Apple will stop providing software updates for 16 devices across four product lines this fall. When it rolls out its new operating systems at the end of the year, several watches, tablets, computers, and media players will be left behind. Fortunately, phones are safe, as the upcoming iOS 27 maintains the exact same compatibility list as iOS 26. If you rely on one of these older models, you might want to consider your options before September arrives.
The company removes older models from its latest software updates
The most noticeable changes happen with the watches. The new watchOS 27 drops five models at once. It requires a newer S9 or S10 chip to run. This marks the biggest loss of recent watch support we have seen yet.
- Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
- Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
- Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
- Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation, 2022)
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 2022)
Tablets are also seeing big cuts. The new iPadOS 27 update requires an A14 Bionic or M1 chip. This change leaves behind five models that still run the current software.
- iPad Air (3rd generation, 2019)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation, 2018)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation, 2018)
- iPad (8th generation, 2020)
- iPad mini (5th generation, 2019)
Intel computers and older televisions lose access to new features
The transition to custom computer chips is now complete. The release of macOS 27 Golden Gate officially ends support for all remaining Intel models.
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- iMac (2020)
- Mac Pro (2019)
Finally, two media players will not get the new tvOS update. Only newer generation 4K models will receive the newest software this fall.
- Apple TV HD (2015)
- Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017)
Even though these 16 devices are losing the newest features, they will not stop working overnight. The company usually continues to send out security patches for previous operating systems for at least another year. You can keep using your current watch, tablet, or computer safely for now. You just will not see any of the visual changes or new tools coming out in September.
