Apple’s next major software update may quietly redraw the compatibility map for older iPhones. According to the latest leak, iOS 27 is expected to support the iPhone 12 lineup and newer models, which would leave the iPhone 11 series and iPhone SE (2nd generation) stuck at iOS 26.
That shift matters because those older devices still run iOS 26 today. If the leak proves accurate, Apple would be drawing a clear support line at the iPhone 12 generation for the next system release.
Four older models are most at risk
The devices named in the leak are the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (2nd generation). All four are still considered capable of receiving iOS 26, but they are said to fall outside the iOS 27 compatibility list.
The information comes from tipster Instant Digital on Weibo. Based on that claim, Apple would be ending major OS support for these models after a long update cycle that has already extended through seven iOS versions since their original launch.
Support would not end all at once
Even if those phones stop at iOS 26, that does not mean they will immediately lose important functions. Apple is still expected to provide security updates for iOS 26 for several more years.
That approach fits Apple’s usual pattern with older hardware. Major feature updates may stop, but security maintenance can continue long after a device exits the main compatibility list.
Which iPhones are expected to make it into iOS 27
The same leak says iOS 27 compatibility would begin with the iPhone 12 series. From there, the list is expected to include newer generations all the way up to Apple’s latest models.
The predicted lineup covers the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. It also includes the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Apple is also expected to keep support for the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 14 family remains on the list as well, including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Farther down the lineup, the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max are also said to remain compatible. The list closes with the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (3rd generation).
WWDC 2026 is the next key moment
Apple is scheduled to announce iOS 27 at WWDC 2026 next week, with the feature reveal set for 8 June. After that, the company usually follows with a developer beta for developers.
A public beta is expected to arrive in July, while the final release for general users is projected for September. WWDC 2026 will also be used to introduce iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27.
Not every compatible iPhone may get the same features
One of the main attractions around iOS 27 is a new Siri experience that is said to be smarter and more personal thanks to AI. Even so, software compatibility does not guarantee access to every feature.
MacRumors reports that the next-generation Siri may only be available on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models because it relies on Apple Intelligence. That means older supported iPhones may still install iOS 27, but they may not receive the full set of AI-driven features.
For owners of the iPhone 11 series and iPhone SE (2nd generation), the distinction is important. The bigger question is not only whether the device stays on the update list, but also whether it can handle the Apple Intelligence features that appear to shape the next version of iOS.
Source: inet.detik.com