iOS 27 is still months away from release, but the compatibility details are already starting to emerge. A new leak has revealed which iPhone models will not receive the update, and the list includes some devices that are still widely used today. If you own an older iPhone, here is everything you need to know.
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at WWDC 2026 on June 8, and the update is due to reach users in September.
Which iPhones Will Not Support iOS 27?
According to the leak, iOS 27 will drop support for iPhone models that are currently running iOS 26. Specifically, the update is expected to require at minimum an iPhone 12 or newer to install.
That means the following older models are expected to be cut off from iOS 27:
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
These devices currently run iOS 26 but will not be eligible for the next major iOS version.
Apple has not officially confirmed this list. The information comes from Instant Digital, a leaker with a documented track record of accurate Apple compatibility information, including correctly predicting the yellow color for the iPhone 14 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s titanium finish.
What iPhones Will Support iOS 27?
Based on the leak, iOS 27 compatibility is expected to begin with the iPhone 12 and extend to all current models. The full supported list is expected to include:
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17, 17 Plus, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 17e
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Devices older than the iPhone 12 are expected to be excluded.
Apple Intelligence Features Require iPhone 15 Pro or Newer
Even among supported devices, not everyone will get the full iOS 27 experience. Any new Apple Intelligence features introduced in iOS 27 will require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
This two-tier system has been in place since Apple Intelligence launched with iOS 18. Older devices in the supported range can still receive the core iOS 27 update, but they will miss out on AI-powered features.
What Kind of Update Is iOS 27?
iOS 27 is being described by industry sources as a stability-focused release, similar in spirit to Mac OS X Snow Leopard. Apple is reportedly concentrating on bug fixes, performance improvements, and refinements rather than a wave of new features.
That said, a handful of new additions are still expected. Leaks point to a dedicated Siri app, a system-wide Liquid Glass opacity slider, improved keyboard autocorrection, and optimizations for a future foldable iPhone. You can read about the broader WWDC 2026 expectations here.
iOS 27 will also be the version where Apple has already teased Siri’s redesigned interface, which is set to come with a new visual look separate from the AI improvements already shipped in iOS 26.4.
Will Dropped Devices Still Receive Security Updates?
Yes. Apple’s standard practice is to continue issuing security patches for older devices even after they no longer receive major iOS updates. Devices cut from iOS 27 are expected to continue receiving iOS 26 security updates for at least a few more years.
This means your device will remain reasonably safe to use. It will simply miss new features and performance improvements going forward.
What Should You Do If Your iPhone Is Losing Support?
If your device is on the expected drop list, the most practical step is to start planning an upgrade ahead of the iPhone 18 launch in the fall. Apple typically announces the new iPhone lineup in September, and that is also when iOS 27 will become available to compatible devices.
It is worth noting that Apple’s OLED MacBook Pro has already been delayed to 2027 due to supply chain issues, but the iPhone 18 lineup is still on track for a fall 2026 release.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is iOS 27 coming out?
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at WWDC 2026 on June 8 and release it publicly in September 2026.
Does iOS 27 drop support for iPhone 11?
Based on current leaks, yes. The iPhone 11 lineup is expected to be dropped from iOS 27 compatibility. These devices will continue to receive iOS 26 security updates.
What is the oldest iPhone that will support iOS 27?
According to the leak, the iPhone 12 is expected to be the oldest model supported by iOS 27.
Will iOS 27 have Apple Intelligence features?
Apple Intelligence features in iOS 27 are expected to require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, even though the broader iOS 27 update supports iPhone 12 and later.
Is iOS 27 a big update?
iOS 27 is reportedly a stability-focused release with fewer headline features than recent years. Key additions expected include a dedicated Siri app, a Liquid Glass slider, and keyboard improvements.
Conclusion
iOS 27 is shaping up to be a steady, refinement-focused update that cuts a generation of older iPhones from the supported list. If you are on an iPhone 11 or earlier, now is the time to start thinking about your next device. The iPhone 18 lineup arrives this fall alongside the update, making September 2026 a natural upgrade window.
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