Skip to Content

MC1245219 – Microsoft Defender for iOS: End of support for iOS 16 devices

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on

Categories Update

Home » Update » MC1245219 – Microsoft Defender for iOS: End of support for iOS 16 devices

Summary

  • Microsoft Defender for iOS will stop supporting devices running iOS 16.
  • Existing installations on iOS 16 will lose access to new features, security updates, and technical support.
  • New installations on iOS 16 will no longer be available.
  • Full support will continue for devices updated to iOS 17 or later.
  • Organizations should identify iOS 16 devices and encourage upgrades to iOS 17 or later.

Admin Impact: High
User Impact: High
Release Start: 30 Apr 2026
Release End: 30 Apr 2026
Services: Defender XDR
Category: Plan for change
Tags: User Adoption, Admin Action, Retirement

History

3/5/2026 Item Added to Message Center

Microsoft Message

Introduction

To align with the iOS platform lifecycle and ensure customers remain protected with the most up‑to‑date security capabilities, Microsoft Defender for iOS will end support for devices running iOS 16. After support ends, Defender on iOS 10 devices will no longer receive feature updates, security fixes, or technical support. Devices running iOS 17 or later will continue to be fully supported.

When this will happen

Support for Microsoft Defender on iOS 16 devices will end on April 30, 2026.

How this affects your organization

Who is affected: Organizations with users or managed devices running iOS 16 and using Microsoft Defender for iOS.

What will happen:

  • Existing installations of Microsoft Defender for iOS 16 devices will continue to function, but:
    • They will no longer receive new features.
    • They will no longer receive security updates.
    • They will no longer receive technical support.
  • New installations on iOS 16 devices will no longer be available after support ends.
  • Devices updated to iOS 17 or later will continue to receive full support.

What you can do to prepare

No admin action is required for this change to occur.

To prepare, you can:

  • Identify iOS 16 devices using your organization’s device management tools.
  • Encourage users to upgrade eligible devices to iOS 17 or later.
  • Replace devices that cannot be upgraded, if necessary.
  • Update internal documentation and support team guidance.
  • Notify impacted users about the upcoming end of support.

Learn more: Minimum requirements for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Compliance considerations

No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.