Apple to End Software Support for 16 Older Devices With New OS Updates

Apple has announced a major shift in its software support strategy, confirming that 16 older devices across its ecosystem will no longer receive the latest operating system updates later this year. The decision was revealed during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026, where Apple introduced iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and tvOS 27.

While the update cycle brings exciting new features for users of newer Apple products, several aging devices will be left behind. The biggest impact will be seen in the Apple Watch lineup, which is experiencing one of the most significant compatibility reductions in recent years.

With the release of watchOS 27, Apple is ending support for five smartwatch models: Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and the second-generation Apple Watch SE. This marks a notable departure from Apple’s recent approach, which had maintained support for the same watch lineup across multiple software generations.

Prior to this announcement, watchOS 26 continued supporting all devices that were compatible with watchOS 11. That included Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, as well as Apple Watch Ultra variants and the second-generation Apple Watch SE. However, watchOS 27 introduces a broader compatibility reset, removing support for multiple generations simultaneously.

The iPad lineup is also undergoing substantial changes. Apple confirmed that iPadOS 27 will no longer support the iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation), iPad (8th generation), and iPad mini (5th generation). Users of these devices will not have access to the latest software features once the new operating system becomes available.

Mac users will see the end of an era as macOS 27 Golden Gate officially phases out support for several Intel-powered machines. Devices losing compatibility include the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019), MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020 with four Thunderbolt ports), iMac (2020), and Mac Pro (2019). The move further reinforces Apple’s transition toward its Apple Silicon platform, which now powers the company’s newest computers.

The Apple TV lineup is also affected. Apple has confirmed that the Apple TV HD introduced in 2015 and the first-generation Apple TV 4K launched in 2017 will not receive the upcoming tvOS 27 update.

Interestingly, iPhone users are largely unaffected by this year’s compatibility changes. Apple has retained the same device support list for iOS 27 as iOS 26, allowing current eligible iPhone models to continue receiving the latest software enhancements.

According to Apple, the decision to discontinue support for older hardware is driven primarily by technical limitations. The company’s latest software experiences are increasingly dependent on more powerful processors capable of handling advanced performance, security, and artificial intelligence features. New Apple Watches rely on faster chips such as the S9 and S10, while modern iPads and Macs are built around A14 Bionic processors and Apple’s M-series silicon.

Although these devices will no longer receive major operating system upgrades, they will continue to function normally. Users can still access existing features and applications, and Apple is expected to provide security updates for a period after the rollout of the new software versions.

Apple’s latest operating systems are expected to be released publicly in September following the completion of beta testing programs currently underway.