Apple plans to release iOS 27 in September, offering broad compatibility across iPhones from the iPhone 11, but reserving advanced AI features like Siri for the newest models, signalling a new focus on hardware-dependent AI enhancements.
Apple is preparing to release iOS 27 in September, with the update set to reach a wide range of iPhones rather than forcing a broad cut-off at the older end of the line-up. According to reports from MacRumors and TechRadar, the software will remain available to devices from the iPhone 11 onwards, including the second-generation iPhone SE and newer models, leaving compatibility broadly unchanged from the previous version.
The key divide will be in artificial intelligence. MacRumors reported that only a small group of handsets will be able to run the full Siri AI feature set: the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air. Those devices are expected to support Apple’s most advanced on-device model, which underpins features such as more accurate dictation and greater control over Siri’s voice. Other compatible iPhones will still receive the update, but without the latest AI additions.
That split is consistent with earlier reporting that Apple Intelligence features, including Siri AI, require newer hardware. TechRadar said Apple confirmed the AI functions would be limited to iPhone 15 Pro and later models, while iPads and MacBooks would need at least 12GB of memory for the most advanced on-device features. MacRumors also reported that Siri AI will not be available in the European Union at launch because of regulatory issues linked to the Digital Markets Act.
The broader software release is expected to arrive alongside Apple’s next iPhone launch cycle. PhoneArena said iOS 27 was announced at WWDC 2026 and is due in September 2026, with a rebuilt, context-aware Siri among the headline changes. It also reported a system-wide Liquid Glass transparency control, performance improvements and deeper Apple Intelligence integration across system apps. In practice, the update will extend the life of older devices, but the most significant AI functions will remain reserved for Apple’s newest and most powerful models.
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