Apple revealed iOS 27 at WWDC 2026, delivering Siri upgrades and enhanced Apple Intelligence features alongside performance improvements. The update maintains broad compatibility, supporting all iPhones capable of running iOS 26. This means users with relatively recent devices can expect continued software support without hardware upgrades.

The full compatibility list spans from iPhone 17 down to iPhone SE (2nd generation). However, advanced Siri AI features requiring powerful on-device models will only work on iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPad with M4 chips, and Mac computers with M3 processors. This tiered approach allows Apple to push technical boundaries.

Apple's strategy reflects the growing complexity of balancing AI capabilities with device limitations. By providing incremental updates while reserving cutting-edge features for premium hardware, the company encourages upgrades without alienating existing users.