iOS 11 Compatible Devices: Full List & Install Guide

Yes, iOS 11 runs on a specific set of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models released from 2013 onward. This article lists every compatible device, explains how to check and install the update, and covers common problems you might run into.

Official iOS 11 Compatibility List

Apple dropped support for several older devices with iOS 11, specifically all 32-bit models. The complete list of supported devices is:

iPhone: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X
iPad: iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad (5th generation), iPad Pro (all 12.9-inch and 10.5-inch models), iPad Pro 9.7-inch
iPod touch: iPod touch (6th generation)

Notably, the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPad (4th generation), and the original iPad mini are not compatible because they have 32-bit processors and less than 1GB of RAM. Those devices remain on iOS 10 permanently.

Why Some Devices Were Left Out

iOS 11 was the first version of iOS to be 64-bit only. Apple required all apps to be 64-bit starting in 2015, and the older devices listed above use the A6 or A6X chips (iPhone 5, iPad 4) which are 32-bit. The A7 chip in the iPhone 5s and iPad Air was the first 64-bit mobile processor, so it became the minimum requirement. Additionally, iOS 11 introduced new features like drag-and-drop on iPad and the Files app that needed more RAM and processing power than the older hardware could provide reliably.

How to Check Your Device’s Compatibility

If you are unsure which model you have, do this:

Go to Settings > General > About.
Look at the Model Name field (e.g., “iPhone 6s”).
If you only see a model number like “A1688,” search that number online or use Apple’s identification page.

Once you know the model, compare it to the list above. If your device is on the list, it can run iOS 11. If not, the update will not appear in Software Update.

How to Install iOS 11 (Step-by-Step)

Before you update, back up your device to iCloud or a computer. Then:

Connect to Wi-Fi and plug in your device to power.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Tap Download and Install.
Enter your passcode if prompted, and agree to the terms.
Wait for the download to finish; the device will restart and install.

The installation can take 30–60 minutes, and your device may feel warm during the process. Do not interrupt it.

Common Problems and Fixes

Many users encountered issues after updating. Here are the most frequent ones and how to resolve them:

Update won’t download: Free up storage space. iOS 11 needs about 2–3 GB free. Delete unused apps or videos, then try again.
Battery drains quickly: This is normal for the first day or two as the system re-indexes. If it persists, check Settings > Battery for apps using excessive power, and disable Background App Refresh for apps you don’t need.
Apps crash: Many older 32-bit apps were not updated for iOS 11. Check if the app has an update in the App Store; if not, it may no longer work.
Device is slow: Older devices like the iPhone 5s or iPad mini 2 may feel slower on iOS 11. You can try turning off transparency and motion effects under Settings > General > Accessibility > Reduce Motion.
Stuck on Apple logo: Force restart by holding Home + Power (or Volume Down + Power on iPhone 7 and later) until the logo reappears. If that fails, restore via a computer.

Performance Expectations by Device

iOS 11 runs best on devices with 2GB or more RAM (iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad Pro). On 1GB devices like the iPhone 5s, iPad mini 2, and iPad Air, you may notice:

Longer app launch times
More frequent reloads when switching apps
Occasional lag in animations

These devices still work, but they are not as smooth as on newer hardware. If you are on an iPhone 5s or iPad mini 2, consider whether the new features are worth the performance hit.

Alternatives to iOS 11

If your device is not compatible, or you do not want to update, you have a few options:

Stay on your current iOS version: You can continue using the device without updating. Apple occasionally releases security updates for older versions, but not indefinitely.
Upgrade your device: If you need iOS 11 features like the Files app or drag-and-drop, a newer device is required.
Restore to a previous iOS: Apple stopped signing iOS 10 shortly after iOS 11’s release, so downgrading is generally not possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will iOS 11 work on iPhone 5?

No. The iPhone 5 has a 32-bit A6 processor and is not supported. It remains on iOS 10.

Can I install iOS 11 on iPad 2?

No. The iPad 2 is much older and lacks the required 64-bit architecture and RAM.

Does iOS 11 slow down older iPhones?

Some users report slower performance on iPhone 5s and iPhone 6, especially with animations and app loading. It is more noticeable on devices with 1GB RAM.

How much storage do I need for iOS 11?

You need at least 2–3 GB of free space to download and install the update. If you have less, the update may fail.

Can I go back to iOS 10 after updating?

Only if Apple is still signing iOS 10. That window closed shortly after iOS 11 launched, so in practice, you cannot downgrade now.

Will my 32-bit apps work on iOS 11?

No. iOS 11 only runs 64-bit apps. Any app that has not been updated to 64-bit will not launch.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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