Apple has confirmed that four iPhone models will be left out of the upgrade to iOS 27, meaning some users won’t be able to install the next major version of the operating system.
The Cupertino-based company routinely trims its compatibility list when it rolls out major iOS releases. With iOS 27, four iPhone models won’t be eligible for the update—confirming rumors that had been circulating for weeks. Apple’s rationale follows its usual logic: only devices with enough computing power and memory remain eligible.
Older iPhones continue to be phased out
Apple regularly removes its oldest devices from the support pipeline. Each major iOS update typically ends support for several iPhone generations, and iOS 27 continues that pattern. The four affected models now join the growing list of iPhones that will no longer receive new versions of the operating system, limiting access to the latest features and security fixes.
What it means for iPhone owners
For people using the affected iPhones, the decision means their devices will remain on their current iOS version. They won’t get the new features Apple adds in iOS 27, or the security improvements that come with it. The move also raises questions about how long Apple supports its devices—and the replacement cycle users may feel pressured to follow.
A standard Apple approach—and a familiar debate
This isn’t new. For years, Apple has set compatibility limits that gradually push users toward newer hardware. Each newly introduced iPhone, as a platform with a more powerful processor, supports capabilities older models simply don’t have. Confirming iOS 27 incompatibility for four models acknowledges that technical reality while indirectly accelerating upgrade timelines. While understandable from an engineering standpoint, the approach continues to fuel debate over planned obsolescence and the durability of mass-market consumer tech.
Frequently asked questions
Which iPhones won’t be able to get iOS 27? Four iPhone models will be excluded from the iOS 27 update. The article does not specify which ones, but Apple confirmed the incompatibility based on computing power and available memory.
Why does Apple stop supporting some iPhones? Apple regularly drops its oldest devices for technical reasons. Only devices with sufficient computing power and memory remain eligible for major new iOS versions.
What happens if my iPhone can’t install iOS 27? Your device will stay on its current iOS version and won’t be able to access the latest features or new security patches delivered through iOS 27.
Is it normal for Apple to drop iPhones with a major update? Yes. Apple routinely cuts compatibility when launching major new iOS versions, consistent with its usual approach.
