iOS 27: Which iPhones Will Be Dropped and What's New

iOS 27 Is Coming — And It's Forcing Millions to Upgrade Their iPhones

If you're still rocking an iPhone 11 or a 2nd-generation iPhone SE, today's news is your official heads-up: your phone's days of receiving major iOS updates are numbered. On April 20, 2026, prominent Weibo leaker Instant Digital posted what appears to be Apple's iOS 27 device compatibility list — and the cutoff is iPhone 12 or newer. With WWDC 2026 just seven weeks away (June 8), the window to buy the right iPhone before everyone else starts shopping is narrowing fast.

This isn't just about getting new features. iOS 27 is shaping up to be a landmark release — Apple's equivalent of Mac OS X Snow Leopard, with major stability improvements, a redesigned Siri experience, and the long-awaited debut of a full AI chatbot built right into the OS. If you want in, you need to be on the right hardware. Here's exactly what to buy, and why.

Quick Picks: Best iPhones to Buy for iOS 27 Right Now

Don't have time to read the full guide? Here are the three best iPhones to buy today to ensure you're fully covered for iOS 27.

1. Best Overall: iPhone 15 Pro

The gold standard. The iPhone 15 Pro is the minimum required for Apple Intelligence features in iOS 27, including Siri 2.0's full chatbot capabilities. With the A17 Pro chip, 8GB RAM, a titanium frame, and Action Button, this phone will be iOS 27's showcase device. If you want everything Apple is about to deliver — including the new standalone Siri app and advanced AI tools — this is your phone.

2. Best Value: iPhone 14

The iPhone 14 hits a sweet spot most buyers will appreciate. It supports iOS 27, features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite, and the A15 Bionic chip. You won't get Apple Intelligence's top-tier AI features, but you'll get the new Liquid Glass UI, the improved Siri interface, better keyboard autocorrection, and all security updates for years to come. Strong buy at its current discounted price.

3. Best Budget Pick: iPhone 12

The absolute floor for iOS 27 compatibility is the iPhone 12. If you're upgrading from an iPhone 11 or SE and don't want to spend much, this gets you onto the iOS 27 train. It has 5G, OLED display, and the A14 Bionic — still a capable chip. You'll miss out on AI features, but you'll get OS support that should last at least several more years.

What's Actually Changing in iOS 27 — And Why It Matters for Buyers

Understanding why Apple is dropping older devices tells you everything about where iOS is headed. According to MacRumors, the iPhone 11 series has 4GB of RAM and the 2nd-gen SE has just 3GB — simply not enough headroom for Apple's increasingly aggressive AI ambitions.

iOS 27's headline feature is Siri 2.0 — a complete overhaul that transforms Siri from an assistant that occasionally forgets what you just said into a genuine AI chatbot with a standalone app comparable to ChatGPT or Google Gemini. This was originally promised in iOS 18.4, then again in iOS 26.4, but was delayed both times because it simply wasn't ready. As iDropNews reports, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes WWDC26's teaser is explicitly pointing to a new Siri user interface. This time, it's happening.

Beyond Siri, iOS 27 is also expected to introduce a system-wide Liquid Glass opacity slider, improved keyboard autocorrection that actually works, and the kind of deep stability improvements that make everyday iPhone use feel smoother. Think of it as iOS growing up — less about gimmicks, more about getting the fundamentals right.

Critically, the new Apple Intelligence features require iPhone 15 Pro or newer, according to Macworld. This creates a two-tier iOS 27 experience: everyone on iPhone 12 and up gets the base OS, but only Pro-tier users from 2023 onward get the full AI suite.

What to Look For: iOS 27 iPhone Buying Guide

Shopping for an iPhone right now means buying for iOS 27 compatibility. Here's the framework to make the right call:

RAM Is the Real Dividing Line

Apple's device cuts aren't arbitrary — they're driven by memory requirements. iPhones with 6GB RAM or more (iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14, iPhone 15 series) will handle iOS 27's full non-AI feature set with ease. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with 8GB RAM are purpose-built for Apple Intelligence.

Do You Actually Need Apple Intelligence?

Be honest with yourself here. Siri 2.0's AI chatbot is compelling on paper, but if you primarily use your phone for social media, photography, and messaging, a well-priced iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 running iOS 27 will serve you excellently. Save the premium for the iPhone 15 Pro only if you genuinely intend to use AI features daily.

Don't Buy the 3rd-Gen iPhone SE Expecting AI Features

The iPhone SE 3rd generation will support iOS 27 (it uses the A15 Bionic and has 4GB RAM), but it won't qualify for Apple Intelligence either. It's a reasonable budget pick for iOS 27 compatibility, but understand the limitations before purchasing.

Buy Refurbished Carefully

The used market for iPhones is about to shift. As iOS 27's September release approaches, iPhone 11 resale values will drop. Meanwhile, refurbished iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 refurbished units represent solid value. Always verify the device is unlocked and check battery health before buying.

Consider the Long Game

Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years. The iPhone 12 (released 2020) is already at the edge of that window. If you're buying a phone to last you 3+ more years, the iPhone 14 or newer is the smarter investment — you won't be having this same conversation again in 12 months.

If Your iPhone Is Getting Dropped: What It Means For You

If you're on an iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, or 2nd-gen iPhone SE, this news stings — but it's not an emergency. As Forbes reports, dropped devices will continue to receive iOS 26 security updates for at least a few more years. Your phone won't suddenly become dangerous to use on September's iOS 27 launch day. But you will fall further behind as apps begin targeting iOS 27 APIs, and the gap between your experience and a newer iPhone's will widen every month.

The question isn't whether to upgrade — it's when. Buying now gives you access to iOS 27 from day one. Waiting until September means you're shopping at peak demand with everyone else who just learned their phone was dropped. Act before the WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8 for the best deals.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is iOS 27 coming out?

Apple will unveil iOS 27 at the WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, 2026. Developer betas are expected the same day. A public beta will follow in July, with the final release to all users in September 2026 — likely alongside new iPhone 17 hardware.

Which iPhones will NOT get iOS 27?

According to the Weibo leak reported by MSN, the four dropped models are: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and the 2nd-generation iPhone SE. All four will remain on iOS 26 with security updates only.

What's the cheapest iPhone that will run iOS 27?

The iPhone 12 is expected to be the entry point for iOS 27 compatibility. It's available refurbished at significantly reduced prices and remains a functional daily driver for most users.

Do I need an iPhone 15 Pro for Siri 2.0?

Yes. Apple Intelligence features — including the full Siri 2.0 chatbot experience — require the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max at minimum. Older iPhones will get the updated Siri interface but not the advanced AI capabilities.

Our Recommendation: The Right iPhone for iOS 27

For most people, the iPhone 14 is the best iOS 27 upgrade right now. It's fully compatible, well-priced in mid-2026, durable enough to last several more years, and delivers the full iOS 27 experience minus the AI premium features. If you know you want Apple Intelligence and use your phone heavily for productivity and AI-assisted tasks, stretch to the iPhone 15 Pro — it's the only device that unlocks everything iOS 27 has to offer. And if budget is the top priority, the iPhone 12 gets you in the door without breaking the bank.

The WWDC 2026 keynote is June 8. That's your deadline for making this decision ahead of the crowd.