iOS 27 arrives on Monday, September 14, bringing Apple’s next major software update to a surprisingly long list of iPhone models.
Apple is maintaining support back to the iPhone 11 generation, so anyone using an iPhone 11 or newer will be able to install the update. The second-generation iPhone SE and later are supported too.
The complete compatibility list includes iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max; the entire iPhone 12 family including iPhone 12 mini; the iPhone 13 family including iPhone 13 mini; every iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 model; iPhone Air; iPhone SE (2nd generation and later); and Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo.
iOS 27 compatibility does not mean every feature
There is an important distinction between being able to install iOS 27 and being able to use every feature included with it. Apple Intelligence requires newer hardware, so older compatible iPhones will receive iOS 27 without the full set of AI capabilities.
Apple says Apple Intelligence in iOS 27 is supported on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 generation and later compatible models. Siri AI also has its own language and regional availability requirements.
There are still plenty of improvements for devices outside that group. Apple has made changes across the operating system involving performance, accessibility, connectivity and core apps, alongside further refinements to the Liquid Glass design.
The Apple Post has rounded up 27 of the changes coming with iOS 27, including additions to Siri, Photos, Safari, Maps, Find My, Passwords and more.
When can you download iOS 27?
Apple has confirmed the update will be released on Monday. The company has not announced a precise launch time, although major iOS releases have historically appeared around 10 a.m. Pacific, which would correspond to 1 p.m. Eastern and 6 p.m. in the UK if Apple follows its usual pattern.
Once available, users can check for the update by opening Settings, selecting General and tapping Software Update. It is worth making a backup beforehand, particularly for anyone installing immediately after release.
Apple confirmed the September 14 release date following its iPhone event, putting the software launch four days before iPhone 18 Pro reaches stores on September 18.