All articles tagged with #device support
The piece outlines five practical challenges of switching to a minimalist phone: you’ll face a wide range of price points and limited options, loss of access to apps and services, uncertain long-term device support, reduced content-creation capabilities due to limited cameras, and hidden costs from ecosystems (such as ads or subscriptions) on certain minimalist platforms.
iPadOS 27 will no longer support iPad models with the A12/A12X chips (iPad 8th gen, iPad Air 3, iPad mini 5, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st gen, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd gen), leaving several 6–8 year old devices behind despite iOS 27 supporting older iPhones. The piece suggests two possible mitigations: allow downgrades from iPadOS 27 by enabling iPadOS 26 on eligible devices (Apple currently unsigns older firmware, and older iPadOS security updates exist); or, though unlikely, extend iPadOS 27 to those older devices. The author notes a precedent in 2022 when Stage Manager was expanded to older iPad Pro models and wonders if a similar reversal could happen. It also points out Apple continues security updates for iPadOS 18 (e.g., 18.7.9), indicating older devices aren’t entirely abandoned. The article frames the situation as a debate between forward progress and keeping older hardware usable.)
Apple says watchOS 27 will skip five older Apple Watch models—Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and the original Ultra—shifting them to basic security updates only. The cutoff is driven by performance needs for new features like Siri AI and the tap gesture, which are best supported on newer hardware (Series 9 and Ultra 2 or newer, SE 3). Older watches with the latest iPhone will still work and receive security updates, while watchOS 27 is in developer beta with a public beta coming next month and a fall release planned.
Google has launched the new My Pixel app for Pixel 10 series users, replacing Pixel Tips, offering features like device tips, support, order tracking, and shopping, currently available in select countries.
Google has confirmed that Fast Pair for Google TV is currently supported only on four devices: Chromecast with Google TV, Chromecast with Google TV (HD), Google TV Streamer, and Walmart Onn 4K Plus, with support being optional and device makers able to enable it. Google is working with partners to expand support, but the rollout has been limited and somewhat unclear.
Belkin is discontinuing support for most of its Wemo smart home devices by January 31, 2026, which will disable cloud-based features and app control, though some devices will still function via Apple HomeKit. This move raises security concerns and leaves users with limited control options for affected products.
Apple's upcoming software updates iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 are rumored to drop support for several older devices, including certain iPhone, iPad, and Mac models, potentially prompting users to upgrade their devices.
YouTube's latest app update now requires iOS and iPadOS 16, dropping support for seven older iPhone and iPad models, including iPhone 7, 6s, SE, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 4, which will no longer receive updates or support.
Apple's support for older devices extends beyond major OS updates, with security patches continuing for devices up to 10 years old, ensuring ongoing protection even after mainline support ends. This includes security updates for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, highlighting Apple's commitment to device longevity and security.
Netflix will stop supporting Apple TV 2nd and 3rd generation models starting July 31, 2024, to ensure optimal viewing experiences. Users with Apple TV HD or newer models will not be affected.
Netflix will end support for second and third-generation Apple TV models starting July 31, 2024, to focus on devices that can support the latest features and updates. Users are advised to upgrade to newer Apple TV models or use other compatible devices to continue accessing Netflix.