iPhones compatible with iOS 27: the complete list

iOS 27 has something fairly unusual in the Apple world: it does not suddenly leave an entire generation of iPhones behind. Although several leaks had pointed to the exclusion of the iPhone 11 and the second-generation iPhone SE, Apple appears to have chosen a more generous path. The new version of iOS would remain compatible with the same major iPhone families already supported by iOS 26, with a list that goes all the way back to the iPhone 11 and the second-generation iPhone SE.

That is good news, but one point should be made clear from the start: compatibility with iOS 27 does not mean access to every new feature. As has often happened since the arrival of Apple Intelligence, some advanced features remain reserved for newer models, especially the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and the iPhone 17 family.

The complete list of iPhones compatible with iOS 27

Here is the list of models compatible with iOS 27:

The most interesting point remains the presence of the iPhone 11. Launched in 2019, it would continue to be part of the major iOS update cycle. That is not a small detail: in the smartphone market, few Android models from 2019 can still count on a major new operating system version with the same level of continuity.

The iPhone 18 is a different case. Since it is a future lineup, its compatibility with iOS 27 should be considered likely, but not yet officially confirmed by Apple. It makes sense to include it in the table for editorial completeness, but it should be clearly separated from the models already present in official documentation.

The iPhones that will not receive iOS 27

The rule is fairly simple: if the iPhone is older than the iPhone 11, it is not on the list. That means models such as the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and all earlier iPhones would be excluded.

The decision makes sense from a technical point of view. Older Apple platforms can still handle light tasks, but iOS 27 focuses more heavily on performance, integrated intelligence, and system-level features that require more power. At some point, guaranteeing a smooth experience on hardware that is too old becomes more complicated than simply making the operating system “run”.

Why the iPhone 11 is the great survivor

Before WWDC 2026, some leaks had suggested a sharper cut-off: iOS 27 could have started with the iPhone 12, leaving out the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and second-generation iPhone SE.

Apple, however, seems to have gone in a different direction. And that decision changes the perception of software support quite a bit. In recent years, update longevity has become almost as important an argument as the camera or battery life. An iPhone 11 compatible with iOS 27 is also an iPhone that retains interesting value on the second-hand and refurbished markets.

There is also a subtler message here: Apple wants to avoid making still perfectly usable iPhones feel old too quickly because of the arrival of artificial intelligence. Not every model will get the same features, but they will remain inside the main software ecosystem.

iOS 27 compatible does not mean the full iOS 27 experience

This is probably the point that will create the most confusion. An iPhone 11 will be able to install iOS 27, but it will not offer the same experience as an iPhone 17 Pro, an iPhone Air, or the future iPhone 18 models.

Some of the more advanced features, especially those related to Apple Intelligence and the new generation of Siri, will be limited to iPhones with newer hardware. The approach is now fairly clear: Apple keeps the compatible device base broad, but reserves the best new features for its most powerful models.

For Apple Intelligence, the picture remains selective: iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and later models are the real center of Apple’s AI features. The standard iPhone 15, as well as the iPhone 14, 13, 12, and 11, will be able to receive iOS 27, but with a more traditional experience made up of system improvements, fixes, visual changes, and features not tied to locally running artificial intelligence models.

Put simply:
iOS 27 comes to many iPhones, but the best of iOS 27 stays on the newest models.

The new features that make this broad compatibility meaningful

iOS 27 is not just a cosmetic update. Apple is focusing on a new version of Siri, tools linked to Apple Intelligence, improvements to family safety, and important performance work.

The fact that Apple continues to include older devices makes the whole thing more interesting. This is not just about adding one more line to a compatibility list: the company seems to want to preserve an acceptable experience even on iPhones with several years behind them.

This is one of the areas where Apple still manages things better than many competitors. Users do not always receive every feature, of course, but they stay inside a coherent, updated, and still-supported system.

What this list says about Apple’s strategy

iOS 27 compatibility reflects a two-level strategy. On one side, Apple extends the software life of many iPhones. On the other, it uses artificial intelligence as the new dividing line between models that are “still supported” and those truly ready for the next phase of the ecosystem.

It is a smart choice, even if it is slightly frustrating. Anyone with an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 will be able to install iOS 27, keep a modern system, receive the basic new features, and remain covered by updates. At the same time, they will see some Apple Intelligence features pass them by without being able to use them.

In my view, Apple is playing a delicate game here. Cutting off too many models would have fed the idea of accelerated obsolescence. Opening every AI feature to less suitable devices could have worsened the experience. The compromise is fairly coherent: broad compatibility, segmented premium features.

The special case of the iPhone SE

The second-generation iPhone SE remains on the list, and that is almost as surprising as the iPhone 11. This model follows a very different philosophy from modern iPhones: older design, Home button, compact screen, but still with a hardware platform strong enough to remain inside the software cycle.

Apple indicates compatibility with second-generation iPhone SE and later models. That includes at least the iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone SE 2022, as well as any more recent models covered by this wording.

Keeping the iPhone SE in the list matters for users who are not necessarily looking for a large screen, three cameras, or the most advanced AI features. The iPhone SE remains an entry point into the Apple ecosystem, and iOS 27 extends its usefulness even further.

What really remains from this compatibility

The list of iPhones compatible with iOS 27 is more generous than expected. Above all, it confirms one thing: Apple wants to keep as many users as possible on the latest major version of iOS, without offering exactly the same experience to everyone.

It is an update that supports longevity, but it also marks an increasingly clear separation between iPhones that are simply compatible and those truly designed for the Apple Intelligence era. The iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2 come out better than expected. The iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 17, and, very likely, the future iPhone 18 models represent the heart of Apple’s new software phase.

At the end of the day, iOS 27 describes today’s Apple rather well: more attentive to the lifespan of its products, more selective with its most advanced features, and still very skilled at making users want the next model without suddenly abandoning the older ones.

FAQ iOS 27

Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 27?

The iPhones compatible with iOS 27 start with the iPhone 11 and also include the second-generation iPhone SE and later models. The list also covers the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 families. The future iPhone 18 models will very likely be compatible, but their support should be treated as probable and not yet officially confirmed.

Will the iPhone 11 get iOS 27?

Yes. The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are compatible with iOS 27. This is one of the most notable parts of the update, since the iPhone 11 family launched in 2019 and still remains inside Apple’s major software update cycle.

Is the iPhone SE compatible with iOS 27?

Yes, the second-generation iPhone SE and later models are compatible with iOS 27. This includes at least the iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone SE 2022. Older SE models are not included.

Which iPhones will not receive iOS 27?

iPhones older than the iPhone 11 will not receive iOS 27. This includes the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and all earlier models.

Will every compatible iPhone get all iOS 27 features?

No. iOS 27 compatibility does not mean every feature will be available on every device. The most advanced features linked to Apple Intelligence and the new generation of Siri will mainly be limited to newer models, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 17 and probably the future iPhone 18 lineup.

Salvatore Macrí

Editor in Chief | Web |  + postsBio ⮌

Hello, I’m Salvatore and I’m in charge of CertiDeal’s international development, as well as all SEO activities across our different European markets. I’m passionate about IT and technology, especially everything related to the world of iPhones and Samsung devices.

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