Third-Generation AirPods Require iOS 13, Drop Support for Older iPhones, iPads, and iPods

Monday October 18, 2021 2:12 pm PDT by Sami Fathi

The new third-generation AirPods drop support for older iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch models previously supported by the second-generation AirPods.

Apple AirPods 3rd gen lifestyle 01 10182021 big
According to Apple's specifications page for the new AirPods, the third-generation AirPods do not support the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and the iPhone 5s. They also drop support for the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 alongside the sixth-generation iPod touch. Apple’s footnotes for the new AirPods‌ explain why, stating that some of the features require iOS 13, which none of the above-listed devices support.

Some features require iOS 13 or iPadOS, which are not compatible with iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPod touch (6th generation), iPad Air (1st generation), iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 2. Audio Sharing not supported.

The new third-generation AirPods are being offered alongside the second-generation AirPods, as well as the higher-end AirPods Pro. The new AirPods are available for pre-order today and will begin shipping next week.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4

Tag: October 2021 Apple Event

Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Caution)

Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

AirPods With Cameras Could Arrive Sooner Than Expected

Monday August 3, 2026 7:13 am PDT by Hartley Charlton

Apple's first camera-equipped AirPods could launch as soon as next month, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple has reportedly spent years working on camera-equipped AirPods under the code name "B798," as part of a broader AI wearables push that also encompasses smart glasses and a wearable AI pendant. That model had been on track for a 2026 release before slipping to 2027. In his...

• 80 comments

Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware With iOS 27 Features

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:43 am PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today released a fourth version of the beta firmware it is testing for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware is available for developers and has a build number of 9A5336b. In iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, Apple is adding a new AirPods interface, a slider for Adaptive mode, and support for custom EQ, so the firmware adds support for...

• 55 comments

'AirPods Ultra' to Launch as Soon as Next Month

Friday August 7, 2026 10:58 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple has been planning to release AirPods with cameras as early as this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. If so, they could be unveiled as soon as September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models and the long-rumored foldable iPhone. The earbuds are expected to have a design similar to the AirPods Pro 3, but with tiny cameras. Given the AirPods with cameras will likely be more...

Top Rated Comments

profets

63 months ago

Aren't Airpods able to be regular Bluetooth headphones? If so, shouldn't you be able to use them with any iPhone going all the way back to 2007? You'd think that would be the case since you can use them with Android phones and Windows PCs too.

Apple would have had to put specific code in the AirPods to break pairing with older iOS versions.

This is true, and its mentioned in the footnotes on Apple's site:

"AirPods can be used as Bluetooth headphones with Apple devices using earlier software and with non-Apple devices, but functionality is limited."

Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)

teknikal90

63 months ago

Still don’t get it… what should make me buy these ones instead of the pros?

the pros are mostly cheaper already (got my ones new for 160$ last year), they offer ANC, they‘re „Pro“. Why should someone get the regular 3er series?

Not everyone wants the silicone tips

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

zorinlynx

63 months ago

Aren't Airpods able to be regular Bluetooth headphones? If so, shouldn't you be able to use them with any iPhone going all the way back to 2007? You'd think that would be the case since you can use them with Android phones and Windows PCs too.

Apple would have had to put specific code in the AirPods to break pairing with older iOS versions.

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

eltoslightfoot

63 months ago

Still don’t get it… what should make me buy these ones instead of the pros?

the pros are mostly cheaper already (got my ones new for 160$ last year), they offer ANC, they‘re „Pro“. Why should someone get the regular 3er series?

There are those of us that can't stand the plugged up feeling that silicone tips give us.

Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)