With its latest software updates, Apple is ending support for 16 devices, including iPads, Macs, Apple Watches and Apple TV models. The change comes with iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27, and tvOS 27. This does not mean these devices will stop working immediately. Users can still rely on them such as browsing, calls, apps, media, and basic work. But they won’t get the latest major OS features coming this fall. Some older devices may continue to get security updates for a bit longer, but support for apps and new features from Apple may gradually become more limited.
Which Apple Devices Are Losing Support?
Apple’s newest software updates will leave out 16 older devices across different product lines. The affected list includes the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra first generation, and Apple Watch SE second generation. iPad models losing support include iPad Air (third generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation), iPad (eighth generation), and iPad mini (fifth generation). On Mac, the affected models include Intel-based MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Pro devices. Apple TV HD and (first-generation) Apple TV 4K are also missing from tvOS 27 support.
Why Apple Is Dropping Older Devices
When new software demands more powerful chips, more memory, better graphics or advanced AI support, Apple tends to phase out older devices. New features such as Apple Intelligence, Siri AI, smarter system tools, and modern security improvements need faster hardware. Older devices may still be fine for basic use, but they won’t be able to deliver the kind of smooth experience that Apple wants to have with a major OS update. That is especially true for Apple Watch, where support for watchOS 27 starts with newer models like the Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE 3.
How It Affects Users
Users with affected devices can still keep using them, but they will miss the latest software features. Over time, you may find some apps no longer support older versions of the OS. This is especially true of banking apps, productivity apps and new creative tools. People with the Apple Watch may be left out of new Siri AI features, smarter health tools and future watchOS improvements. iPad users could be locked out of new multitasking, AI, and system features. Intel Mac users might feel the brunt, as macOS 27 is all about Apple silicon. Security is also key. If Apple stops regular security patches later, users should not do sensitive work on unsupported devices.
Final Verdict
Apple has announced that it would no longer provide software support for sixteen different products. These devices include various iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and Apple TV versions. The change is coming in iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27 and tvOS 27. The affected list also includes Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra (first generation) and Apple Watch SE (second generation). The iPad models to lose support are the iPad Air third generation, iPad Pro 12.9-inch third generation, iPad Pro 11-inch first generation, iPad eighth generation and iPad mini fifth generation. macOS 27 is all about Apple silicon, and Intel Mac owners might feel the pinch. Security is also a big problem. Users should not undertake critical work on unsupported devices if Apple ceases issuing regular security patches in the future.
Priyanshu Naithani writes about the fast-moving world of technology, including gadgets, apps, software, cybersecurity, digital trends, artificial intelligence, and innovation. His coverage is designed to make complex tech topics easier to understand and more useful for everyday readers.