Apple is preparing to launch its new operating systems for devices in September 2026, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, visionOS 27, and tvOS 27. However, the arrival of these updates also means that support for some older devices will end as they won't be able to transition to the new versions. Apple announced its new operating systems last June, which are currently available in beta versions, and they will be launched simultaneously with the company's new generation of products, including iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Old iPhone models will continue to receive support this year

The good news for iPhone users is that all devices currently running iOS 26 will be able to upgrade to iOS 27. This includes phones as far back as the iPhone 11, which was released in 2019. However, some older models won't receive all of the benefits of iOS 27, particularly AI-dependent features.

The situation is different for iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV devices, as a number of models will reach the end of support for major operating system versions with the 2026 updates.

iPad models that will no longer receive support

The list of iPad models that won't transition to iPadOS 27 includes: iPad Air (3rd generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation), 8th generation iPad, and 5th generation iPad mini. Therefore, owners of these devices will still be able to use them, but they won't receive the new major version of the operating system.

Apple Watch series that will stop updating

A number of Apple watches also reach the end of support for watchOS 27, including the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE. This means these watches won’t get the new OS release when it is launched.

Mac devices that will stop receiving support

On a computer level, the list of devices that will not receive macOS 27 includes: MacBook Pro (16-inch) – 2019 model, MacBook Pro (13-inch) – 2020 model with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, iMac (2020), and Mac Pro (2019). This means that some Mac devices that are still relatively new in terms of design and capabilities will stop receiving major updates when macOS 27 is launched.

Apple TV also loses the new update

Some Apple TVs also reach the end of support for the system, including Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K.

Will these devices stop working?

No. The end of support for a new OS release does not mean that the device will immediately stop working, as Apple usually continues to provide security updates for older operating system versions for some time. The company outlines the security updates it provides for its various devices and systems, which allows older devices to remain relatively secure even after they have left the main update cycle.

Apple Continues to Support Older Systems for Years

According to the report, security updates are not limited to the latest versions of operating systems only. For example, Apple was still issuing security updates for systems as old as iOS 15, which was used by devices such as iPhone 6s and iPhone 7. In January 2026, iOS 12 received a new update despite being launched years ago, aiming to maintain the usability of very old devices, such as the iPhone 5s, for services like iMessage and FaceTime after January 2027.

However, the duration of security updates is not fixed, and they may stop earlier in some cases if all devices supporting the current version are able to switch to the new version.

When Does a Device Become Insecure?

The real problem begins when security updates themselves cease. Even if the device continues to function normally, the absence of security patches makes it more vulnerable to vulnerabilities and attacks over time. At this point, replacing the device becomes the safest option, especially if it is used for accessing personal accounts, banking services, or storing sensitive data.

If you want to continue using an old device, such as an iPad that no longer receives security updates, it's best to reduce its use with sensitive services and preferably keep it offline when not in use.

Should you change your Apple device now?

Not necessarily as soon as the major updates end. If your device is on the list that will stop receiving iPadOS 17, watchOS 17 or macOS 17, it doesn’t mean it becomes useless the next day. The most important thing is to keep following security updates for the device. As long as Apple continues to provide them, you can continue using the device relatively normally.

But when security updates finally stop, it's best to plan a transition to a newer device, especially if the device is relied upon for work or handling personal and sensitive information.

The full list of devices that reach end-of-major support

With Apple’s new systems launching in 2026, the devices that will reach the end of major version support 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. It also includes Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE.

Mac devices include the 2019 MacBook Pro 16-inch, the 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, the 2020 iMac, the 2019 Mac Pro, as well as Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K.