iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 likely to drop support for popular iPhone and iPad models

Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is coming up in roughly a month and a half. The company typically announces the newest versions of its operating systems at the event, so it is likely that iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 will be officially unveiled at that time. However, that also means that some popular Apple devices will be left on the chopping block as they may not be compatible with the new operating systems.

Rumors are swirling that iOS 17 will mark the end of support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, meaning that these iPhones will not receive an update to iOS 17. These devices debuted in 2017 running iOS 11, but it is currently speculated Apple will kill software support for these handsets this year, giving them a total lifespan of six years.

The iPhone X marked a radical departure in Apple's design philosophy. While the 8 and 8 Plus held onto the company's general design philosophy by retaining the physical home button and relatively thick top and bottom bezels, the iPhone X introduced the "bezeless" design that modern iPhones continue.

The X also introduced the notorious notch, which was ridiculed upon arrival through countless memes and critiques but has since been featured on every iPhone since its inception. 

There are a handful of popular iPads that will also face the end of their lives, if rumors are to be believed. Many claim iPadOS 17 will not support the first generation 9.7-inch iPad Pro, first generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and fifth generation iPad will all be dropped.

These iPad Pros created a new product line for Apple, bringing high-performance devices to the iPad line. While the original iPad Pro had a rough launch and come off as an answer in search of a solution, it has since found a foothold among artists, creatives, and others in search of a highly portable but still (fairly) competent computer.

Keep in mind these lists are just rumors at this point. However, they do fit in with Apple's typical record of providing 5(ish) years of software support to its mobile devices. We will officially know whether or not these mobiles will be included or killed at WWDC in June.