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Apple Discontinues Software Support for 16 Devices in 2026: What You Need to Know
Apple’s upcoming operating systems—iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27, and tvOS 27—are set to launch in September following their beta testing phase. This release cycle will coincide with a significant shift: in the fall of 2026, Apple will discontinue software support for 16 distinct devices. This move represents one of the most extensive “purges” in the company’s history, impacting a wide range of products including several generations of Apple Watches, iPads powered by older A-series chips, the last remaining Intel-based Macs, and earlier Apple TV models.
Key Takeaways: Apple’s 2026 Software Support Changes
This widespread cessation of support highlights Apple’s ongoing strategy to align its software capabilities with its latest hardware innovations, particularly those driven by its custom Apple Silicon chips and advanced AI functionalities. Users of the affected devices will continue to function on their current operating systems but will miss out on new features and, eventually, further security updates.
Apple Watch Sees Significant Changes
The most notable changes in device compatibility affect the Apple Watch lineup. watchOS 27 introduces a new hardware baseline, specifically requiring an S9 or S10 chip. This update automatically discontinues support for five models:
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- First-generation Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
While users of these devices will not receive new features in the fall, they can expect to continue receiving security updates for their current operating system version for some time. From a product strategy perspective, this represents Apple’s most substantial single “reset” of Apple Watch support in its history, as the company simultaneously removes three consecutive standard generations and one generation of the Ultra watch from its update cycle. This shift underscores Apple’s focus on integrating advanced capabilities that demand more powerful internal processors.
iPadOS 27 Discontinues Support for Older iPads
iPadOS 27 raises the minimum hardware requirements for tablets, now demanding at least an A14 Bionic chip or an Apple M1 chip. This change effectively ends software support for several popular models:
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
This decision reflects Apple’s strategic shift towards devices powered by the A14/M1 chips and newer processors. This consolidation streamlines support for features that require greater computational power, particularly those leveraging advanced artificial intelligence and on-device processing. Consequently, many widely used iPad configurations—often purchased as more affordable alternatives for education, work, or entertainment—will not receive the new features or interface changes introduced with iPadOS 27. However, similar to the Apple Watch, these devices are still expected to receive essential security updates for their current operating systems. For more on Apple’s device support cycles, you might find this relevant: Apple Cleans House: Post-Launch Device Discontinuation.
macOS 27 Golden Gate Marks the End of Intel Macs
macOS 27 Golden Gate officially closes the chapter on Intel-powered Macs. This new operating system will be exclusively available for computers equipped with Apple Silicon. Compatible models will include:
- MacBook Air and MacBook Pro (2020 and newer)
- iMac (2021 and newer)
- Mac mini (2020 and newer)
- Mac Studio (2022 and newer)
- Mac Pro with Apple Silicon
- The newest MacBook Neo
The following four Intel-based Mac models will not receive the Golden Gate update:
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, with four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- iMac (2020)
- Mac Pro (2019)
These Intel Macs will continue to receive security updates for the previous version of macOS. Apple had previously indicated that macOS Tahoe would be the final release with comprehensive Intel support, making Golden Gate the formal completion of the company’s migration to its proprietary ARM-based chips. This transition underscores Apple’s long-term vision for performance, power efficiency, and integrated software-hardware experiences.
tvOS 27 Leaves Behind Older Apple TV Models
The changes extend to Apple’s television segment as well. tvOS 27 will not be available for the Apple TV HD (2015) or the first-generation Apple TV 4K (2017). Consequently, only the Apple TV 4K 2nd and 3rd generations will receive new features and updates from tvOS 27.
iPhones Remain Largely Unaffected by iOS 27
In contrast to the more aggressive cuts in other product categories, Apple has placed its iPhone lineup in a relatively comfortable position. iOS 27 will support the same list of smartphones as iOS 26. This means that all iPhone 11 models and newer, along with the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone SE (3rd generation), will remain on the list of compatible devices and will receive the latest software updates. This continued broad support for iPhones showcases Apple’s commitment to extending the lifespan of its most popular product. For historical context on Apple’s device deprecation, you might want to review The End of iPhone 5: Apple Discontinues Support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Apple’s decision to discontinue support for older devices with new operating system updates is primarily driven by technological advancements. New features, especially those leveraging advanced artificial intelligence and on-device processing, require more powerful and efficient hardware. By focusing support on devices with newer chips (like the A14/M1 for iPads or S9/S10 for Apple Watch, and Apple Silicon for Macs), Apple ensures a consistent and high-performance user experience, while also simplifying future software development and optimization.
No, your unsupported device will not stop working. It will continue to function on its current operating system version. However, it will not receive new features or interface changes introduced with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27, or tvOS 27. Apple typically provides security updates for older operating systems for a period after a new major release, ensuring continued safety, but these updates will eventually cease.
If your device no longer supports the latest OS, you have a few options. You can continue using your device as is, understanding that you won’t get new features or eventually, further security updates. Alternatively, you might consider upgrading to a newer, compatible model to take advantage of the latest software innovations and ensure long-term security support. Apple often offers trade-in programs that can help reduce the cost of a new device.
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