Apple’s iOS 27 brings a surprisingly wide compatibility list, but it also marks a clear cutoff for older iPhones. Devices from 2018 and earlier will not receive the update, which means some users will need to stay on the previous version.
The most notable point is that iPhone SE (2020) remains supported, alongside the iPhone 11 series and newer models. For owners of older devices, however, the new release also means losing access not only to iOS 27 itself, but in some cases to Siri AI features as well.
Models That Will Not Get iOS 27
Apple will not extend iOS 27 to a long list of older phones, including the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. The unsupported lineup also covers the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus.
Farther back in the product line, the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and first-generation iPhone SE are also excluded. The same applies to the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and earlier models such as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
Which iPhones Will Be Upgraded
Apple continues to support a broad range of recent devices, starting from the iPhone 11 family through the latest lineup. That list includes the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air.
Support also extends to the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, and iPhone 12 series are all included as well.
Apple also keeps the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (second generation and later) on the compatibility list. That means users of an iPhone SE 2020 do not have to worry about missing the next major update.
Apple Intelligence Remains Limited
Although iOS 27 will run on many devices, Apple Intelligence and the new Siri AI functions require more processing power. As a result, only selected models will be able to use those features.
The supported devices for Apple Intelligence and Siri AI include the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, and the iPhone 16 family. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are also included, while older compatible iPhones do not get the same AI access.
Apple says the same AI features are also available on iPad mini with A17 Pro, iPad and Mac with M1 or newer chips, Apple Vision Pro, and certain Apple Watch models when paired with a nearby compatible iPhone. The public release of iOS 27 is expected around September 2026.
