iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27 and macOS 27: Release Dates and Compatible 2026

Apple is set to release iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, and macOS 27 on Monday, September 14, 2026. After weeks of beta testing, the final versions will roll out to compatible iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac models. This guide covers the release dates and the full list of supported devices so you can check if your Apple product will receive the update.

When Will iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, and macOS 27 Be Released?

All four operating systems will be available on September 14, 2026. That's a Monday, and Apple typically releases major software updates around 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The simultaneous launch means users across devices can update on the same day.

This release follows Apple's usual pattern of announcing new software at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June and then shipping the final version in the fall. The betas have been available for developers and public testers since June, and the final build is now ready for everyone.

iOS 27 Compatibility: Which iPhone Models Are Supported?

iOS 27 will support all iPhone models that currently run iOS 26. That means if your iPhone is compatible with iOS 26, you'll be able to install iOS 27. This is good news for users with older devices, as Apple is maintaining the same compatibility list for another year.

While the exact list of iOS 26-compatible models includes the iPhone 11 series and later, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later, Apple has not yet published the official iOS 27 list. However, the company confirmed that no devices will be dropped from iOS 26 to iOS 27.

iPadOS 27 Compatibility: Which iPad Models Are Supported?

iPadOS 27 will also launch on September 14, 2026, but it will drop support for some older iPad models. Apple has not yet specified which models will be left out, but the company has confirmed that the list will be smaller than iPadOS 26's. We'll update this section as soon as Apple releases the official compatibility list.

Historically, Apple has phased out support for iPads with older chips, such as the A8X or A9, when introducing new features that require more processing power. Users with older iPads should check back for the final list before updating.

watchOS 27 Compatibility: Which Apple Watch Models Are Supported?

watchOS 27 will be available on September 14, 2026, but it will not support several older Apple Watch models. Apple has not yet announced the exact models that will be excluded, but based on previous years, it's likely that Series 4 and Series 5 may be dropped. We'll provide the official list once it's available.

To update to watchOS 27, you'll need an iPhone that runs iOS 27, as the Watch app is used to install the update. Make sure your iPhone is compatible before attempting to update your Apple Watch. The background to this story is set out in iOS 27 Beta Update: Supported iPhones and How to Prepare. A related thread runs through iOS 27 Update: Essential Tips Before You Upgrade Your iPhone. Earlier coverage in iOS 27 Launches Today, but EU Users Miss Out on Siri AI shows how the argument developed.

macOS 27 Compatibility: Which Mac Models Are Supported?

macOS 27, codenamed Golden Gate, will be available on September 14, 2026. This version marks a significant shift: it will only support Macs with Apple Silicon processors. That means Intel-based Macs will no longer receive macOS updates, ending an era of Intel Mac support that lasted for over 15 years. A closer look at the same subject appears in Apple: Why doesn't watchOS 27 support multiple models?. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Trending: latest articles. The same theme surfaces in iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Key Upgrades Compared, which takes a different angle.

Apple Silicon Macs include models with the M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips, as well as future variants. If you have a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro with an Apple Silicon chip, you'll be able to install macOS 27. Intel Macs will be stuck on macOS 26 and will no longer receive new features or security updates after that. Context on how this played out before sits in Apple Event Recap: Foldable iPhone and iPhone 18 Pro Revealed. A companion piece, 18th-Century Wine Cellar Discovered Beneath El Bierzo Priory Farm, approaches the same subject from another angle.

Key Takeaways for Apple Users

• Release date: All four operating systems launch on September 14, 2026.
• iOS 27: Supports all iPhone models that run iOS 26.
• iPadOS 27: Drops support for some older iPads; official list pending.
• watchOS 27: Drops support for several older Apple Watch models; official list pending.
• macOS 27: Only supports Apple Silicon Macs; Intel Macs are no longer supported.

Compatibility at a Glance

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