The range of Apple products capable of running a specific iteration of its mobile operating system is finite, determined by hardware capabilities. These products share the minimum processing power, memory, and architectural requirements necessary for successful operation of the operating system. For example, the iPhone 5s, iPad Air, and iPad mini 2 were among the earliest devices to support this particular software version.
Ensuring software compatibility is crucial for maintaining device security through updates and accessing the latest features and functionalities offered by application developers. Older hardware, lacking the necessary processing power or memory, eventually reaches a point where it cannot efficiently run newer operating systems, thus necessitating upgrades or replacement. This compatibility cutoff represents a balance between supporting older devices and advancing technological innovation.