Apple is set to announce iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 at WWDC next week, but older hardware models will face exclusion. Rumors confirm the iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11, and iPhone SE (2nd gen) may not support iOS 27. Similarly, iPad (8th gen), iPad Air 3, and iPad mini 5 could be left out of iPadOS 27. Notably, Apple has confirmed macOS 27 will drop support for Intel-based Macs, including the MacBook Pro (16-inch 2019), MacBook Pro (13-inch 2020 with four Thunderbolt 3 ports), iMac (2020), and Mac Pro (2019).

This shift isn’t new for Apple, which historically phases out older devices with each major OS update. The move reflects technological limitations—newer software demands more processing power, which legacy hardware can’t provide. The decision also underscores Apple’s focus on pushing users toward newer devices. While the company has supported older models for years, hardware degradation and feature requirements eventually necessitate cuts. The MacBook Pro (16-inch 2019)’s exclusion, for instance, highlights Apple’s transition to Apple Silicon, leaving Intel Macs obsolete.

Consumers using the listed devices face a choice: upgrade or risk being locked out of future features. For many, this could accelerate hardware purchases, boosting sales of newer iPhones, iPads, or Macs. Industry analysts note this pattern mirrors past updates, where Apple prioritizes ecosystem cohesion over backward compatibility. The fallout may also impact accessory markets, as older devices lose software support. Users of the affected models should plan upgrades before WWDC to avoid functionality gaps. The news reinforces Apple’s strategy of leveraging software updates as a catalyst for hardware turnover, a practice that has sustained its market dominance.