Can your iPhone run iOS 27? Here’s the full compatibility list

Which iPhones can run iOS 27?

iOS 27 is available from September 14, 2026. Below we list all the iPhones Apple has confirmed support iOS 27.

However, not every iOS 27 feature is available on every compatible iPhone. Some Siri and AI features require newer hardware, so older models that can install iOS 27 may still miss out on certain features.

Full Apple Intelligence/Siri AI support

• iPhone Duo (2026)
• iPhone 18 Pro & 18 Pro Max (2026)
• iPhone 17e (2026)
• iPhone 17 Pro & 17 Pro Max (2025)
• iPhone 17 (2025)
• iPhone Air (2025)
• iPhone 16e (2025)
• iPhone 16 Pro & 16 Pro Max (2024)
• iPhone 16 & 16 Plus (2024)
• iPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max (2023)

Reduced feature support

• iPhone 15 & 15 Plus (2023)
• iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max (2022)
• iPhone 14 & 14 Plus (2022)
• iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022)
• iPhone 13 Pro & 13 Pro Max (2021)
• iPhone 13 & 13 mini (2021)
• iPhone 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max (2020)
• iPhone 12 & 12 mini (2020)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020)

Every iOS version supported by each iPhone

To show you which versions of iOS your iPhone can run, we’ve broken down each iPhone generation in the chart below, so you can see which version it originally shipped with (as that will be the earliest it can run) and the latest iteration it currently supports – including whether that iPhone supports iOS 27. Take a look at our guide to Every version of iOS released so far for more information about the different versions of iOS.

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If your iPhone isn’t supported by iOS 27 or iOS 18 then you might want to consider upgrading to a newer device. Take a look at our best iPhone deals round-up where we share the most recent money-saving deals. Read our Best iPhone comparison and our iPhone buying guide for advice. Plus we advise on the best times to buy an iPhone.

Is your iPhone still supported by Apple?

Michael Simon/IDG

As of September 14, 2026, the current iPhone operating system is iOS 27. But even if your iPhone can’t run the latest version of iOS, it can still be safe to use as long as Apple continues to provide security updates for it. Apple regularly releases updates for older versions of iOS to patch vulnerabilities, including flaws that are being actively exploited.

For example, in March 2026 the “DarkSword” hacking toolkit was identified as targeting iPhones running older versions of iOS 18. The security vulnerabilities exploited by DarkSword had already been addressed in the iOS 18.7.6 update.

If you use an iPhone running a version of iOS that Apple no longer supports with security updates, you are at greater risk from attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in older software.

Some updates may also be required to maintain certificates used by essential services such as iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation. If your iPhone is running an unsupported version of iOS, you may eventually find that some of these features stop working.

The good news is that all of the iPhone models listed in the table above are currently receiving some level of support from Apple, although the type of support varies.

Apple continues to provide security updates for several older versions of iOS:

• Apple issued iOS 16.7.16 with security updates for the iPhone 8 and iPhone X in May 2026.
• Apple issued iOS 15.8.8 with security updates for the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, and first-generation iPhone SE in May 2026.
• Apple issued iOS 18.7.9 with security updates specifically for the iPhone XS and XR generation in May 2026.
• Apple issued iOS 18.7.10 with security updates for the iPhone XS and XR in August 2026..

Apple doesn’t need to maintain iOS 17 as a separate security-update branch because every iPhone capable of running iOS 17 can upgrade to a newer version of iOS.

This means that, for now at least, the following older iPhones are still receiving security updates:

• iPhone X
• iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
• iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPhone 6s and 6s Plus — the oldest supported iPhones

We don’t know how much longer Apple will continue to support iOS 15 and iOS 16 — and, by extension, the iPhones that depend on them. As we explain in How long Apple supports iPhones for, Apple gradually moves older products through its vintage and obsolete classifications, while software security support can continue on a different timetable.

Should I upgrade my iPhone?

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If your iPhone can’t run the newest version of iOS, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to upgrade. While you won’t get the latest features, Apple continues to issue software updates that address security vulnerabilities in older versions of iOS. During 2026, Apple supported iOS 18, iOS 16 and iOS 15 with security updates, extending support to iPhones ranging from 2015’s iPhone 6s to 2018’s iPhone XR and iPhone XS.

However, if you’re using an older iPhone, security is the key concern. Apple is still providing security patches for devices running iOS 15 and iOS 16, but this support is unlikely to continue indefinitely. Now that iOS 27 has arrived, these older versions are increasingly likely to reach the end of security support.

By contrast, iOS 18 support is expected to continue for some time, extending the usable life of the iPhone XS and XR.

Once your device can no longer run a supported version of iOS, it’s time to seriously consider upgrading. We explain how long Apple supports the iPhone for in a separate article, and you can see full iOS compatibility in the table above.patibility in the table above.

As a general rule, any iPhone that can’t run iOS 27 is approaching the end of its practical lifespan, even if Apple is still providing security updates for it.
Even among iPhones that do support iOS 27, there are good reasons to consider upgrading. In particular, many older models don’t support Apple Intelligence and other newer features that depend on more recent hardware.

If you own one of the following iPhones, upgrading to a recent model such as the iPhone 18 could bring significantly improved performance, cameras, battery life and access to newer features:

• iPhone 15 & 15 Plus (2023)
• iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max (2022)
• iPhone 14 & 14 Plus (2022)
• iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022)
• iPhone 13 Pro & 13 Pro Max (2021)
• iPhone 13 & 13 mini (2021)
• iPhone 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max (2020)
• iPhone 12 & 12 mini (2020)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020)
• iPhone 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max (2019)
• iPhone 11 (2019)

How to see which version of iOS you’re running

If you’re not sure which version of iOS you’re currently running, it’s very easy to find out.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap About and look for the iOS Version number.

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How to upgrade iOS

Now that you know the latest version of iOS that your iPhone supports, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re running on that platform.

Updating iOS on an iPhone is simple, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap Software Update and wait for your iPhone to check for updates.
4. When the latest update appears tap Update Now.
5. Enter your passcode if required.
6. Wait while the update is applied (your iPhone may shut down and restart)

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See how to update iOS on your iPhone for more advice.