Apple Unveils Major OS Updates at WWDC 2026: Full Device Compatibility List
At this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple officially introduced its latest operating systems: iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and watchOS 27. The new software brings performance enhancements, a refreshed Liquid Glass design language, and deeper integration of Siri AI capabilities. However, not every Apple device will be able to run these updates. While iPhone users have reason to celebrate, several older iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models are being left behind. Here is a complete breakdown of which devices will receive the new features and which ones are being phased out.
iPhone Users Get a Welcome Surprise
According to reports, Apple has maintained backward compatibility for iPhones more generously than in previous years. Every iPhone model that supported iOS 26 will also support iOS 27. This means that the iPhone 11 series, launched in 2019, will continue to receive the latest software update. This marks one of the longest support windows in Apple’s history for a single generation of iPhones.
iPhone Models Compatible with iOS 27
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17, iPhone 17e, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
iPadOS 27: Some Popular Models Are Dropped
The situation is less forgiving for iPad owners. Apple has cut support for several older yet widely used iPad models, including the 2018 iPad Pro lineup. These devices will not receive iPadOS 27, meaning users will miss out on the latest features and security updates.
iPad Models That Support iPadOS 27
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation or newer)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation or newer)
- iPad Pro 13-inch
- iPad Air (4th generation or newer)
- iPad (9th generation or newer)
- iPad mini (6th generation or newer)
iPad Models Losing Support
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2018)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
macOS 27 Golden Gate: The End of the Intel Era
With macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple has made a definitive break from Intel-based Macs. No Mac powered by an Intel processor will receive this update. This effectively ends software support for nearly all Mac models released before 2020. Users with Apple Silicon machines, however, will have full access to the new operating system and its features.
Mac Models Compatible with macOS 27 Golden Gate
- Mac Pro (2023)
- Mac Studio (2022 and newer)
- Mac mini (2020 and newer)
- iMac (2021 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (2020 and newer)
- MacBook Air (2020 and newer)
- MacBook Neo
watchOS 27: Limited to Newer Apple Watch Models
For Apple Watch users, the update is restricted to the most recent generations. Older models, including the popular Series 6 through Series 8, will not be eligible for watchOS 27. The focus is clearly on devices with more powerful processors and enhanced health sensors.
Apple Watch Models Receiving watchOS 27
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Apple Watch SE 3
Update Release Timeline
Apple has already released the developer beta versions of all four operating systems. The public beta rollout is expected to begin between late June and July. Stable, public releases of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and watchOS 27 are scheduled for the winter months of this year.
