Apple is reportedly preparing to phase out support for several older iPhone models with the upcoming iOS 27 update. While the company has not made any official announcement yet, early leaks suggest that devices launched before the iPhone 12 series may no longer be compatible with the next major software upgrade.
According to a report by MacRumors, citing information shared by known leaker Instant Digital on the Chinese platform Weibo, iOS 27 is expected to support iPhone 12 models and newer devices. If this information turns out to be accurate, it means Apple could discontinue software updates for the iPhone 11 lineup and the second-generation iPhone SE.
iPhones That May Lose Support
The leak indicates that the following models might not receive the iOS 27 update:
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
Although these devices may miss out on the next major iOS version, users are not likely to be left completely unsupported. Apple typically continues to provide security updates for older devices for some time, so these models could still receive important patches through iOS 26.
Expected List of Supported iPhones
On the other hand, iOS 27 is expected to run on a wide range of newer devices. These include:
- iPhone 17 series (including iPhone 17e, 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, along with the iPhone Air)
- iPhone 16 lineup
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series (including mini variants)
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
This suggests that Apple will continue its pattern of offering around five to six years of software support for iPhones, maintaining a balance between performance optimization and new feature rollout.
Features and Hardware Limitations
Interestingly, not all features of iOS 27 may be available across all supported devices. The report hints that advanced “Apple Intelligence” capabilities could be limited to newer hardware, possibly starting from the iPhone 15 Pro models and above. This aligns with Apple’s recent strategy of tying certain AI-driven features to more powerful chipsets.
In terms of improvements, iOS 27 is said to focus more on refining the user experience rather than introducing drastic changes. Comparisons are already being made to Mac OS X Snow Leopard, which was known for its emphasis on performance, stability, and bug fixes.
Some of the rumored enhancements include:
- A standalone Siri app for easier access and improved functionality
- A system-wide slider to adjust the transparency of the Liquid Glass interface
- Better keyboard autocorrection and typing accuracy
Launch Timeline
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at its annual developer event, WWDC 2026, scheduled for June 8. The first developer beta version is likely to be released on the same day, followed by a public beta rollout in July. The final stable version is expected to arrive in September, alongside the next iPhone lineup.
Reliability of the Leak
The information comes from Instant Digital, a source that has previously shared accurate details about Apple products, including iPhone 14 color options and accessories for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, like most leaks, this report should be taken with caution until Apple provides official confirmation.
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