iOS 27 system requirements: will Apple’s upcoming software run on your existing iPhone?

Apple revealed its next major smartphone software update in June. Called iOS 27, it will work best with the latest iPhones, and it’ll come pre-installed on the upcoming iPhone 17.

There are beta versions including one for public consumption, but the full release will take place in September when it will launch alongside the rumored iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Pro (the iPhone 18 seems set to debut in early 2027). A whole bunch of older iPhones will also get the free software update – stretching back around five years.

As of last year,Apple’s software versions are now named after the year ahead – so iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 and so on. Here’s our guide to the iOS 27 system requirements.

Can my iPhone get iOS 27?

iOS 27 actually runs on the same iPhones as iOS 26. While last year’s update ditched support for the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max – all from 2018 – this year’s update does no such thing for 2019/2020 iPhones.

It’s unusual for an update to not drop any devices but it probably shows that there aren’t a lot of new features that will tax even ageing iPhone devices – and that seems to include Siri AI.

The earliest iPhones on the compatibility list are the iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPhone 11 series from 2019/2020.

Here’s a full list of the devices compatible with iOS 27:

• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone Air
• iPhone 17
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11
• iPhone SE (2020, 2nd generation)
• Any new 2026 iPhone releases

Related: How to use Action mode on your iPhone to capture ultra-smooth video without a gimbal

Dan Grabham Editor-in-Chief

About

Dan is Editor-in-chief of Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website.  Our Editor-in-Chief is a regular at tech shows such as CES in Las Vegas, IFA in Berlin and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona as well as at other launches and events. He has been a CES Innovation Awards judge. Dan is completely platform agnostic and very at home using and writing about Windows, macOS, Android and iOS/iPadOS plus lots and lots of gadgets including audio and smart home gear, laptops and smartphones. He's also been interviewed and quoted in a wide variety of places including The Sun, BBC World Service, BBC News Online, BBC Radio 5Live, BBC Radio 4, Sky News Radio and BBC Local Radio.

Areas of expertise

Computing, mobile, audio, smart home