Back
Technology

Apple Announces 2026 Operating System Updates with Broader Device Compatibility Changes

Generated on: Last updated: 14 sources
View source

Apple Announces 2026 Software Updates at WWDC

Apple unveiled its 2026 software lineup—including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 (Golden Gate), watchOS 27, and tvOS 27—during the WWDC keynote on June 8, 2026. The updates introduce new features, performance improvements, and significant changes to device compatibility across multiple product lines.

Event and Release Timeline

The WWDC 2026 keynote took place on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. Pacific time. The first developer beta for iOS 27 was made available on June 8. A public beta is scheduled for July 2026, with final public releases for all operating systems expected in fall (September) 2026.

Developer betas are available at no cost to users with an Apple Developer account. Users can install the developer beta by registering, restarting their iPhone, navigating to Settings > General > Software Update, and selecting the appropriate beta option. Public beta sign-up is available at beta.apple.com.

Device Compatibility Changes

iOS 27

"iOS 27 will support all iPhones that run iOS 26, from iPhone 11 onwards."

According to a report from the Chinese social media platform Weibo account "Instant Digital"—which has previously reported accurate Apple information but does not have a perfect track record—iOS 27 will be compatible with the iPhone 12 series and newer models. The following models currently supported by iOS 26 are not on the compatibility list:

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

However, Apple has officially stated that iOS 27 will support all iPhones that run iOS 26, from iPhone 11 onwards, including the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air. Older devices, including the iPhone 11 series and iPhone SE (2nd generation), will not support Apple Intelligence or Siri AI features.

iPadOS 27

Reports indicate iPadOS 27 will drop support for the following iPad models:

  • iPad (8th generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation)
  • iPad mini (5th generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation, 2018)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation, 2018)

The update requires at least an A14 Bionic or M1 chip.

watchOS 27

"watchOS 27 requires an Apple Watch with an S9 or S10 chip."

The following models are supported:

  • Apple Watch Series 9 and later
  • Apple Watch Series 10 and later
  • Apple Watch Series 11 (if applicable)
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later
  • Apple Watch Ultra 3 (if applicable)
  • Apple Watch SE (3rd generation)

The following models, which were supported by watchOS 26, are no longer supported:

  • Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
  • Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
  • Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
  • Apple Watch Series 9
  • Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation, 2022)
  • Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 2022)

watchOS 27 requires an iPhone 11 or later, or iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), running iOS 27.

macOS 27 Golden Gate

Apple has confirmed that macOS 27 will not support any Intel-based Macs. The final Intel-based models that can run macOS 26 but will not support macOS 27 are:

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

tvOS 27

Reports indicate tvOS 27 will drop support for:

  • Apple TV HD (2015)
  • Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017)

Key New Features

iOS 27

  • Liquid Glass transparency slider: A system-wide slider for adjusting the opacity of the Liquid Glass design.
  • Redesigned Siri interface (reported).
  • Apple Intelligence features: Siri AI requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to function fully.
  • Updated parental controls.
  • Separate volume level for alarms.
  • Improved keyboard autocorrection.
  • Performance and stability improvements: The update has been compared to Mac OS X Snow Leopard, with a reported focus on bug fixes and stability.

watchOS 27

"Siri AI allows users to start and resume conversations across devices and perform actions within apps."

  • Siri AI: A dedicated Siri app powered by Apple Intelligence, allowing users to start and resume conversations across devices and perform actions within apps. Siri AI requires pairing with an Apple Intelligence-enabled device and will not be available in the EU initially. The beta launches later in 2025 (according to earlier reports) or is available to developers via a waitlist.
  • Dynamic App Grid: Automatically highlights Siri-suggested apps, with the Siri app centered and surrounded by frequently used apps. Pressing the Digital Crown invokes the grid.
  • Workout Buddy enhancements: Detailed pace, distance, and duration insights; improved run tracking; expanded support to Spanish.
  • Menstrual health: Expanded notifications for cycle patterns suggestive of perimenopause.
  • System improvements: Widget suggestions in Smart Stack, faster music playback, battery optimizations, streamlined Find My app, refined Liquid Glass design, and a new gesture to select widgets.

iPadOS 27 and macOS 27

New features for these operating systems have been reported but were not detailed in the provided sources.

Older Device Support

Apple typically continues to provide security patches for the previous operating system version for at least one year. Older devices that do not support the new operating systems will remain paired with iPhones running the latest iOS and will continue to receive security updates.

Background on Sources

The device compatibility information for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and certain other updates is based on reports from a Weibo account named "Instant Digital." This account has accurately reported Apple information in the past—including the yellow color for the iPhone 14 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2's Titanium Milanese Loop—but does not have a perfect track record. Apple has confirmed device compatibility for macOS 27 (ending support for Intel Macs) and has provided official statements regarding watchOS 27 compatibility requirements.