Apple devices software support ends this fall: 16 models left behind

Apple devices software support ends this fall – what’s changing?

Apple unveiled macOS 27 Golden Gate, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27 and watchOS 27 at WWDC, confirming that 16 legacy models will miss the upgrade. Owners of the affected gear can expect security patches for the prior OS for roughly a year, but new features will be locked behind newer silicon.

WatchOS 27 cuts the most ground

watchOS 27 requires an S9 or S10 processor, dropping Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, the first‑gen Ultra and second‑gen SE—all ↓ 5 models in one sweep, the steepest pruning in the watch’s history.

iPadOS 27 raises the bar

The update raises the minimum to the A14 Bionic or M1 chip, sidelining the iPad Air 3, iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 3rd gen, iPad Pro 11‑inch 1st gen, iPad 8th gen and iPad mini 5 – five devices still on iPadOS 26.

macOS Golden Gate ends Intel era

Apple’s final Intel‑based release drops the 2019 16‑inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 13‑inch MacBook Pro (four‑Thunderbolt 3), the 2020 iMac and the 2019 Mac Pro, sealing the transition to Apple silicon.

tvOS 27 trims the TV line‑up

Only the 2nd‑ and 3rd‑gen Apple TV 4K survive; the 2015 Apple TV HD and the 1st‑gen 4K model are left out.

“We continue to prioritize security for older devices while focusing innovation on the next generation,” an Apple spokesperson told Reuters.

For users seeking the latest OS capabilities, upgrading to newer hardware is now the only path forward when the September rollout arrives.