Apple May Phase Out 4 iPhone Models with iOS 27; Latest Support List Revealed

As Apple gears up for its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, anticipation is building for the unveiling of iOS 27. While the update promises significant enhancements, particularly in Siri and AI capabilities under the umbrella of 'Apple Intelligence,' a key concern for many users revolves around device compatibility. Recent leaks suggest that Apple may be phasing out support for four older iPhone models, a move that, if true, would mark the second consecutive year of device culling in a major iOS release.

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iOS 27 will eliminate 4 iPhone models.

The potential casualties of this update are reportedly the iPhone 11 series and the iPhone SE (2nd generation). These devices, equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, have served users faithfully for years. Apple's historical pattern of providing approximately seven years of software support for its devices suggests this move is in line with their established lifecycle management. This means that to experience the full suite of iOS 27 features, users will likely need to upgrade to an iPhone 12 series device or newer, including the iPhone SE (3rd generation).

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These models are equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, which also aligns with Apple's past practice of stopping support for about 7 years.

Adding another layer of consideration, the report indicates that some of the most advanced 'Apple Intelligence' features might be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro series and later models. This implies that even if an older iPhone model receives the iOS 27 update, its capabilities might be limited, potentially creating a tiered user experience. This strategy, while understandable from a hardware capability standpoint, could leave owners of slightly older, yet still functional, devices feeling left behind.

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In other words, to upgrade to iOS 27 in the future, you will need at least an iPhone 12 series (including iPhone SE 3) or above to be qualified.

From the perspective of Liberty Times, this development highlights Apple's relentless pace of innovation and its strategy of integrating cutting-edge technology, particularly AI, into its ecosystem. While this push for advancement is exciting, it also raises questions about device longevity and the increasing cost of staying current with the latest technology. For Taiwanese consumers, who are often early adopters of new technology, this news prompts a discussion about the balance between embracing new features and the economic implications of frequent device upgrades. The trend suggests a future where advanced AI functionalities will be a key differentiator, potentially driving upgrade cycles more aggressively.

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If the news is true, this will be the second consecutive year that Apple eliminates multiple older models in a major iOS update.