Apple on Monday unveiled its next-generation mobile operating system, iOS 27 for iPhones, with developer and public beta releases expected in the coming weeks.
The official rollout is scheduled for September and will arrive on compatible iPhones around the same time as the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s anticipated foldable iPhone models, which are expected to ship with iOS 27 preinstalled.
The update continues Apple’s long-standing software support strategy, extending compatibility as far back as the iPhone 11 series released in 2019. However, while many older devices will be able to install the new operating system, some of iOS 27’s most advanced features will remain limited to newer hardware.
Compatible iPhone models
Apple confirmed that iOS 27 will be supported on the following devices:
- iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17e
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation)
Users on eligible devices will be able to install beta versions once Apple begins rolling them out ahead of the public release.
AI features limited to newer devices
As with previous iOS releases, Apple continues to segment advanced artificial intelligence features based on hardware capability. While iOS 27 will run on a wide range of devices, Apple Intelligence features—including the revamped Siri experience—will remain exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro models and later.
This means older devices, including the iPhone 11 series, will not support Apple’s upgraded Siri assistant or ChatGPT-like integration expected in the new system.
The restriction follows Apple’s approach introduced in iOS 18, where on-device AI features were limited to newer, more powerful processors. The same requirement is expected to continue through iOS 26 and iOS 27.
What older iPhones will still get
Despite the limitations, Apple says older supported devices will still benefit from core improvements in iOS 27. These include the updated Liquid Glass design language, system optimizations, and general performance and battery efficiency improvements.
Some interface changes will also be available across older models, such as a redesigned Notification Center that now slides in from the left in iOS 27.
However, Apple has cautioned that not all features will be universally available, with some tools reserved for newer hardware.
Performance focus for older devices
Even without full access to Apple Intelligence, iPhones dating back nearly seven years are expected to see meaningful improvements in system performance. Apple typically supports devices for five to six years, but iOS 27 continues the company’s extended compatibility approach.
Still, analysts expect feature fragmentation to increase, as newer devices gain exclusive capabilities tied to more advanced chips.
iPhone 18 and foldable features expected
Apple is also expected to introduce exclusive software features alongside the iPhone 18 series, particularly for its rumoured foldable device. The foldable iPhone is expected to include a large-screen interface experience in iOS 27, designed to take advantage of its expanded display.
As with previous cycles, Apple has not yet revealed the full list of iOS 27 features, and additional updates are expected to be announced closer to launch.
