Apple devices set to lose major software support in 2026

08:16

By: Azzat Manal

Apple devices set to lose major software support in 2026

Apple is preparing another major software transition in 2026, with several older iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac and Apple TV models expected to stop receiving the company’s newest operating system versions. The end of major software support does not mean that these devices will immediately stop working, but it can gradually limit access to new features and increase security concerns.

Apple generally continues to provide security updates for some older products even after they stop receiving the latest version of their operating system. This means users may continue using an unsupported device for some time, although its long-term compatibility with newer applications and online services may become increasingly limited.

Among the devices affected by the 2026 transition are several Apple Watch models. The Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, first-generation Apple Watch Ultra and second-generation Apple Watch SE are expected to remain on older software rather than receive watchOS 27.

The iPad lineup will also see a number of older models excluded from iPadOS 27. These include the third-generation iPad Air, the first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro, the third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the eighth-generation iPad and the fifth-generation iPad mini.

The transition is particularly significant for Mac users. Several Intel-based computers are expected to lose access to macOS 27, including the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt ports, the 2020 iMac and the 2019 Mac Pro.

Apple’s move reflects its broader transition away from Intel processors toward its own Apple silicon. Newer operating systems increasingly rely on hardware capabilities available on the company’s newer chips, making older Intel-based machines less likely to remain compatible with future software.

Apple TV owners will also be affected. The Apple TV HD, launched in 2015, and the first-generation Apple TV 4K from 2017 are among the models expected to remain on older versions of tvOS.

The growing importance of Apple Intelligence is another factor behind Apple’s hardware requirements. Advanced artificial intelligence features require substantial processing capabilities, particularly for functions that operate directly on the device. As a result, compatibility with the latest operating systems increasingly depends not only on the age of a product but also on the capabilities of its processor.

For iPhone users, the situation is more favorable. Models compatible with iOS 26 are expected to remain eligible for iOS 27. However, operating system compatibility does not necessarily mean that every model will receive every new feature. Some advanced artificial intelligence capabilities require newer hardware.

The end of major software support should therefore be viewed as a gradual transition rather than an immediate end to a device’s usefulness. Older Apple products can continue to perform everyday tasks, but users should be increasingly cautious when using unsupported devices for sensitive activities such as banking, financial transactions or storing personal information.

For consumers considering whether to replace an older Apple device, the key issue is not simply whether the hardware still works. Security updates, application compatibility, battery condition and access to newer features are likely to become increasingly important factors in determining how long an older device remains practical.

Apple’s 2026 software cycle consequently illustrates a broader trend in the technology industry: as operating systems become more dependent on advanced processors and on-device artificial intelligence, hardware generations are playing an increasingly important role in determining how long products remain supported.