Apple has confirmed which devices will receive iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and watchOS 27. The announcement follows the debut of the new operating systems at WWDC 2026, along with the first developer beta now rolling out.
The biggest relief goes to iPhone owners, because every model that supported iOS 26 is also included in the iOS 27 lineup. That means Apple is not trimming compatibility at this stage, and the upgrade path remains open for a wide range of recent devices.
iPhone and iPad coverage stays broad
On iPhone, iOS 27 starts with the second-generation iPhone SE, the iPhone 11 series, and newer models. Apple also noted that not every new feature will arrive on every compatible device, especially some Apple Intelligence functions and parts of the new Siri AI capabilities.
iPad support is similarly wide. iPadOS 27 will be available for the sixth-generation iPad mini and later models, including the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip.
For the standard iPad line, support begins with the ninth-generation iPad and later devices. Apple also includes the iPad with A16, keeping its entry-level tablet in the current update cycle.
The iPad Air family continues to be well covered as well. iPadOS 27 supports the fourth-generation iPad Air and newer models, along with iPad Air devices powered by M2 and later, including the 13-inch iPad Air.
In the Pro lineup, iPadOS 27 arrives on the second-generation 11-inch iPad Pro and newer. It also covers the fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and later models, plus iPad Pro devices with M4 or newer chips.
macOS 27 Golden Gate marks a full Apple silicon shift
The clearest change appears on the Mac side. macOS 27 Golden Gate is limited to Apple silicon machines, which means Intel-based Macs are left out of the compatibility list.
Apple’s supported desktop and notebook lineup includes the Apple silicon Mac Pro, Mac Studio from 2022 and later, the 2020 and newer Mac mini, and the 2021 and newer iMac.
Notebook support covers the 2020 and newer MacBook Pro and the 2020 and newer MacBook Air. Apple also added the newly introduced MacBook Neo to the supported list.
This confirms the company’s stronger push toward its own chip architecture across the Mac range. For users still on Intel hardware, macOS 27 Golden Gate is not part of the next upgrade path.
watchOS 27 is more selective
Apple Watch support is narrower than iPhone and iPad support. watchOS 27 is limited to Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 9 and later, and Watch Ultra 2 and Watch Ultra 3.
That leaves several earlier Apple Watch models outside the new update cycle. Compared with the broader mobile and tablet rollout, the wearable lineup shows a stricter compatibility policy.
Apple has already started the first developer beta for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and watchOS 27. Stable releases are expected later this year for devices that meet the requirements, making the compatibility list an important guide for users deciding whether their hardware is still covered.