Apple is preparing to unveil iOS 27 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 8, offering the first look at the next major update for iPhone users. While the software is expected to introduce new features, performance upgrades and deeper ecosystem integration, the update may also mark the end of the road for some older iPhone models. According to multiple reports, the iPhone 11 series is emerging as the most likely candidate to lose support when iOS 27 arrives later this year.
iPhone 11 models face uncertainty
Apple has traditionally offered longer software support than most smartphone manufacturers, often providing major updates for devices several years after launch. However, each new iOS version eventually leaves older hardware behind.
Industry reports suggest the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, all introduced in 2019, could be excluded from the iOS 27 compatibility list. The speculation follows Apple’s decision last year to discontinue major software support for the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max with the launch of iOS 26.
If Apple follows a similar support cycle, the iPhone 11 family could be next.
What about the iPhone SE?
The future of the second-generation iPhone SE remains less clear. Although the device launched after the iPhone 11 series, it runs on the same A13 Bionic processor. This has led to questions about whether Apple will continue supporting the model or retire it alongside the iPhone 11 lineup. So far, Apple has not commented on device compatibility.
Newer iPhones expected to remain supported
Devices released from the iPhone 12 series onwards are widely expected to remain eligible for iOS 27. This includes the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 families, as well as newer iPhone SE models.
However, receiving the software update does not necessarily mean access to every new feature. Apple has increasingly tied advanced capabilities to newer hardware, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence.
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AI features may remain limited
The rollout of Apple Intelligence with iOS 26 highlighted a growing distinction between software compatibility and feature availability. While several older devices received the operating system update, many of the AI-powered tools were restricted to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and newer models equipped with at least 8GB of RAM. A similar strategy could continue with iOS 27, allowing older supported devices to install the software while reserving advanced AI functions for more powerful hardware.
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Official confirmation expected at WWDC
Apple typically confirms device compatibility when it releases the first developer beta following its WWDC keynote. Any iPhone missing from that list will not receive the final public version of the operating system later in the year. That said, Apple has surprised users before. The iPhone 6s, for example, received major software updates for considerably longer than many analysts expected.
For now, iPhone 11 users will have to wait for Apple’s official announcement on June 8, when the company is expected to reveal iOS 27, launch its first beta version and publish the definitive list of supported devices. Until then, reports suggest the popular 2019 lineup could be facing its final year of major iOS support.
