The arrival of a new iOS update always sparks a familiar question among iPhone users: will my device still be supported? The anticipation, and sometimes disappointment, is a yearly ritual. This year, with iOS 26 released, several iPhone models – the XR, XS, and XS Max – found themselves left behind, unable to experience the latest features.
Apple generally provides iOS updates for at least five years after a phone’s launch, but some models consistently exceed expectations. The iPhone 6s, remarkably, received seven major iOS updates, spanning from its 2015 debut with iOS 9 all the way to iOS 15 in 2021. The iPhone XS and XR mirrored this longevity until their recent exclusion from the iOS 26 update.
Now, all eyes are on the horizon, wondering which iPhones will be compatible with the upcoming iOS 27. While official confirmation remains elusive, informed predictions are beginning to take shape, based on past patterns and current technology.
The following iPhones are highly likely to receive the iOS 27 update: iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max (expected 2025); iPhone Air (expected 2025); iPhone 16e (expected 2025); iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max (launched 2024); iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max (launched 2023); iPhone 14 models (launched 2022); iPhone SE 3 (launched 2022); iPhone 13 models (launched 2021); iPhone 12 models (launched 2020); iPhone SE 2 (launched 2020); and iPhone 11 models (launched 2019).
Looking at the age of devices, the iPhone 11 series appears to be the most vulnerable, closely followed by the iPhone SE 2. However, both have a strong chance of receiving one final update. If the iPhone 11 were dropped after iOS 27, it would still have enjoyed an impressive six years of software support. The iPhone SE 2 would reach five years.
There’s a compelling argument for extending support for these older models. Apple continues to support devices with the A12 chip – the same chip found in the now-discontinued iPhone XS – in other product lines like the iPad and Apple TV. This suggests the A12 still has considerable life left, and by extension, so do the A13-based devices like the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone 11.
Beyond the chip generation, Apple also considers the popularity of a device. The iPhone 6s benefited from its widespread adoption, and the iPhone SE 2 has proven remarkably popular, particularly as a work phone. However, the SE 2’s limited 3GB of RAM could be a potential obstacle, as it already showed signs of strain with iOS 26. The iPhone 11 and 12, with their 4GB of RAM, are less likely to face this issue.
Ultimately, the processor generation remains the most significant factor in determining continued iOS support. Apple carefully balances technological capabilities with the needs of its vast user base, striving to deliver a seamless experience across a wide range of devices.
