In 2017, iPhone phones were primed for an upgrade to the latest iOS version. The company planned an open beta release in July, aligning with the beta rollout. Simultaneously, macOS Venturawhich powers both desktop and laptop lines from Apple at the time—entered the ecosystem as a notable five-year milestone becomes relevant in discussions of how Apple regularly refreshes its operating systems.
To mark the tenth anniversary of the iPhone X, Apple introduced the iPhone X in 2017, a device that reshaped the user experience with features such as a home buttonless design, advanced face recognition with Face ID, and an OLED display. During that era, the iPhone 8 family continued to be a core element of the lineup, representing a bridge between the traditional iPhone experience and the newer design language introduced with the X series.
Both the iPhone X and iPhone 8 models stood among the oldest eligible devices for updating to iOS 16 once the public beta period began in July. The full benefits would arrive more broadly in the autumn when Apple rolled out the update to the wider user base, delivering improved performance, enhanced security, and new features aligned with the evolving software strategy.
The iOS 16 update also extended support to a broad range of devices including the second generation iPhone SE, iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone Xr, iPhone 11 series, iPhone 12 series, and iPhone 13 series, as documented on the OS information page. This expansion illustrates Apple’s approach to maintaining a broad ecosystem while introducing ongoing improvements that leverage newer hardware capabilities.
macOS Ventura
macOS Ventura represents a fresh iteration of Apple’s desktop operating system, designated as macOS 13. It provided new experiences and features designed for Mac users, and it was compatible with many older devices from around 2017, including iMac, iMac Pro, MacBook Pro, and MacBook models launched that year.
The compatibility message extended to later models in the supported lineup, including Mac minis and MacBook Airs from 2018, as well as Mac Pro and Mac Studio systems introduced in 2019, as outlined on the official OS information page. This compatibility strategy reflects Apple’s intention to keep a broad range of hardware in the software update cycle while encouraging newer hardware where feasible.
macOS Ventura was also released as an open beta for Mac users beginning in July, with a broader free update rollout planned for the autumn season. This staggered approach mirrors the common pattern of testing, refinement, and final stabilization before a general release, ensuring a smoother experience for users across devices.