Apple is set to end software support for 16 devices this fall, as revealed during the recent WWDC event. This move affects multiple product lines, with the most notable impact on the Apple Watch.
Overview of Device Support Changes
The announcement coincides with the introduction of macOS 27 Golden Gate, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, and watchOS 27. Notably, iOS 27 will maintain compatibility with the same devices as its predecessor, iOS 26, ensuring no iPhone models are removed from the list.
Apple Watch Support Cuts
watchOS 27 will see the most significant reductions in device support, dropping five models: the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation), and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation). This change requires devices to have either the S9 or S10 chip to run the latest software. This marks the largest single wave of device support cuts in the history of the Apple Watch.
iPad and macOS Changes
iPadOS 27 raises the minimum requirement to devices equipped with the A14 Bionic or M1 chip, resulting in the removal of five models: 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). This is a significant increase from the previous iPadOS 26, which only dropped one model.
On the macOS front, macOS Golden Gate officially ends support for the last remaining Intel-based Macs, including the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019), MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020), iMac (2020), and Mac Pro (2019). Apple previously indicated that macOS Tahoe would be the last version for Intel Macs.
tvOS Device Support
tvOS 27 will also see two models discontinued: the Apple TV HD (2015) and the Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017). Only the 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV 4K models will receive the upcoming update.
While users of the affected devices will not receive the latest features, Apple typically continues to provide security updates for the previous operating system version for at least a year after a new release. The new operating systems are expected to launch in September following a beta testing phase.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
