Apple’s iPadOS 27 update brings a refreshed design, new multitasking improvements, and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities. If you’re planning to install the update this fall, it’s worth checking whether your iPad supports iPadOS 27 and whether it can take advantage of Apple’s AI-powered features.
While iPadOS 27 remains compatible with a broad range of iPads, Apple Intelligence has more demanding hardware requirements. Only select iPad models equipped with an M-series chip or the A17 Pro chip can access the company’s AI features.
iPads compatible with iPadOS 27
Apple says iPadOS 27 supports the following iPad models:
- 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, M3, and M4)
- iPad Air (4th generation and later)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (9th generation and later)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- iPad mini (6th generation and later)
This means Apple continues to support a wide range of iPads, including several models released more than five years ago.
Which iPads support Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence requires an iPad equipped with an M1 chip or later, or the A17 Pro chip. While many iPads can run iPadOS 27, only the following models support Apple’s AI features:
iPad Pro
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) and later
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation, M1) and later
- iPad Pro (M4)
iPad Air
- iPad Air (5th generation, M1) and later
- iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4)
- iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and later)
iPad mini
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
Apple Intelligence features include:
- Writing Tools
- Image Playground
- Genmoji
- Smart Replies
- AI-powered Siri
- Visual Intelligence
- Priority Notifications
- ChatGPT integration
Not every Apple Intelligence feature is available on every supported iPad. Apple says some of its most advanced on-device AI capabilities are optimized for M4-powered iPads with at least 12GB of unified memory.
iPadOS 27 vs Apple Intelligence compatibility
| iPad | iPadOS 27 | Apple Intelligence |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro (M4 and later) | Yes | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later) | Yes | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) | Yes | No |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later) | Yes | Yes |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation) | Yes | No |
| iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and later) | Yes | Yes |
| iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4) | Yes | Yes |
| iPad Air (5th generation and later) | Yes | Yes |
| iPad Air (4th generation) | Yes | No |
| iPad (A16) | Yes | No |
| iPad (9th generation and later) | Yes | No |
| iPad mini (A17 Pro) | Yes | Yes |
| iPad mini (6th generation) | Yes | No |
Why doesn’t every iPad support Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence relies heavily on on-device processing and requires the performance of the Neural Engine found in newer Apple silicon chips. While older iPads can still run iPadOS 27 and receive many of its new features, they lack the hardware required to run Apple’s AI models locally.
As a result, devices such as the iPad Air (4th generation), iPad mini (6th generation), and standard iPad models can install iPadOS 27 but won’t have access to Apple Intelligence features.
When will iPadOS 27 be available?
Apple is expected to release iPadOS 27 to the public this fall as a free software update. The first developer beta is already available, with additional developer and public beta releases expected ahead of the final launch.
