iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate: These Apple devices are compatible

Apple's fall updates are out – and the compatibility lists contain some surprises. Apple isn't dropping any iPhone models this year, but it's dropping support for several Apple Watch generations at once, and the Mac is finally leaving Intel behind. Here you'll find information on which devices will receive the update for each of the six systems – and which will be left behind.

At the WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, Apple unveiled iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27. The final versions will be released this fall, as usual, and the first developer betas are already available for download. Besides the further developed Liquid Glass design and significantly enhanced parental controls for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, this year's updates primarily focus on device compatibility - sometimes favoring older models, sometimes with surprisingly significant cuts. This overview shows exactly whether your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple TV, or Apple Vision Pro is supported for each system.

The most important points in brief

iOS 27: No iPhone is left behind

Unlike with iOS 26, and contrary to some predictions, Apple is not dropping any iPhones this year. iOS 27 runs on the exact same set of devices as its predecessor – from the 2019 iPhone 11 up to the current iPhone 17 Pro. Anyone already using iOS 26 will also receive this year's update. Leakers had previously expected the iPhone 11 series and the second-generation iPhone SE to be excluded; this assumption proved incorrect.

This means iOS 27 supports around 30 iPhone models. However, a compatible device doesn't automatically mean that all new features will be available: The AI features around Apple Intelligence require significantly newer hardware, and there's a further restriction in the EU.

iPadOS 27: The Great Cleanup

Apple is taking a noticeably tougher stance on iPads than last year. iPadOS 27 raises the minimum hardware requirements across almost the entire product line and removes several models that were still supported under iPadOS 26.

Newly removed from the list are the first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro and the third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro (both from 2018), the third-generation iPad Air (2019), the fifth-generation iPad mini (2019), and the regular eighth-generation iPad (2020). The standard ninth-generation iPad with the A13 chip, however, remains – a model that Apple will continue to support with software updates for a long time.

macOS Golden Gate: The End of the Intel Era

macOS 27, codenamed Golden Gate, marks a turning point: It's the first macOS version that runs exclusively on Macs with Apple Silicon. This requires at least an M-series chip – the only exception being the new MacBook Neo with the A18 Pro chip, which is supported despite using an iPhone processor.

The last four Intel Macs that were still supported by macOS 26 Tahoe will no longer receive support: the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019), the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020, with four Thunderbolt 3 ports), the 27-inch iMac (2020), and the 2019 Mac Pro. According to Apple, these devices will continue to receive security updates for approximately three more years. macOS Golden Gate is also the last version with the full Rosetta translation layer, which keeps Intel apps running on Apple Silicon.

watchOS 27: the toughest change in years

The biggest surprise comes from the Apple Watch. While watchOS 26 supported all models back to the Series 6, watchOS 27 only runs on six devices: Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and SE 3. This means that more than half of the previously supported watches are no longer supported.

Specifically, the second-generation Apple Watch SE, Series 6, 7, and 8, as well as the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, are no longer supported. watchOS 27 also requires a paired iPhone 11 or later, or a second-generation iPhone SE or later running iOS 27. If your Apple Watch is among the discontinued models, it will remain on watchOS 26 and continue to function normally.

tvOS 27: two models lose their connection

The changes are less significant for Apple TV. tvOS 27 leaves behind the 2015 Apple TV HD and the first-generation Apple TV 4K (2017). It supports the second-generation Apple TV 4K (2021) and all newer models.

visionOS 27: everything remains the same

Nothing changes for the Apple Vision Pro: visionOS 27 runs on both versions of the headset – the original model with the M2 chip from 2024 and the M5 refresh from 2025. Apple has not shown any new hardware this year, nor is any device being discontinued.

Apple Intelligence and Siri AI: compatible does not necessarily mean available

Anyone wanting to know if their device will receive the new features needs to distinguish between two things: whether it can even install the respective system – and whether it's powerful enough for Apple Intelligence. The biggest innovation of the year is the completely redesigned Siri, which, along with the next generation of Apple Intelligence, is deeply integrated into Photos, Safari, Messages, and the entire system.

These AI features require significantly newer hardware than the respective operating system. According to Apple, Apple Intelligence and Siri AI run on iPhone 16 and later, iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, iPad mini with A17 Pro, iPads and Macs with M1 or later, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple Watch Series 10 or later, Ultra 2 or later, and SE 3—each paired with an AI-enabled iPhone within range. The most powerful, fully on-device model remains exclusive to the latest devices, such as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.

For users in Germany, there's a third hurdle: the new Siri, powered by Google Gemini, and the new Apple intelligence features won't be available in the EU at launch. Apple cites the Digital Markets Act as the reason. Even on a fully compatible iPhone, this flagship AI feature will remain unavailable in Germany for the time being.

Update, maintain, or upgrade?

For all supported devices, the update is free as always and will arrive automatically via software update this fall. Those in Germany who are primarily interested in switching because of the new Siri and AI features should temper their expectations for now – these new features will not be available at launch. The other improvements, from the redesigned interface and enhanced parental controls to numerous new apps, remain unaffected and will be available on every compatible device.

If your device isn't included this time, there's no immediate need to act: Apple typically provides security updates for older models for several more years, and existing features remain fully functional. However, especially for owners of an Apple Watch Series 6 to 9, it's worth keeping the approaching end of watchOS updates in mind if you're planning a watch upgrade anyway.

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