During its recent WWDC 2026 keynote, Apple outlined the future of its operating systems, including the upcoming iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 updates. While the event focused heavily on new artificial intelligence features, it also confirmed the hardware that will be left behind.
While phones survived the cut this year, older tablets and computers will not receive the next major software upgrades, which means a significant number of devices are officially reaching the end of the road.
The iOS 27 update safely retains support for older phones
Unlike the other platforms, the transition to iOS 27 brings no hardware casualties. The company confirmed that every iPhone capable of running iOS 26 will get the new update. This means older devices like the iPhone 11 series and the second-generation iPhone SE are safe for another year.
While these older phones will receive the core software update, they will miss out on the advanced Siri AI features that require newer processors.
Tablets face a major cut across the entire product lineup
The update to iPadOS 27 is strict on older hardware. The company is raising the minimum requirement to the A14 or M1 chip for most of its tablet family. This removes several models that were still supported just a year ago.
The following iPad models are officially cut from the update list:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
If you own any of these versions, your device will stay on iPadOS 26. You will not get the new customizable layouts or the latest visual changes.
The latest desktop software marks the end of Intel processors
A major shift is happening with macOS 27. The company is completely moving to its own computer chips. It confirmed that this update will only install on machines equipped with M-series chips.
Any MacBook or desktop computer with an Intel processor is no longer supported. This includes:
- All Intel-based MacBook Air models
- All Intel-based MacBook Pro models
- All Intel-based iMac and Mac mini models
- The 2019 Intel Mac Pro
While these older computers will continue to function normally, they will be limited to older software versions moving forward.
Planning your next steps after the recent software announcements
Losing access to the latest software does not mean your device will stop working immediately. The company typically provides security updates for older operating systems for at least a year or two. If your daily tasks do not require the newest tools, your current hardware still has life left in it.
If you want access to the new conversational tools and visual changes, now might be the time to look at newer options. You can trade in your older hardware while it still holds some value to help fund a newer purchase.
