Apple’s upcoming software updates will leave 16 devices behind when they launch later this year. With the release of macOS 27 Golden Gate, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, and tvOS 27, several older Macs, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TV models will no longer receive the latest features.
The biggest surprise is the Apple Watch lineup. Apple is dropping support for five models in a single update cycle, marking the largest watchOS compatibility cut in the platform’s history. Meanwhile, macOS 27 officially ends the road for Intel Macs, while several popular iPad models and older Apple TV devices are also reaching the end of major software support.
One notable exception is the iPhone. iOS 27 supports the same iPhone models as iOS 26, meaning no iPhones are being removed from the compatibility list this year.
Apple Watch models losing watchOS 27 support
Apple is raising the minimum requirement for watchOS 27 to devices powered by the S9 or newer chip. As a result, the following Apple Watch models will remain on watchOS 26:
- Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
- Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
- Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
- Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation, 2022)
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 2022)
iPad models losing iPadOS 27 support
iPadOS 27 increases the hardware requirement to the A14 Bionic chip or newer, as well as M-series iPads. The following devices are being dropped:
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
This is one of the largest iPad compatibility reductions Apple has made in recent years.
Intel Macs losing macOS 27 support
Apple confirmed last year that macOS Tahoe would be the final major release for Intel Macs. With macOS 27 Golden Gate, that transition is now complete.
The following Macs will not receive macOS 27:
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- iMac (2020)
- Mac Pro (2019)
While these Macs will continue to function normally, they will not gain access to new macOS 27 features and improvements.
Apple TV models losing tvOS 27 support
Apple is also trimming support for older Apple TV hardware.
The following models will not be compatible with tvOS 27:
- Apple TV HD (2015)
- Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017)
Only the second-generation and third-generation Apple TV 4K models will support tvOS 27.
Although these devices are losing access to Apple’s newest operating systems, owners are not being cut off immediately. Apple typically continues to provide security updates for older software versions for some time after a new release becomes available.
Still, if your device appears on this list, this fall’s software updates will likely be the last major milestone before an upgrade becomes necessary. For users who want access to new features such as Apple Intelligence enhancements, updated apps, and future platform improvements, newer hardware will be required.
Apple is expected to release iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27, and tvOS 27 to the public this September following several months of beta testing.
