What iOS 27 and Apple’s new updates mean for your devices
The iOS 27 device support list is the complete set of iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches that can install Apple’s latest round of major software updates, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and watchOS 27, and it shows which older models stay compatible and which lose support this cycle. Apple announced the compatibility line‑up at WWDC 2026, confirming that every iPhone currently on iOS 26 will move to iOS 27, while some older iPads and all Intel‑based Macs miss out. This year’s releases add upgrades to Apple Intelligence, a more capable Siri AI, and design refinements, though the most advanced AI tools need newer chips. If you are deciding whether to keep an older device or plan an upgrade, understanding where your model falls in the iOS 27 compatible devices and related support lists is the best starting point.
iOS 27 compatible devices: iPhones that get the update
For iPhone owners, the iOS 27 compatible devices list is the most generous of all the platforms. Any phone that can run iOS 26 also receives iOS 27, with support starting at iPhone 11 and extending through the latest iPhone 17 series, iPhone 16e, iPhone 17e, iPhone Air, and iPhone SE (2nd generation and 3rd generation). That means iPhone 11 iOS 27 support is confirmed, and the second‑generation iPhone SE also stays in the mix. According to Smartprix, “iOS 27 supports the same iPhones as iOS 26, with compatibility extending from the iPhone 11 series to the latest iPhone 17 lineup.” Older models like iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and the original iPhone SE remain capped at earlier releases. Note that full Apple Intelligence features require at least an A17 Pro chip, so the most advanced Siri AI tools are limited to iPhone 15 Pro and newer flagships.
iPadOS 27 compatibility list: which iPads are dropped
The iPadOS 27 compatibility list is more selective, and several well‑known tablets lose support this cycle. Apple is ending updates for the 2018 11‑inch and 12.9‑inch iPad Pro, the 8th‑generation iPad, the 5th‑generation iPad mini, and the 3rd‑generation iPad Air, so these models stay on earlier software. Newer devices remain eligible: iPad mini (6th generation and later), including the A17 Pro‑powered mini; iPad (9th generation and later) and the iPad with A16; iPad Air (4th generation and later), plus M2 iPad Air models and the 13‑inch iPad Air; and iPad Pro from the 2nd‑generation 11‑inch and 4th‑generation 12.9‑inch upward, along with models using the M4 chip or newer. If you rely on an older Pro or entry‑level iPad, this is the first major platform where you may need to consider upgrading to stay current with iPadOS 27 features.
macOS 27 Golden Gate supported devices: Apple silicon only
With macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple completes its pivot to Apple silicon and draws a clear line for Mac compatibility. The update is limited to Macs powered by Apple’s own chips, so Intel‑based machines no longer receive major macOS upgrades. Supported models include MacBook Air (2020 and newer), MacBook Pro (2020 and later), Mac mini (2020 and later), iMac (2021 and later), Mac Studio (2022 and newer), and the current Mac Pro with Apple silicon. The freshly introduced MacBook Neo is also listed among macOS 27 supported devices. This shift means that even some fairly recent Intel notebooks and desktops will stay on earlier macOS versions, while Apple silicon owners benefit from better performance and deeper Apple Intelligence integration. When weighing whether to keep an Intel Mac, remember that security updates may continue for a while, but new platform features are now reserved for Apple silicon hardware.
watchOS 27 device support and how long Apple supports hardware
The watchOS 27 device support list is smaller than the iPhone or iPad line‑ups but still covers Apple’s recent wearables. After an initial omission that Apple later corrected, watchOS 27 supports Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, the latest Apple Watch SE (sometimes referred to as Apple Watch SE 3), and the Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3. That means owners of the most current fitness and outdoor‑focused models stay eligible for the new software. Gizmochina notes that Apple’s first list mistakenly left out the Series 9, despite it sharing the S9 chip with Ultra 2, before the company updated its website. Across platforms, the pattern is clear: iPhones from iPhone 11 onward enjoy one of Apple’s longest support windows yet, iPads see selective cuts among older models, Macs must now use Apple silicon, and newer Apple Watch models remain on track for watchOS 27.
