Apple's latest software updates are currently available in developer beta and are expected to roll out publicly later this year.
MacOS 27 update exclusively supports Apple silicon hardware
Apple held its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026 last week, where it previewed its upcoming operating system update for devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. In subsequent post-keynote sessions, the Cupertino-based tech giant also revealed that the updates would mark the end of the road for several older products. Apple is dropping support for a total of 16 devices across four product categories with the introduction of iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and tvOS 27.
According to Apple, iOS 27 will retain compatibility with all iPhone models currently running iOS 26. This means the iPhone 11, which was launched about six and a half years ago, will continue to receive updates, along with subsequent handsets. However, models older than the iPhone 15 Pro series will not receive the new Apple Intelligence features, the same as the last iOS 26 update.
The biggest changes come to the Apple Watch lineup. With watchOS 27, Apple is ending support for five smartwatch models. It appears to be the largest single-generation compatibility cut in the platform's history. These devices include the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch Series 8, first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and second-generation Apple Watch SE.
Consequently, watchOS 27 will require newer hardware powered by Apple's S9 or S10 chipsets.
The iPad lineup is also seeing a significant reduction in supported devices. Apple has raised the minimum hardware requirement to the A14 Bionic chip or newer. This means the company is effectively dropping support for five iPad models that remain eligible for iPadOS 26.
The affected tablets include the third-generation iPad Air, third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro, eighth-generation iPad, and fifth-generation iPad mini.
MacOS 27 Golden Gate is also a significant update as it officially marks the end of Apple's transition away from Intel processors. It is the first major macOS release to support Apple Silicon hardware exclusively. Thus, the Intel-powered MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019), MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020 with four Thunderbolt 3 ports), iMac (2020), and Mac Pro (2019) will not be eligible for the macOS 27 Golden Gate update.
Last on the list are Apple TV devices. Post WWDC, the tech giant announced that it is ending support for the Apple TV HD released in 2015 and the first-generation Apple TV 4K launched in 2017. Only the second-generation and third-generation Apple TV 4K models will receive tvOS 27.
The complete list of devices losing support is as follows:
| watchOS 27 | iPadOS 27 | macOS 27 Golden Gate | tvOS 27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 6 (2020) | iPad Air (2019) | MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) | Apple TV HD (2015) |
| Apple Watch Series 7 (2021) | iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) | MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020) | Apple TV 4K (2017) |
| Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) | iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) | iMac (2020) | |
| Apple Watch Ultra (2022) | iPad (2020) | Mac Pro (2019) | |
| Apple Watch SE (2022) | iPad mini (2019) |
Apple typically continues releasing security updates and bug-fix patches for previous operating system versions for at least a year after a newer version becomes available. The latest software updates are currently available in developer beta and are expected to roll out publicly later this year.
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