Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at WWDC 2026 next month, and as always, one question matters most to iPhone users: Will my iPhone get the update?
Every major iOS release brings new features, performance changes, and compatibility decisions. Apple usually supports iPhones for several years, but older models eventually fall off the list as hardware limits become harder to ignore.
This year, that question feels even more important because iOS 27 is rumored to bring bigger Apple Intelligence upgrades, a smarter Siri, AI-powered tools, and deeper systemwide intelligence. While many iPhones may receive iOS 27, not every supported model will get every feature.
Here’s the full expected list of iOS 27 supported devices and the iPhones that may lose support.
Which iPhones will support iOS 27?
Apple has not officially confirmed the iOS 27 compatibility list yet. However, early leaks and reports suggest that iOS 27 will support the iPhone 12 series and newer models.
If that turns out to be accurate, these iPhones are expected to receive the iOS 27 update:
- 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 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
The iPhone 12 lineup staying on the list would make sense. Apple typically provides five to six years of major iOS updates, and the iPhone 12 series still has enough hardware headroom for core system improvements.
iPhones that may not get iOS 27
According to current rumors, Apple may drop support for these models:
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
All of these devices use the A13 Bionic chip. While that chip has aged well, Apple may finally move beyond that hardware generation to support newer system requirements and upcoming on-device processing features.
Even if these iPhones do not receive iOS 27, they should continue to receive security updates for some time. Apple often provides security patches for older iOS versions after major update support ends.
Why Apple might drop older iPhones
Apple has not given any official reason yet, but if the rumors are accurate, the decision would likely come down to hardware age and long-term performance.
The iPhone 11 series launched in 2019. By the time iOS 27 releases publicly, those models will have received nearly six years of major iOS updates.
That is already a strong support window by smartphone standards.
Apple usually supports iPhones for around five to eight years, depending on the model, chip, and feature requirements. With iOS 27 expected to lean further into Apple Intelligence and systemwide AI features, Apple may choose to set a higher hardware baseline.
Not every compatible iPhone will get every iOS 27 feature
This is an important point.
Even if your iPhone supports iOS 27, it does not mean it will receive every new feature.
Apple already limits Apple Intelligence features to newer devices, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and later, because those models have more powerful chips and upgraded Neural Engine hardware.
That pattern is expected to continue with iOS 27.
So, while an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 may still receive the update, some advanced AI features could remain exclusive to newer iPhones.
When will Apple officially announce iOS 27 supported devices?
Apple is expected to announce iOS 27 during the WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8.
Here’s the likely release timeline:
- Developer beta: Immediately after the WWDC keynote
- Public beta: July 2026
- Stable release: September 2026
The official iOS 27 compatibility list should be confirmed during or shortly after the keynote.
Should you upgrade your iPhone?
If you currently use an iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, or iPhone SE (2nd generation), this may be the right year to start thinking about an upgrade.
Losing major iOS support does not make your iPhone unusable overnight, but it does mean:
- No access to future iOS features
- Fewer long-term software improvements
- Reduced app compatibility over time
- Shorter security support in the future
If you use an iPhone 12 or newer, you are expected to remain supported for at least another major iOS cycle.
Is your iPhone ready for iOS 27?
iOS 27 is expected to continue Apple’s long-running software support tradition while potentially retiring the iPhone 11 lineup and iPhone SE (2nd generation).
Based on current leaks, the iPhone 12 series and newer devices are expected to receive the update. However, Apple has not confirmed the final list yet, so treat this as an early compatibility outlook until WWDC 2026.
Do you think Apple should keep supporting the iPhone 11 series with iOS 27, or is it finally time for those devices to retire? Let us know in the comments.
