backward compatible
adjective
variants or less commonly backwards compatible
: compatible with older equipment or previous versions of software
Dolby Digital is backward compatible and supports earlier versions of Dolby such as Pro Logic. 
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports backward compatibility noun
or less commonly backwards compatibility
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The new identity system wasn't backward compatible with the old Google Pay, though, which meant users still on the old app couldn't send money to users on the new app. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 1 July 2022 As well as the lag-free video, StarTech’s docking station is compatible with Windows Thunderbolt 4/USB4 laptops or Apple M1 Max/M1 Pro, plus backward compatible with Intel Thunderbolt 3 MacBooks. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2022 Wi-Fi 7 should also be backward compatible with products using the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz spectrum bands, but there's still a lot to learn about the upcoming technology. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 19 Jan. 2022 Also, Microsoft updated its list of backward compatible games for the first time in ages. Jacob Siegal, BGR, 15 Nov. 2021 All the cables in the new range are completely backward compatible with HDMI 2.0b and 1.4b standards and are available in 1.5- and 3-meter lengths. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2021 In addition, this API is backward compatible and available on the previous 5th generation Qualcomm AI Engine. Karl Freund, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2021 Choudry, a 23-year veteran at Microsoft, helped ensure the Xbox 360 was backward compatible with the first console. Washington Post, 10 June 2021 Certain backward compatible games from Xbox 360 and OG Xbox will jump to 1440p resolution on Series S, at least. Kyle Orland And Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 22 Nov. 2020 See More
Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 1 July 2022 As well as the lag-free video, StarTech’s docking station is compatible with Windows Thunderbolt 4/USB4 laptops or Apple M1 Max/M1 Pro, plus backward compatible with Intel Thunderbolt 3 MacBooks. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2022 Wi-Fi 7 should also be backward compatible with products using the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz spectrum bands, but there's still a lot to learn about the upcoming technology. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 19 Jan. 2022 Also, Microsoft updated its list of backward compatible games for the first time in ages. Jacob Siegal, BGR, 15 Nov. 2021 All the cables in the new range are completely backward compatible with HDMI 2.0b and 1.4b standards and are available in 1.5- and 3-meter lengths. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2021 In addition, this API is backward compatible and available on the previous 5th generation Qualcomm AI Engine. Karl Freund, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2021 Choudry, a 23-year veteran at Microsoft, helped ensure the Xbox 360 was backward compatible with the first console. Washington Post, 10 June 2021 Certain backward compatible games from Xbox 360 and OG Xbox will jump to 1440p resolution on Series S, at least. Kyle Orland And Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 22 Nov. 2020 See More Word History
First Known Use
1975, in the meaning defined above