Apple has officially announced iPadOS 27, but not every iPad that supported last year’s update is making the jump this time.
While iOS 27 continues to support every iPhone that could run iOS 26, Apple has trimmed compatibility across several iPad models. The changes affect older iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad mini, and standard iPad models, making iPadOS 27 one of the biggest compatibility shakeups for the platform in recent years.
If you’re wondering whether your iPad can run iPadOS 27, here’s the full compatibility list.
iPad models compatible with iPadOS 27
Apple says iPadOS 27 supports the following devices:
- iPad Pro (M4 and later)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation and later)
- iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and later)
- iPad Air 11-inch (M2 and later)
- iPad Air (4th generation and later)
- iPad (9th generation and later)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad mini (6th generation and later)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
These iPads are losing support
Several models that could run iPadOS 26 will not be eligible for iPadOS 27:
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
Apple has gradually phased out support for older A12 Bionic-powered devices, and iPadOS 27 effectively completes that transition.
Why Apple is dropping these models
This year’s update introduces a range of Apple Intelligence features, Siri AI capabilities, productivity enhancements, and system-level performance improvements. While not every iPadOS 27 feature requires the latest hardware, Apple appears to be raising the baseline requirements to ensure a more consistent experience.
The company is also emphasizing faster performance throughout iPadOS 27, including quicker app launches, faster file transfers, improved AirDrop speeds, and a more optimized CPU scheduler. Older devices may not have been able to fully support those improvements.
It’s worth noting that Siri AI and many Apple Intelligence features have even stricter requirements. Apple Intelligence requires an M1-powered iPad Air or iPad Pro, while some of the most advanced on-device AI features require newer M4 iPad models with additional memory.
How to check your iPad model
If you’re not sure which iPad you own:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Look for Model Name.
You can also check your current software version by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
When will iPadOS 27 be released?
Apple has already made the first developer beta of iPadOS 27 available. A public beta is expected to launch in July, with the final release arriving this fall alongside the company’s next generation of software updates.
