iOS 27 release: When will iPhone 17, iPhone 16 and older iPhones get the latest update and Apple Intelligence features?

HIGHLIGHTS

iOS 27 is expected to arrive around September 14 for compatible iPhones.

iPhones from the iPhone 11 series onward are expected to get the update.

Apple Intelligence features will likely be limited to newer iPhones, starting with the iPhone 15 Pro.

Apple has already announced iOS 27 at the WWDC 2026. The new software update is said to bring a variety of refinements, including visual changes, Apple Intelligence features, AI Siri and better security. While the iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Ultra are said to debut with the iOS 27 out-of-the-box, the question is when exactly will iPhone 17, iPhone 16 and older iPhones receive the stable update, and which devices will get the new AI features?

When will iPhone 17, iPhone 16 and older devices get iOS 27?

Well, Apple has not officially confirmed the public release date for iOS 27. However, reports suggest that the stable version may begin rolling out on September 14, 2026, shortly after the company’s September launch event. If this is believed to be true, the update should be released simultaneously for all compatible iPhones. This means users with the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 series, along with older supported devices, may get the update on the same day.

The iOS 27 beta programme is currently in its final stages, with Apple already releasing multiple developer and public beta versions.

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Which iPhones will get iOS 27?

The update is expected to support iPhones going back to the iPhone 11 series. This includes the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 lineups, along with supported iPhone SE models. However, older devices will not necessarily get every new feature.

Which iPhones will get Apple Intelligence features?

Apple Intelligence will remain limited to newer iPhone hardware. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 series and newer models are expected to support Apple Intelligence features.

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Older iPhones, including the standard iPhone 15 and previous models, may receive the core iOS 27 update, including system improvements, security updates and interface changes, but will likely miss out on advanced AI capabilities.

Apple is also expected to introduce improvements to Siri and additional AI-powered tools with iOS 27. However, feature availability may vary depending on the iPhone model, region and language.

Ashish Singh

Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek.