iPhone Compatibility: How to Know What Works on Your Device

If you’ve ever bought a case or an app that didn’t fit your phone, you know the pain of incompatibility. The good news is it doesn’t have to happen every time. In this guide we’ll walk through simple steps to check if anything – from accessories to software – will work on your iPhone. No jargon, just clear actions you can take right now.

Checking Compatibility for Apps

First up, apps. Open the App Store and look at the "Requires iOS" line under each app’s description. If it says 15.0 or higher, make sure your phone is running that version or newer. You can see your iOS version in Settings > General > About. If you’re on an older iPhone that can’t upgrade past a certain iOS, search for the same app but filter by “Older Versions Available.” That way you get a version that still works.

Choosing the Right Accessories

Accessories are another tricky spot. The easiest rule: match the model number. Your iPhone’s back shows something like "iPhone 13 Pro" or you can find it in Settings > General > About under “Model Name.” Once you know that, look for accessories labeled specifically for that model – especially cases and screen protectors. For chargers, check the connector type (Lightning vs USB‑C) and the wattage your phone supports. A 20W charger works on most newer iPhones, but a 5W one will charge slower.

Bluetooth gear follows a similar pattern. Most modern iPhones support Bluetooth 5.0, so any device with that or lower should pair fine. Just go to Settings > Bluetooth, turn it on, and select the new device from the list. If you see "Not Connected," double‑check that the accessory is in pairing mode and not already linked to another phone.

When in doubt, use Apple’s official compatibility lists. They have pages for headphones, watches, CarPlay, and more, all sorted by iPhone model. A quick Google search like “iPhone 12 Pro compatible AirPods” will usually land you on the right page. Save those links for future reference so you don’t waste money.

Finally, keep your iPhone updated. Software updates often add support for new accessories and fix bugs that cause compatibility issues. Go to Settings > General > Software Update at least once a month. A fresh update can be the difference between a device working or not.