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These iPhones, iPads, Macs may not support Apple’s new software

Next week Apple will unveil iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 at WWDC, but rumors indicate certain iPhone, Mac, and iPad models won’t support the new software. Here’s what to expect.

Here’s what to expect from iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 device compatibility

iOS 27

Apple has a strong history of supporting older hardware models with new software updates for years. But eventually, there comes a time when major new OS versions require more powerful hardware.

This year, we’re expecting several iPhone, iPad, and Mac models to be dropped from iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.

Here’s what we’re currently expecting:

iPhones that might not support iOS 27

  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation)

iPads that might not support iPadOS 27

  • iPad (8th generation)
  • iPad Air 3
  • iPad mini 5

Macs that will not support macOS 27

  • MacBook Pro (16‑inch, 2019)
  • MacBook Pro (13‑inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
  • iMac (2020)
  • Mac Pro (2019)

The four non-supported iPhones are based on Weibo leaker Instant Digital, who posted a full list of iOS 27-compatible iPhone models earlier this year.

There aren’t yet rumors about iPad compatibility, but the list above reflects what we’re expecting based on the rumored iPhone models. If Apple does indeed drop another generation of iPhone models this year, then the iPad models above likely won’t make the cut for iPadOS 27.

Non-supported Macs have actually been confirmed by Apple, they’re not just a rumor. That’s because last year, Apple announced that macOS 27 will not support Intel Macs. And the four Macs listed above are the last Intel-based models that can run macOS 26.

Are you still using any of the hardware above, and will Apple’s new software motivate an upgrade? Let us know in the comments.

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Avatar for Ryan Christoffel Ryan Christoffel

Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.