iPadOS 27 will leave more iPads behind than iPadOS 26 did, with Apple dropping support for several older models across its tablet lineup. The update raises minimum hardware requirements, effectively ending software updates for devices that were still receiving them just a year ago.

iPad Air users face the biggest impact. While iPadOS 26 supported 3rd generation and newer models, iPadOS 27 requires M2 or later chips, cutting out the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation iPad Air devices. The iPad Pro lineup also loses ground, with support dropping from 3rd generation 12.9-inch to 4th generation, and from 1st generation 11-inch to 2nd generation.

Standard iPad models see the 8th generation removed from compatibility, leaving only the 9th and 10th generation units plus the current A16 model. The iPad mini loses its 5th generation support, bumping the minimum to 6th generation while adding the A17 Pro-equipped mini 7. This represents a sharp contrast to iPadOS 26's single-model reduction.

Apple's more aggressive approach reflects the growing performance demands of modern iPadOS features. Users with affected devices will need to upgrade hardware to access future software capabilities, potentially accelerating replacement cycles for iPads that remained viable just months ago.