Why Apps Drop iOS 15 Support
When developers raise their minimum iOS requirement, it's usually for one of three reasons: they want to use a newer iOS API or feature, they want to reduce testing overhead for old OS versions, or Apple nudges them to during App Store review.
For users, the effect is the same: one day the app stops updating and eventually stops working. The App Store won't allow a fresh install on iOS 15 if the current version requires iOS 16.
The following list covers major apps that had moved to iOS 16 minimum as of mid-2026. Requirements can change — always check the App Store listing's 'Compatibility' section before assuming an app is gone.
Social Media & Communication
| App | Status on iOS 15 | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| ❌ iOS 16+ | instagram.com in Safari | |
| TikTok | ❌ iOS 16+ | tiktok.com in Safari |
| ✅ iOS 15.1+ | — | |
| Telegram | ✅ iOS 16+ (check) | — |
| Snapchat | ❌ iOS 16+ | No viable alternative |
Streaming & Video
| App | Status on iOS 15 | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | ❌ iOS 16+ | youtube.com in Safari |
| Netflix | ❌ iOS 16+ | No web workaround |
| Disney+ | ❌ iOS 16+ | No web workaround |
| Amazon Prime Video | ❌ iOS 16+ | primevideo.com (limited) |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ iOS 15+ | — |
| ITVX | ✅ iOS 14+ | — |
Music & Audio
| App | Status on iOS 15 | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | ❌ iOS 16+ | Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer |
| Apple Music | ✅ Built-in | — |
| Amazon Music | ✅ iOS 15+ | — |
Browsers & Productivity
| App | Status on iOS 15 | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | ❌ iOS 16+ | Safari (built-in) |
| Notion | ❌ iOS 16+ | Bear, Apple Notes |
| GoodNotes 6 | ❌ iOS 16+ | Notability, Bear |
| Bear Notes | ✅ iOS 15+ | — |
🏦 Banking apps vary. Most major UK banks (Barclays, HSBC, NatWest, Lloyds, Halifax) have moved to iOS 16 minimum. Monzo, Revolut, and Starling have also generally moved on from iOS 15. Check your bank's App Store listing directly — the minimum iOS version is listed under 'Requirements'.
Our verdict
The iOS 15 exclusion list grew significantly in 2025–2026. If your critical apps are on this list and there are no acceptable alternatives, it's time to consider upgrading your device. The banking app test is the most important: if your bank still supports iOS 15, most other gaps can be worked around. If it doesn't, the device is no longer viable as a daily driver.
Find apps that still work on iOS 15
Filter by your exact device and iOS version to see what's available.
Browse iOS 15 compatible apps →Also see: YouTube not working on old iPad/iPhone · Spotify not working on old iPhone/iPad · iPhone 6s in 2026