 though? because with ios 11, what a disaster
That’s a valid point but I don’t think it can keep up with the increasing requirements of the new firmware. Slowdowns on these devices are a direct consequence of their subpar hardware.